Two new Classics from MSI with Core i3/i5

Friday, 29 January 2010 23:56 Mathias Wedelholm

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MSI logo MSI is really rolling out the new models these days, especially for the Classic series. The new ones today are called CX420 and CR420, and are - like the rest of the Classic series - made for consumers who just want the basic PC experience. They are both relatively mobile at 14 inches and about 2.2kg, and actually have decent specs that include a Core i3/i5 processor.

The two models are practically identical, except for the graphics that is: in CR420, all that is handled by an "Intel HD" IGP while CX420 also has a dedicated GPU in the form of an af ATi Radeon HD5470 graphics card(1GB, DirectX 11 compatible). The latter is an entry- or lower middleclass card, and will probably have a hard time playing the most demanding games at anything but low details...having said that, it is way better than anything Intel can deliver.

The two basically have the same (sparse) array of features as other Classic notebooks, such as MSI's chiclet keyboard (extra space between keys), a scratch-resistant exterior, 1.3MP webcam and MSI's ECO Engine (basically a number of power profiles that automatically adjust brightness, processor performance etc.). In addition to that, CX420 also has GPU Boost, meaning you can switch between dedicated and integrated graphics with the push of a button.

CR420 and CX420 have the following specifications:

- 14" LED-backlit display, 1366 x 768 pixels
- Intel Core i3/i5 processor (a number of choices)
- Integrated graphics (+ 1GB ATi Radeon HD 5470 in CX420)
- Up to 4GB of DDR3 800/1066MHz RAM
- 250/320/500GB HDD
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- 6-celled battery (MSI does not specify a battery life)
- 802.11 b/g/draft-N WiFi, Ethernet LAN, Bluetooth v2.1
- HDMI, D-sub, 3x USB 2.0, audio jacks, 4-in-1 card reader
- 1.3MP webcam, 2x speakers
- Weight: 2.2kg

It is actually a minor upgrade compared to earlier models - the "old" Classic notebooks are traditionally based on a Core 2 Duo processor with DDR2 667/800MHz RAM, so these two should have a bit more power. Otherwise there are no surprises.

No word on pricing or availability as of yet.

Source: MSI

MSI CX420 and CR420