MSI GX600 review

While many laptops could be described as stylish, the GX600 takes a brasher approach. This machine is determined not only to deliver performance, but to make sure everyone knows about it.

Once you've finished admiring, or alternatively mocking, the embossed logo and flame job, the eye-popping visuals continue inside. Flames shoot from the trackpad (not real ones, we hasten to add) and the speakers feature bright red grilles. Eye-catching, but perhaps for the wrong reasons.

Fortunately, the GX600 has the power to go with its butch looks. An Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor sprints along at 2GHz, and with 2GB of memory to keep Vista Home Premium running smoothly, the MSI earned 149% in our general (2D) benchmark - impressive for a portable. Of course, the target market for MSI's go-faster stripes is the gaming community, and 3D performance didn't disappoint: our Call of Duty 2 test was dispatched nonchalantly with a result of 94%. That's not quite enough to guarantee next year's top titles will run without a hitch, but for a laptop costing less than four figures it's very credible.

There's also a Turbo button which overclocks the processor to 2.4GHz. This sets the cooling fans roaring (presumably the reason why it isn't permanently enabled), but it's a novel way to deliver a bit more power when you really need it.

The MSI falls down a bit when you look more closely at the build quality. While the base is reassuringly stiff, the lid feels a touch flimsy; we found even quite gentle pressure from behind created ripples on the display. Still, twin catches hold the lid firmly closed, and MSI includes a padded rucksack to keep your GX600 well protected.

The downside to the performance is short battery life. The GX600 lasted just under two-and-a-half hours in our light use test.

Despite its speed and a high-resolution (1440x 900 pixel) widescreen display, the MSI's high price leaves it pointlessly burning rubber while rivals quietly pull away.