Scan 3XS Graphite LG155 review
A great value gaming laptop that matches the MSI GE60 for performance, but its block-like chassis won't suit everyone
Specifications
15.6 in 1,920×1,080 display, 2.7kg, 2.4GHz Intel Core i7-4700MQ, 8.00GB RAM, 1,000GB disk, Windows 8
The LG155’s 15.6in screen looked fantastic. Its matt finish meant colours didn’t look quite as bright and vivid as laptops with glossy displays, but blacks were incredibly deep and uniformly lit across the screen. Whites were very slightly grey, but our reds, greens and blues in our solid colour test had plenty of depth and vibrancy. Sadly, its contrast levels didn’t live up to the same standard, as the level of detail in our high contrast test images was quite mixed. Darker areas suffered the most, as these were often simply black instead of showing any fine detail, but we were able to improve the picture quality by tilting the screen forward.
The LG155’s battery life was also quite average for a gaming laptop. It managed 4 hours and 23 minutes in our light use test with the screen set to half brightness, which is just a few minutes more than the GE60. This shouldn’t be too much of a consideration, though, as this laptop is very much designed to be a desktop replacement rather than an ultra-portable commuting tool.
The 3XS Graphite LG155 does have its flaws compared to MSI’s GE60, but most of them are cosmetic complaints rather than technical criticisms. It’s easily the best value gaming laptop we’ve seen for under £1,000, but its bland design may not be to everyone’s tastes. The MSI GE60 still remains our Ultimate award winner, but if you’d rather have a cheaper laptop that’s almost as good, buy the 3XS Graphite LG155.
Basic Specifications | |
---|---|
Rating | ***** |
Processor | Intel Core i7-4700MQ |
Processor clock speed | 2.4GHz |
Memory | 8.00GB |
Memory slots | 2 |
Memory slots free | 0 |
Maximum memory | 16GB |
Size | 42x374x250mm |
Weight | 2.7kg |
Sound | VIA HD Audio |
Pointing device | touchpad |
Display | |
Viewable size | 15.6 in |
Native resolution | 1,920×1,080 |
Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce GTX 765M |
Graphics/video ports | VGA, HDMI |
Graphics Memory | 2,048MB |
Storage | |
Total storage capacity | 1,000GB |
Optical drive type | DVD+/-RW +/-DL |
Ports and Expansion | |
USB ports | 4 |
Bluetooth | yes |
Wired network ports | 1x 10/100/1000 |
Wireless networking support | 802.11b/g/n |
PC Card slots | N/A |
Supported memory cards | SD, MMC, Memory Stick |
Other ports | headphone, microphone |
Miscellaneous | |
Carrying case | No |
Operating system | Windows 8 |
Operating system restore option | restore partition |
Software included | Kaspersky Internet Security 2013, Intel Anti-Theft Service |
Optional extras | N/A |
Buying Information | |
Warranty | two years collect and return |
Price | £925 |
Details | www.scan.co.uk |
Supplier | http://www.scan.co.uk |