MSI CR41 Multimedia Laptop Review

Multimedia laptops haven't been as en vouge as they once were, mostly because Ultrabooks have been here, there and everywhere, but MSI has a new one, the CR41, which ships with Intel's latest Core i CPU range, USB 3.0, HDMI 1.4, Bluetooth 4.0 and a battery that's good for up to 7.5 hours. The 14-inch multimedia mobile companion, packs a 1,366 x 768 HD display, dedicated HM76 graphics chipset, choice of Intel's third-generation Core i processors and comes in a variety of storage configurations: 500 GB, 640GB or 720GB. Weighing in at 5.3 pounds (2.4kg) and measuring 13.8 x 9.2 x 1.3 inches (349.7 x 234.8 x 32mm), the laptop also features a six-cell 4,400mAh battery and the un-priced notebook has one other feature that could allow it to reel in customers: a nice-looking, royal bronze metal finish on the lid. A discrete graphics card does not appear to be part of the list, but there is no real need for it with the CPU having an integrated solution and for those not up to speed on the technology, Turbo Battery lets owners shut down Bluetooth, wireless devices and other things not in use through the press of a single button.

MSI recently unveiled its multimedia CR41 notebook computer, packing powerful features like Intel's new generation Core i processor, SRS PC Sound, USB3.0, HDMI 1.4, Bluetooth 4.0 and a battery that lasts up to 7.5 hours. It is also ready for the Windows 8 upgrade when it comes out. The 14-inch CR41 tips the scales at just 2kg and the perfect mobile companion when you're enjoying some summer rays, making it Your multimedia companion! Taipei-MSI unveiled its new generation CR41 laptop, with a royal bronze tone finish revealing a metallic luster for a youthfully chic exterior. The color film print technology gives it character and natural refinement that make it stand out from the crowd. The CR41 is the perfect mobile companion when you're enjoying some summer rays. Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, points out that not only is the eye-catching CR41 NB ideal for outdoor use, it features a cutting-edge processing platform that employs the most advanced nano production technology, enhancing great processing performance over the previous generation. It is also ready for the Windows 8 upgrade when it comes out. For details, please visit MSI's website. Furthermore, to handle HD multimedia with increasingly higher resolution, the CR41 packs powerful features like SRS PC Sound, USB3.0, HDMI 1.4, Bluetooth 4.0 and ECO technologies give it up to 7.5 hours of battery time per charge, perfect for individuals that don't always have electrical outlets nearby. Actual battery time will vary with differences in computer use and settings. Refined flat metal brush finish: MSI's design team incorporated a royal bronze tone finish revealing a metallic luster used into the exterior of the MSI CR41. In addition, the touchpad's crystal diamond finish and the layered texture of the recessed speakers accentuate the overall look and produce sophistication reminiscent of sports car, make the CR41 stand out from the pack. The forward-tapering silhouette of the CR41 notebook computer is also evocative of sports car. The layering of materials that compose the sides cause the bright layers to blend into the delicate etching of the flat black strata, exuding an artsy yet unpretentious feel. The hotkeys on the CR41 are ingenisously integrated into the metal mesh strip above the keyboard, so while they are still easily accessible, they don't take away from the overall design integrity of this chic machine. The MSI CR41 comes equipped with Intel's latest generation Core i™ processor which supports Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology to analyze processor workload and automatically allocate processor resources to throttle up core clocks to enhance computing performance.


This cutting-edge processing platform employs the most advanced nano production technology, currently the most advanced on the planet, enhancing great processing performance over the previous generation, while saving power and optimizing cooling capabilities. The CR41 features the Intel HM76 for display performance so impressive that whether you are watching an HD video, viewing a HTML5 website with rich, interactive media content, the CR41 delivers. Above the keyboard on the CR41, MSI placed special hotkeys that allow you to perform such tasks as ejecting DVDs, shut off the screen, and turn on S-Bar and Turbo Battery with just one touch. When you're going to be away from your computer temporarily, you can quickly cut off power to the screen with a hotkey to further extend battery life. The CR41 laptop not only offers the most powerful hardware available, both its hardware and software were designed with the user in mind. MSI's S-Bar toolbar, located at the top of the screen, consists of shortcuts for major OS programs and hardware as well as MSI's own applications. It allows you to control all system functions, auxiliary programs and applications as well as an array of programs, such as software to save power and boost performance as well as MSI's multimedia software, the webcam, the projector, the wireless, Bluetooth, volume control, screen brightness, and standby mode. Operating multimedia was never easier. Turbo Battery technology lets you control power on an array of hardware, including Bluetooth and wireless devices as well as your webcam, with a single click of the mouse. Now, you can extend battery time by shutting off devices not in use. power saving technology, so with one touch; you can initiate the Turbo Battery to significantly extend battery time. Tests have shown that these laptops can operate for as long as 7.5 hours on battery. MSI's exclusive technology recharges them 1.5 times faster than traditional laptops. About 80 minutes is all you recharge to 80%. Actual battery time will vary with differences in computer use and settings. MSI's CR41 laptops come with new generation SRS PC Sound for natural wrap around, high fidelity sound whether you use the built-in speakers, external ones, or headsets. This machine is designed to satisfy your craving for crisp, clear sound. The CR41 come with USB3.0 which boasts transfer speeds of 4.8Gbps-10 times faster than USB2.0, so a 25Gb HD film transfers in just 70 seconds. It also provides 80% more power for vastly faster charging speeds for external hard drives, flash drives, and other handheld electronic devices. The CR41 come with new generation Bluetooth 4.0 which boasts data transfer speeds of 24Mbps for increased connection speeds and a wider area of connectivity over the previous generation.