71
MSi GT740
$2,000.00
Released November, 2009
The Pros:Powerful components - Core i7 processor, DDR3 memory, GeForce GTS 250M graphics card. HDMI output. Integrated 2.0MP webcam and microphone.
The Cons:Desktop replacement - poor for mobile use due to size, weight and battery life. No Blu-ray drive. Crappy battery life - an expected result due to having such a powerful CPU and graphics card.
The GT740 is a 17" notebook PC from MSi's Gaming 'GT' Series and is an upgrade to the GT735. The notebook is designed with a brushed aluminum chassis with metallic threads and accents of red flames.
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It features a widescreen LCD display with Amazing Crystal Vision technology and a native resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels. The laptop includes MSi's Turbo Drive Engine technology and comes equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and an up to 500GB hard drive. The GT740 utilizes an nVIDIA GeForce GTS 250M 3D graphics card with 1GB of DDR3 video memory, making it perfect for gaming. It includes Dolby Surround Sound with a 5.1-channel speaker system that includes a subwoofer for accompanying high-definition sound. The notebook also offers built-in bluetooth and a variety of connectivity options including eSATA, HDMI, Firewire, PCI Expresscard, and 3 USB ports. The GT740 has an integrated 2.0 webcam, microphone, DVD SuperMulti/Blu-Ray drive, and utilizes ECO Engine Power Management for greater efficiency.
Features/Specs
- 17" Widescreen ACV (Amazing Crystal Vision) Display
- Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
- Turbo Drive Engine Technology
- 4 GB DDR3 Memory
- 500GB SATA HDD
- nVIDIA Geforce GTS 250M 3D Graphic Card, 1GB DDR3 VRAM
- Built-in 2.0-Megapixel Webcam & Microphone
- Dolby Surround Sound with 4 Speakers and 1 Subwoofer
- DVD SuperMulti Drive/Blu-Ray ROM
- 802.11b / g / n Wireless Lan with Bluetooth
- Inputs/Outputs: 1 x D-Sub, 3 x USB, 1 x Line-In, 1 x Headphone, 1 x LAN, 1 x HDMI, 4-in-1 Card Reader, 1 x PCI Expresscard Slot, 1 x eSATA
- ECO Engine Power Management System
- Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
- Aluminum and Metallic Threads in Body Design
User Reviews (2)
Pros & Cons
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2
powerful components - Core i7 processor, DDR3 memory, GeForce GTS 250M graphics card
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2
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2
integrated 2.0MP webcam and microphone
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2
high end Nvidia GeForce GTS 250M graphics card with DDR5 memory - matches the previous generation 9800M, current generation ATI Mobility Radeon 4830 - can play the latest games on full detail and resolution
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2
a good desktop replacement
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2
void of bloatware found pre-installed on most systems from other manufacturers
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1
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1
fairly light for a 17" laptop at just under 7 pounds
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1
Stylish, unique appearance.
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1
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1
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1
desktop replacement - poor for mobile use due to size, weight and battery life
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1
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1
crappy battery life - an expected result due to having such a powerful CPU and graphics card
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1
Heat vent discharges on right side. Can get warm for right handed mousers.
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0
mediocre display - lower than average non-1080p resolution of 1680 x 1050px, poor colours and brightness level
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0
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0
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Comments (1)
Michael R Ireland:
#msi_gt740 I own the predecessor to this laptop (the GT735) which only differs in a small number of ways. This GT740 model has an obvious upgrade to a much more powerful processor (and therefore probably decreased battery life), and a much more robust graphics card. It should be noted that I much prefer the keyboard on this machine over the one on my desktop. The main keys are standard sized, but they are shallower, so I find it is actually easier to type very fast on this machine than it is on a standard desktop keyboard.
I would also like to address battery life. This is a gaming laptop, and therefore when it is not in any kind of battery-saving mode, it will eat through the power in a very short time. But MSI packaged it with a some simple processor scaling options (accessible via touch-sensitive media buttons) which will dramatically increase battery life. In fact, in ECO mode, I get at least 4 times the battery life out of mine, and I think one could safely assume that it would be similar in the GT740 model. The battery life still isn't stellar, but it is far from the worst I have seen. I would say battery life is at least acceptable.
The other reviewer indicates that he finds the graphics display to be dim and displays poor colors. Perhaps something has changed when MSI built the 740, but with the 735 the colors are bright, the whites are bright, and the blacks are very clean and dark. Viewing angle is great. This is not to say the other reviewer is wrong, simply that maybe he missed something and had the settings turned down or something.
Finally, I do have one beef with my machine, and it would be the same with the 740: The exhaust vent is on the right hand side of this machine, and that means that when gaming there will be hot air blowing directly toward the user's mousing hand. I find this can be mildly irritating sometimes, and makes me wonder why they didn't move the vent elsewhere.
I hope these comments will help future buyers choose between this and other laptops.
Mar 8, 10
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