MS-1039 Expected in Early March

the whole point is that I really wanted a 1039 myself.
i really did, and when i heard the late march early april release date, i was sold!
as for losati's comment, it's a little far from the truth.
for 1. a well spec'd out dell with core duo is way cheaper than this msi, and secondly, he does make the point that newer technoogy is coming out, and there will always be better stuff coming out, but that's where his argument is flawed. it's not a matter of better technology coming out, it's a matter of better technology BEING out (asuming their delays continue to push it back)
then it's a whole different story

 

There are no decently priced (~$1500) 15.4" laptops at all, including Dells, that have the x1600, unfortunately. That's what I'm really aiming for. While the 1039 is being delayed, if it comes out in late April/early May it will still be ahead of the others to come, I think.

 

i agree with you, if you need an x1600, you don't have many options for that price, i just decided an x1400 would do, but if you MUST have an x1600, then you're out of options. the MBP is $1850, Asus' are probably close to 2k ish, the Acer is over 2k. but to pay that much premuim just the the gfx card is a lot.
even at $1500, that's about $350 more than i paid for my dell, and i had it fully spec'd out (to get the MSI with a 120gb, high res. screen, 2 batteries, let alone a core duo being faster than a turion) you're going to getting up around $1800

 

I'm planning to buy just the barebones (WSXGA) and all the other parts separately, including a 120gb HD and the fastest Turion, for $1500 total (without OS). An x1400 won't do for me, as I'm going to play the most graphically-advanced games out there. Actually, I have an x700 right now and that's already faster than the x1400.

 

the system is $875 + $70 for the screen
120gb - $160
ram $80
Wireless $40
Turion $300

total $1533

that's my estimate. I guess the price really is good for a laptop with this gfx card,
unfortunately, it's just got a 6 cell, which isn't enough for me, and the turion isn't that energy efficient, I would estimate less than 2 hours (my opinion is if you can't watch a full DVD the battery life isn't enough.
might be ok for some though

 

Yeah that is true

X1400 is a way under a X700

you cannot compare both together

 

You paid $1500 for the dell? Assuming I put all the stuff you have in the 1039 (from rawpowerpc), it comes out to $1750 (give or take, i'm using the fact that the 1039 is listed there at 50 bucks more than the 1029. And also I'm using the 2.0GHz MT-37 as a comparison here, which may or may not [probably not] be a fair one).

I also want to note that I cannot currently configure the E1505 for $1500 with the equipment you listed. So it sounds like you got a deal. I'm lookin' at $1950, and $1879 if you request WXGA screen, thus making it 'equivalent' for comparison w/the 1039.

 

What parts are included in the barebone MSI-1039? I build desktops, but have yet to attempt a laptop or play with a laptop barebone system.

 

barebones systems pretty much just have the motherboard and the gpu/heatsink. you add the ram, cpu, harddrive, wifi card.

 

I didn't pay $1500 (hope i didn't imply that, i was just saying that's what the 1039 would be if you bought the parts seperately -- as in, not from the reseller)
i paid $1164 for my dell (in the sig. with 2 batteries)
i got it through dell education, got the $750 coupon, another $50 coupon, and free shipping. (without coupons, it was around $2100 ish, but, we all agree, a dell without coupons is a rip off )
you can't beat that, but again, it "doesn't compare to an x1600"

 

If you were sold on the MSI, why did you buy an HP with the X200 in early March? It doesn't sound like you were waiting for the MSI for very long. Then you returned the HP for refund and got a Dell? Where was all this waiting for the MSI?

 

i didn't know of the 1039 until after i returned the HP. (which i bought late FEB.)
so that doesn't count. I then debated over the 1039, or cheaper, and available Dell, with core duo.
that's it.

 

I cant find any good pictures of the 1039... .... The best i could find are the ones in the MSI PDF Manual, and those suck. Anyone got any?

 

I doubt there very many because 1039 isn’t out yet.
I will post them if I find any.

 

cant wait for the X2's though...
btw- 1039 = can change the CPU to other than stock?

 

The thing doesn't come with a CPU, HDD, RAM, Wi-Fi, or an OS, unless you buy it from a system builder like Xmeld or RawPowerPC. They basically build it so you don't have too. Since it's meant to be built by a consumer or system builder, all of the parts should be accessible by opening the bottom cover. Go to MSI's site and check out the installation guide for more info.

 

Do MSI resellers usually get notebook samples before they get the actual notebooks in volume? It seems as though this would be the case. I know that at least one Asus reseller has a Z96j sample (Duo with X1600). The Z96j is supposed to be available in US in early May.

 

Alright! I have been looking to get a new laptop and after reading much of this thread I am pretty excited about getting one of these boxes. Seriously considering building my own but have a few questions/concerns regarding doing it. I am fairly mechanically inclined and have interchanged most components on my ancient desktop, so are there any precautions/tricks to know about installing processors/ram/wireless cards/etc in a laptop that would be different from installation on a desktop besides the obvious "parts are smaller."

