MSI FX600 review

Lasting just over four hours in our battery test, the FX600 is about average for a 15in laptop. It managed this thanks to Nvidia Optimus technology, which can switch from the power-hungry GT 325M to the onboard Intel HD graphics chip when running on battery power.

Connectivity is average, with only two dedicated USB ports, although the e-SATA port doubles as a third. A card reader supports SD, XD, MMC and memory stick and wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi.

The FX600’s attractive black chassis is solidly built and, at 2.5kg, reasonably portable. The Chiclet-style keyboard is responsive: the keys are almost full size and there’s even room for a number pad, but individual keys felt very loose and were noisy when typing. The touchpad is excellent, though. The dimpled surface meant very little resistance for our fingers. Mouse clicks were always responsive, despite the touchpad being one long see-saw rather than two separate buttons.

Blu-ray on the move is definitely the highlight of the FX600, which more than holds its own in everyday tasks and is even up for some gaming. Even though Nvidia has just announced the new, faster 400M series of mobile raphics cards, the GT 325M is still a great budget performer. Naturally, if you won’t use the Blu-ray player or the power of the graphics card, you’re better off saving around £100 and opting for a laptop without these features, but the FX600 is great value if you will.