MSI CX61 review

The CX61 has VGA and HDMI ports, a multi-format card reader and three USB ports, two of which are the faster USB3 type. There’s also a Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth support and separate headphone and microphone jacks. We didn’t feel any need to plug in separate speakers, though, as the laptop’s two integrated speakers were some of the best we’ve heard on a laptop.

The only disappointing part of the CX61 is its battery life. We only saw 3 hours and 44 minutes in our light use tests with the screen set to half brightness, which is one of the shortest battery lives we’ve seen recently. Still, given that the CX61’s bulky dimensions make it less than ideal for taking on the go, you’re better off keeping it plugged into the mains as a desktop replacement.

Battery life aside, the MSI CX61 is an excellent laptop. Gaming laptops with this kind of specification are usually significantly more expensive, so it’s great to see one for just £570. It doesn’t have the looks or portability of the Acer Timeline U M5-581TG but it offers near-desktop level performance and a competent gaming experience for a fantastic price. It wins a Best Buy award.