I just got myself a new laptop a few days ago and was busy transferring my data from my old system to this new one. It was time to retire the old one as I have been using it for 3 years. The new laptop is the MSI S262 Mega Book in black. I picked this laptop because of its size (12.1″ comparing to 15.1″ of my previous one) and at the same time it is only $700 as I got it from my supplier. I want to be able to blog anywhere so 12″ size is perfect for me. The retail price should be around $899 CAD with Windows Vista Premium pre-installed. The following is the specification:
Intel Pentium Dual Core T2080 1.73Ghz processor- 1GB DDR2 memory
- 120GB 5400rpm SATA hard drive
- Intel 945GM + ICH7-M chipset
- 12.1″ WXGA super glare TFT display
- Dual layer capable DVD burner
- Gigabit LAN and modem
- 4-in-1 card reader
- 802.11G wireless
- Bluetooth
- 3 x USB ports, 1 x VGA, 1 x Express Card slot
- Li-Ion 8 cells battery
- MSI 12″ carrying case included
What’s Working
I bought this MSI S262 Mega Book without the operating system as I was going to install Ubuntu Linux on it. I am very surprise with its compatibility with Ubuntu 7.10. A lot of the built-in functions are working in Ubuntu without the need of entering commands, including the graphic card, wireless G, and gigabit LAN. More importantly, it is able to suspend and hibernate in Ubuntu and can wake up successfully. Desktop 3D effects worked like a charm without the need to install extra drivers. The hot buttons (email, web browser, wireless, except for the search button) worked out of the box.
What’s Not Working
Unfortunately, the card reader doesn’t seem to be detected and I didn’t have an Express Card to test. I will need to do some research to see if there are ways to get them working. Also, the speakers are not up to par as I can here the buzz noise when turning the volume over 80%. (But sound is not that important to me as I have it muted most of the time.)
The general performance of this laptop is better than I expected. The 3D desktop effects are very smooth even though it is only Intel’s on-board graphic. I have also setup Virtualbox to run Windows XP as a guest machine. Everything in the guest OS is running faster than my old Pentium M 1.6Ghz laptop. The responsiveness is much better.
I will keep you updated after I have experienced more on my new laptop. Hopefully I can get the card reader working too.
No comments yet.