Live Update Online offers the newest files automatic download service for MSI's products, via the easy-to-use updating approach, you can increase your systems' performance easily. Live Update Online now supports the following product lines and items:
It is mentioned to have a 3 years warranty on the product page at OfficeDespot but warranty card in the box says limited warranty 1 year. You need to register your product at MSI Notebook Limited Warranty Information to get the 3 year limited warranty.
Pros: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Better screen resolution. Modem (useful if you need to fax from your computer. Brand name.
Cons: The HP is a BF item, so less chances of scoring one. It has a whopping 17.7" screen which is way too big for my taste. Only 1 yr warranty compared to 3 year warranty on MSI. Costlier by $20 but offset by a Modem.
powerwill said: It has 3 years warranty. How about the MSI customer service? Anyone has any comments on it? Thanks.
Based on reports by some people on various forums they have a good customer service. Looks like they are very keen on making a presence in the Laptop business.
cheapweez
New Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 10:29a
I am interested in buying one of these computers from Office Depot, but I hate their return policy. If I understand it correctly, once the box is opened, if you want to return it for any reason (even if the computer does not work), they will only exchange it for another one. They will not refund your money or even give you store credit...just an exchange. I called my local store to ask about this; I pointed out to the manager that by the time someone returns the black Friday laptop, that model will be sold out - so how can you give an exchange? He told me, in that case, that they will try to find something similar for the exchange.
That does not sound like a reasonable return policy - because the decision on what is similar is totally at their discretion. Am I the only one worried about taking the risk that the BF laptop I buy might not work...and then I'm stuck?
cheapweez said: I am interested in buying one of these computers from Office Depot, but I hate their return policy. If I understand it correctly, once the box is opened, if you want to return it for any reason (even if the computer does not work), they will only exchange it for another one. They will not refund your money or even give you store credit...just an exchange. I called my local store to ask about this; I pointed out to the manager that by the time someone returns the black Friday laptop, that model will be sold out - so how can you give an exchange? He told me, in that case, that they will try to find something similar for the exchange.
That does not sound like a reasonable return policy - because the decision on what is similar is totally at their discretion. Am I the only one worried about taking the risk that the BF laptop I buy might not work...and then I'm stuck?
I think most of what you wrote here is correct except that they will give you store credit if they can't exchange with the exact same item. Also, if you are worried about a lemon laptop then buy it using an AMEX card. They will refund you the money if OD refuses to take back the defective laptop.
cheapweez
New Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 10:52a
Great reply ShakuniMama. I did not know about the AMEX card thing. That really covers my problem!!
Now I just have to decide which one of these to buy (or do I go for the HP laptop at WalMart for $398!)??
cheapweez said: Great reply ShakuniMama. I did not know about the AMEX card thing. That really covers my problem!!
Now I just have to decide which one of these to buy (or do I go for the HP laptop at WalMart for $398!)??
Thanks for the quick reply!
Buy this one but don't open it since you can return it within 14 days for a full refund (if unopened). Buy the HP at WalMart and if you managed to get both of these then you can decide as you have time. So get them both and then decide.
From the WalMart ad scan, I think that one is a Celeron.
BlitzK
Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 11:42a
ShakuniMama said: cheapweez said: Great reply ShakuniMama. I did not know about the AMEX card thing. That really covers my problem!!
Now I just have to decide which one of these to buy (or do I go for the HP laptop at WalMart for $398!)??
Thanks for the quick reply!
Buy this one but don't open it since you can return it within 14 days for a full refund (if unopened). Buy the HP at WalMart and if you managed to get both of these then you can decide as you have time. So get them both and then decide.
even better:
Holiday Return Policy
For the Holiday Season only, all technology and consumer electronic products and accessories, media and software products, and furniture, excluding special order items, purchased between 11/22/09 and 12/24/09 may be returned through 01/9/10. Returns of office supplies are extended to the later of 01/9/10 or 30 days from purchase.
----
Does OD "price match"? IE: if I buy it today and then go to the store Monday will I get the difference? I'll be busy all day Sunday.
This laptop is a mixed bag. My negs are the funky keyboard layout (lots of mis-typing)and the lousy trackpad. It's NOT a Synaptics. The good is it's fast and light for its size. I reformatted with Win7U-64 and all the needed drivers are on the included CD. It come with Win7HP-32. With 4GB RAM the big question is WTF were they thinking. I guess no Bing bonus if it can't be bought online.
raskash
Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 11:54a
This seems like a good deal, I would jump on this if it had a SPDIF.
Joe221 said: This laptop is a mixed bag. My negs are the funky keyboard layout (lots of mis-typing)and the lousy trackpad. It's NOT a Synaptics. The good is it's fast and light for its size. I reformatted with Win7U-64 and all the needed drivers are on the included CD. It come with Win7HP-32. With 4GB RAM the big question is WTF were they thinking. I guess no Bing bonus if it can't be bought online. I like this Laptop. It is the lightest Laptop in it's class. I installed 64 bit Windows 7 without any problems. Luckily mine did not have any problems with the touchpad or DVD drive or noise from the fan and now all the drivers are available on their own website.