Here are the components I am looking at:
Alvio MS-1039 Barebones w/ WSXGA upgrade $902
NewEgg Turion 64 Mobile MT40 Lancaster Socket 754 $272
NewEgg Hitachi Travelstar 60GB 7200RPM E7K100 $115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822145097
This is the HD most commonly found on supplier websites as a standard component, but NewEgg only lists ATA-6 and SATA150 versions will these work or do I need to look elsewhere for a compatible HD?
NewEgg MSI MP54GBT2 Mini PCI Wireless-G+Bluetooth $30
eDirectSoftware Windows XP Pro w/SP2 $115

Now some questions regarding the RAM choice. I have read that the AMD on-chip memory controller cannot run DDR400 memory at lower latency, for example 2.5CL DDR400 actually runs at 3CL? Is this true? If so would the computer get better performance out of DDR333 @ 2CL (which might also be cheaper). Next, does the RAM speed get reduced when both slots are filled? If so is there anyway to address this issue or is the performance difference not noticeable? With all of that said here are my potential ram candidates:
Crucial 1GB DDR400 3CL $138.00
http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.Asp?IMODULE=CT12864X40B
NewEgg 1GB Patriot Extreme Performance DDR333 2CL $113
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220124
NewEgg 1GB OCZ DDR400 2.5CL $111
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227109
(This last one is the one where reviewers were indicating that it ran at 3CL on AMD at DDR400 speed, timings 3-4-4-14 instaed of the spec sheet timings of 2.5-4-4-8)
So which of these is the most bang for my buck? Or are there better options (a bit more cost is not a huge deal)?

All this comes out to less than $1600 even with the more expensive Crucial RAM.

If anyone is interested I have a price summary for identically spec'd out MS-1039's from 6 of 7 listed suppliers (Alvio, Avadirect, LeadComp, MGEPC, RKComp, and Xmeld, RawPower is listed but doesn't have pricing for options or barebones yet) using the upgrades on their respective sites.

Zack

 

I calculated one with the same specs and it came to $1450 or somewhere around there... But I didn't count OS.

 

This post is not dead

just in a wainting stand

 

from MSI website

http://www.msicomputer.com/NB/product_buy.asp#1039

new reseller for 1039:


www.mgepconline.com:

http://www.mgepconline.com/product_configurator.asp?name=NBK-MSI-MS1039

www.leadcomp.com

http://www.leadcomp.com/category.asp?keywords=MS-1039

for Both , price is above 1000$

sais ETa is around april 25th

 

Off topic, but, just because this is totally annoying me....

I'm trying to find a driver for my stupid wifi card for my msi notebook and their whole driver section is either busted or nonexistent. The only one I can find on the web is a RAR and I can't download THAT stupid program cause I'm on a gov computer and it's blocked.

You'd think companies that sell computers would make sure their web sites work. Geez.

Oh, and I think Rawpowerpc can take off the little blurb on THEIR site that says "1039 expected in late Feb or early March" but now I'm just getting nitpicky.

 

give me the link Ill put it in zip file then send you back

!

 

Thanks, just need the drivers for the ms6685 wireless card. Can't find them anywhere, except in that annoying compression format.



here is the link to the dead drivers page on msi site. I don't know maybe I am just blocked for some reason. The link is right off another page.
http://www.msi.com.tw/program/support/driver/dvr/spt_dvr_list.php?part=1

 

doh, might help to give you the link!

it's just rarlab.com you can get the executable in a bunch of places but that's their home site. Thanks very much!!!

 

mgepconline.com = avadirect.com

 

geeeez

the MSI link you gave me give me access to a tonnes of driver but nothing for your ms 6685

I have checked everywhere !

did you try to downlaod this bunch of driver for your 1036 :

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/notebook/MS-1036_64bit.zip


LEt me know

 

good to know !

 

Howdy all,

First time poster, but a long time reader. My old laptop just died a few hours ago and I need a replacement fast. I can't really complain, it waaaay overlived its lifecycle and it didn't die while I was on the road.

Does anyone know if waiting for the 1039 is a matter of "any day now" or more like "maybe next month"? I understand these types of issues are beyond anyones direct control. I just need someone to tell me to be patient before I go down to circuit city or best buy or someplace and do something stupid. (i.e. buy a HP)

Reading through this whole post makes me start to think that a dell (intel) maybe wouldn't be that bad.

jak

 

I should say, my plan was to wait until this summer and get a Turion X2 and Vista (hopefully) but I see both of those have been delayed as well. I don't think I can wait more than a few (1-2) weeks reguardless. The Army keeps me on the road a lot.

 

Vista delayed yes, but iirc I just read that AMD x2 due out mid may.

