Computer maker MSI is rolling out something for the gamers with its new MSI GX680 notebook, packing most of the punch and storage capacity of a high-end desktop system into a portable form factor—although we’d wager carrying one of these 7.7-pound monsters all day might be a little tiring. The GX680 packs a second-generation Intel Core i7 2630QM processor and Nvidia GeForce GT 550M discrete graphics with 1 GB of video RAM, driving a choice of to 15.6-inch displays.
“The GX680 notebook computer boasts superior performance and the best wrap around sound available,” said MSI’s associate VP for global sales Eric Kuo, in a statement. “What’s more, new generation GX680 features cinema-grade THX TruStudio Pro smart wrap around sound, so regardless of the kind of music you play, it’s faithfully reproduced.”
The GX680 is seriously expandable: it has four DDR3 memory slots for adding up to 16 GB of RAM and a dual hard drive configuration for up to 1.5 TB of storage in a RAID 0 configuration. Users will have a choice of two 15.6-inch displays: a HD 1366 by 768 LED backlit model, or a Full HD 1,920 by 1,080-pixel model. The GX680 sports HDMI and VGA video output, along with a Blu-ray player/DVD Super Multi burner, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA port, a 5-in-1 digital media card reader, 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR wireless networking gigabit Ethernet, and a 1.2 megapixel webcam. Gamers will be able to show off a bit with the GX680 as well: if has an LED light show built into the chassis that users can activate with a dedicated hotkey: lights embedded in the front of the notebook and keyboard pulse with the notebook’s audio. Think of it as a dedicated visual social filter.
The GX680 ships with a 9-cell lithium-ion battery, and users can select between five power modes to get the perfect blend of power savings and performance for any given situation. The notebook also comes with MSI’s i-Charger technology that pushes more current through USB ports so users can charge cameras, phones, and media players up to three times faster via USB.
MSI hasn’t released any pricing or availability details, but expect to see the GX680 available through MSI’s normal retail channels soon.