Live Update Online offers the newest files automatic download service for MSI's products, via the easy-to-use updating approach, you can increase your systems' performance easily. Live Update Online now supports the following product lines and items:
Too bad the GPU (a GeForce 8200M) is so crappy -- it doesn't even outperform the Intel 4500M (much less the 4500MHD).
BlitzK
Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 12:52p
STL said: Too bad the GPU (a GeForce 8200M) is so crappy -- it doesn't even outperform the Intel 4500M (much less the 4500MHD).
+1... and they sell it as good because it has the "geforce" name
notblake
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 12:55p
NM.
stupid question covered extensively in previous thread on this laptop. my defence: i was using my iphone and it's tough to catch everything scrolling around that tiny screen....
notblake
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 12:59p
STL said: Too bad the GPU (a GeForce 8200M) is so crappy -- it doesn't even outperform the Intel 4500M (much less the 4500MHD).
thx for the input. In the time it took to post my Q from my phone, my question seems to be answered already.
cheapweez said: I am interested in buying one of these computers from Office Depot, but I hate their return policy. If I understand it correctly, once the box is opened, if you want to return it for any reason (even if the computer does not work), they will only exchange it for another one. They will not refund your money or even give you store credit...just an exchange. I called my local store to ask about this; I pointed out to the manager that by the time someone returns the black Friday laptop, that model will be sold out - so how can you give an exchange? He told me, in that case, that they will try to find something similar for the exchange.
That does not sound like a reasonable return policy - because the decision on what is similar is totally at their discretion. Am I the only one worried about taking the risk that the BF laptop I buy might not work...and then I'm stuck?
I bought laptop that was defected. They refuse to give me a refund. I called my credit card company (AMEX); they are handling the issue with Office Depot. I will not take a replacement because the MSI's built quality is sub par.
tipstir
Geeky member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 2:22p
Now we're talking this has everything 10/100/1000 wired ports, 802.11(G/N) wireless, webcam, multi-reader 4GB max out of RAM.. $430 not a bad price!
cheapweez said: I am interested in buying one of these computers from Office Depot, but I hate their return policy. If I understand it correctly, once the box is opened, if you want to return it for any reason (even if the computer does not work), they will only exchange it for another one. They will not refund your money or even give you store credit...just an exchange.
I don't like their return policy either. That was part of my hesitation in getting the A5000. When I went to exchange it for another (dead pixels), they asked if I wanted store credit. I told them no, and that I still wanted the same laptop so they went and got me another. YMMV I'm sure as it will depend on the manager.
My MasterCard only covers up to $250 on purchases that a retailer won't accept a return on though. Time to get me an AMEX I suppose!
STL said: Too bad the GPU (a GeForce 8200M) is so crappy -- it doesn't even outperform the Intel 4500M (much less the 4500MHD).
it beats the intel in games.
what else do you need it to do?
xcoldricex
Shopaholic Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 2:47p
great, i get to get a price adjustment!
pchoi79
New Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 4:14p
FYI, I purchased this lappy when it was at $450 and I had an HP prior to that, and I must say that the MSI seems to be made better. For one thing, it does not get that hot (mildly warm). The HP on the other hand was scolding hot. My HP was in good use for 1 yr and then I got the black screen of death and had to scrap it. The only think i don't really like too much with the MSI is that the keyboard is arranged funny and the mouse pad kinda sucks. Overall, I would never by an HP again.
I don't play games on laptops, but I do want my laptop to be able to handle playing/streaming HD (on the HDMI) while possibly doing other tasks. The GPU in this model does not rate well -- at least not according to www.notebookcheck.net.
Roy2001 said: link626 said: STL said: Too bad the GPU (a GeForce 8200M) is so crappy -- it doesn't even outperform the Intel 4500M (much less the 4500MHD).
it beats the intel in games.
what else do you need it to do?
Oh yeah, with VGA lowest quality, this one is 20fps, Intel one is 12fps. Do you play games on laptop?
nope. i don't game on laptop. i have a desktop for that.
but saying that intel beats this based on synthetic numbers is like being in an e-penis contest.
people are so fixated on benchmark numbers. and even if you went by synthetic numbers, the intel 4500 is equally "crappy".
just download a 720p or 1080p mkv video file and see if it plays. that should be the only benchmark, since this laptop isn't good for anything else.
link626 said: Roy2001 said: link626 said: STL said: Too bad the GPU (a GeForce 8200M) is so crappy -- it doesn't even outperform the Intel 4500M (much less the 4500MHD).
it beats the intel in games.
what else do you need it to do?
Oh yeah, with VGA lowest quality, this one is 20fps, Intel one is 12fps. Do you play games on laptop?
nope. i don't game on laptop. i have a desktop for that.
but saying that intel beats this based on synthetic numbers is like being in an e-penis contest.
people are so fixated on benchmark numbers. and even if you went by synthetic numbers, the intel 4500 is equally "crappy".
just download a 720p or 1080p mkv video file and see if it plays. that should be the only benchmark, since this laptop isn't good for anything else. For HD decoding, 2.2Ghz CPU is good enough for almost all of those downloadable 1080p MKV files. Plus, 4500MHD provides better HD decode capability than 8200G.