 

Weird, well I can't download zips here either. Big brother is watching my every move. I'll just have one of my buddies that can get on the wireless here download it for me. It's weird that page opened for you though. I just kept getting url not found. Must be blocked or something. Who knows. Thanks for your help though.

 

Nobody really knows when the 1039 will be here (although I would love to be proven wrong by CoffeeShark or unleaded). From my research, any reseller who tells you otherwise is mistaken. From what I have gathered however, the likely arrival is somewhere in between your two estimates, i.e. neither any day now nor maybe next month but somewhere in the middle.

 

I know when it will be available. WHEN IT GETS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Pharoke - can you give me a link or source for that? I thought X2 was delayed beyond the 9 May date we all heard. I don't have a source, but I thought X2 wasn't going to be by May at all, maybe June or July.

Caveat is: Know of any systems due out soon with X2?, pricing, specs?

I would guess that manufacturers would have test systems in hand if we were less than 30 days from release, and we'd be starting to see some benchmarks leaking out.

Don't get me wrong, I really want one too - I may have to go for a MSI-1013 now and try to talk to wife into letting me buy a new toy later.

 

No, the correct answer is not soon enough.

 

Might as well hang tight for x2 at this point (mid May).

 

that's why it's taking so long....they are going to surprise us with the turion x2 inside!

 

! I wish! Then it would satisfy all my notebook needs.. (?)

 

After watching and waiting for this notebook its gotten to the point where this notebook is too far behind in technology to be relevant. Core Duo price cuts are upon us and new Asus 15.4" built on will be available soon. Had this notebook come a little earlier I would have snapped it up. But a single core processor at about 7lbs just is not attractive any more.

I'm sure people will feel differently and I know MSI makergreat notebooks and can't control all production issues but still its a bit late for a new turion notebook.

 

Can you find another 64 Bit with X1600 ?....

.... MSI-1039 still attractive enough for a lot of people

Ps.: No way you can compare a core duo vs 64 Bit

 

No need to roll your eyes. The core duo in my opinion is the superior choice due to the additional processing power. 64 bit it unnecessary at this point and I think people wanting future compatability will be be buying something new 3-4 yrs down the road when it becomes necessary.

Of course many people don't need the multitasking capabilities of the core duo but who wouldn't want the additional power?

 

It's a tough delay - I think you'll still have 2-3 months of sales on the 1039 before the X2's hit (maybe longer for a decent x2 gamer), and the core duo gamers will also be coming out sooner.

The people here on the forums are years ahead of most consumers, though. Most 'regular' people don't really care about the processor, only what the system can do. If it can play the latest games, the dual core isn't necessarily the dealbreaker that it may be for you.

And they can't just stop making Turion notebooks and wait around for X2, either. I'd love to see a core duo gamer from MSI, but it looks like it will be a little while, so the 1039, when it arrives, will be the high-end gamer for probably 2-3 months or until the 1034-series gets an x1600.

 

I was very much in the MS-1039 camp and I'm starting to waver as well. The fact that the 64bit Merom looks to be a drop in replacement for the Duo is another bonus. Also the Z96J will be significantly lighter than the 1039 (reportedly 5.5 lbs. w/battery). I still can not understand how the 1039 can weigh nearly 7lbs (and some report heavier) with those kind of dimensions. I guess time will tell, I definately will not buy either until both are out and there are reviews on both.

 

I'm surprised that MSI has not been more aggressive to get a core duo with a decent gpu to market but Coffee you are right in that 90% of the population isn't up to date on the new processors.

 

I think FlipTwisteR brings up a good point about Merom running on the same MoBo as the Duo. I guess at most you'd have to flash you bios. This does give Intel an advantage.

I'm afraid that we're seeing the last of the socket 754 chips now. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there's any planned single core socket 754 Turions planned beyond ML-42/MT-40. You won't be able to drop in a new MT-50 next year, as you'll already have the fastest chip the socket will support.

 

Yes you are correct,
the AMD 754 socket processors are going away...

the fastest AMD 754 socket processor is the Turion 64-ML44 it runs @ 2.4 Ghz with a 1 MB L2 Cache...

but the ms-1039 wont take the ML processors.

the MS-1039 takes the MT processors the fastest one I know of is like you said the MT-40 which runs @ 2.2 Ghz

 

http://techreport.com/reviews/2006q2/core-duo/index.x?pg=3

 

I wasnt talking about speed , In my mind I would say

 

I am hoping to use th MS-1039 with SoftImage for machine design work, and basic web/emai/office stuff. The only gaming I will be doing is Civilization 3 & 4.
Several websites have linked the x1600 to the FirGL v5200. Are they really the same?

So is this a good option likely for this kind of use?
MS-1039: WSXGA+, Turion 1.8Ghz, 1gig Ram, 80Gig 7200 rpm HDD

I have heard that most CAD is more OpenGL oriented rather than DirectX.

What do you think? Am I drooling on the wrong machine?

Thanks for the facts and opinions.