I am not recommending one over other. I just mean there is no point to talk about game playing at all. Yeah, you can play more games at higher fps compare to Intel chipset, but I guess for 99.9%, if not 100% of people, they won't play game on laptop as 20fps with lost quality VGA is a joke.
So pickup an laptop, but not based on game capability.
Roy2001 said: For HD decoding, 2.2Ghz CPU is good enough for almost all of those downloadable 1080p MKV files. Plus, 4500MHD provides better HD decode capability than 8200G.Where/how did you determine that the 4500MHD is better/faster at decoding HD than the 8200G? I am not questioning - just trying to learn more. I asked because I was in OD tonight and they had some of these in stock so I went ahead and bought one; I'll go back Sunday and get the price adjusted -- if I decide to keep it.
billboard71
New Member
posted: Nov. 21, 2009 @ 3:03a
Which is the better deal and why. This or the Sony with Blue Ray at BB?
tipstir
Geeky member
posted: Nov. 21, 2009 @ 4:14a
cheapweez said: I am interested in buying one of these computers from Office Depot, but I hate their return policy. If I understand it correctly, once the box is opened, if you want to return it for any reason (even if the computer does not work), they will only exchange it for another one. They will not refund your money or even give you store credit...just an exchange. I called my local store to ask about this; I pointed out to the manager that by the time someone returns the black Friday laptop, that model will be sold out - so how can you give an exchange? He told me, in that case, that they will try to find something similar for the exchange.
That does not sound like a reasonable return policy - because the decision on what is similar is totally at their discretion. Am I the only one worried about taking the risk that the BF laptop I buy might not work...and then I'm stuck?
I use to work at Office Depot Corp, there are ways to get around the return policy, but they will return open items just clean it up and pack it back up nice with everything in there. Just tell them you had contact MSI tech support and there is an issue with the laptop that can't be fix and it has to be returned since you just got it. That's what do for computer items. Make sure you talk to the store manager even call him prior to returning it. They're goal is not to have so many returns on hand. Make sure before you buy the laptop you are able to try it out in the store prior to the sale if you can.
Still this is a good deal, I going to try to see if I can get one for this price?
STL said: Too bad the GPU (a GeForce 8200M) is so crappy -- it doesn't even outperform the Intel 4500M (much less the 4500MHD).
To you and the other GPU whiners: nobody is offering anything significantly better at this price. You want better, pay >$800. You can build an outboard adapter for about $100 that will run on an external monitor and allow you to play whatever game you want. If you want great internal graphics, though, you are going to have to pay a LOT more than $430.
STL said: Roy2001 said: For HD decoding, 2.2Ghz CPU is good enough for almost all of those downloadable 1080p MKV files. Plus, 4500MHD provides better HD decode capability than 8200G.Where/how did you determine that the 4500MHD is better/faster at decoding HD than the 8200G? I am not questioning - just trying to learn more. I asked because I was in OD tonight and they had some of these in stock so I went ahead and bought one; I'll go back Sunday and get the price adjusted -- if I decide to keep it.
Both the 4500mhd and the 8200 have hardware support for dvd and blu-ray. If your player software supports hardware decode and has the correct codec for providing hardware accelerated support, both laptops will snooze through a blu-ray decode.
If you're doing the decode in software, a dual core 2.2ghz cpu is more than adequate for 1080p and either gpu will be doing next to nothing. Thats going to run hotter, take more power and probably make the cpu fan in the notebook go like hell though, while the gpu based decode will likely take a lot less power, make less heat, and not whiz the fans as much.
I think the 4500MHD has better HD image quality over hdmi than the 8200G, but many people might not care and if you're plugging it into a 37" or smaller display, nobody might notice the difference. Intel really nailed the image quality with the 4500MHD. A lot of the home theater folks are having a hard time justifying anything more expensive or sophisticated to do HD video, unless you're also going to game with it.
So the bottom line is there is nothing really better or faster between the two GPU's, other than the 8200g being somewhat faster on 3d synthetic benchmarks. You're simply not going to play any highly GPU dependent games on either one, and the typical non video heavy, non high frame rate 3d graphics oriented games will run fine on either.
If you're a gamer, no laptop with an integrated gpu is going to cut the mustard, so its like complaining that a minivan sucks for drag racing. Thats right, and so what...
Nehcffej
New Member
posted: Nov. 21, 2009 @ 5:31p
Which one would be better if I'm trying to run Autocad 2010 and some simple 3D modeling programs?
Skipping 66 Messages...
coolashu001
Member
posted: Dec. 8, 2009 @ 6:31p
How does the 3 year warranty work? After you mail in the original receipt and the printout to MSI, does MSI send out a 3-year warranty card or something to denote the 3 year warranty period?
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