Trying to decide on 150HM vs. GT780

The prices as I've configured the 150HM and the MSI GT780 are near enough as can be deemed identical. Here are my deciding points:

1) Quality of 95% 15" screen versus 90% gamut 17" screen? I have seen plenty of pictures, but I've not seen any sort of videos or comparisons between the two. The 17" of course means more real estate, but I'm more concerned about comparative quality.

2) 570M vs. 6990M. I know the 6990 will be faster, no question. It seems the 570M competes with the 6970M (although we've yet to see benches), so I'm estimating 10-15% on average. Is that a fair assessment? Overclocking on 6990 doesn't seem like much given high temps already (will probably repaste myself).

3) GPU upgrades. Since the 8150 chassis is new, I'm expecting it may stick around for the ivy bridge revision, which gives me some hope that 6xx and 7xxx cards may be drop in replacements with a new heatsink. I realize that MSI is upgradeable too, but heatsink availability seems less common for non Clevo models.

4) Size and weight. While I would like the extra screen real estate, the 780 is considerably heavier and thicker, which I would describe as a downside.

5) Hard drives. I would like the second hard drive option on the 780 so that I could add a boot SSD at sometime. I'd prefer to hold on to the ODD in the 150 so it's not a wash between the two.

6) Aesthetics/ergonomics. The light up keyboard of the 780 is nice, but I don't require to look at the keys to know what I'm typing, so it's not essential for me. I'd be more concerned about key flex, key feel, etc.

I'm mostly concerned about the first two points.

 

1) The difference between 95% and 90% may not be noticeable. However, resolution will make a difference. Screens at 15" and 17" and 1080p are the same amount of screen real estate. 17" just offers larger pixels

2) It's hard to say at this point, but the 570m looks like it will close the gap on the 485m. The 6990 is roughly 10% faster than the 485m, so you may be within 10-20% performance wise.

3) This depends on how the manufacturers go. Intel has already said that Ivy Bridge is going to be a different socket which will be incompatible with the HM65 chipset used in the P150HM. GPU compatibility will also depend on the continuation of the MXM 3.0 slot. If that slot is upgraded, again, you lose the ability to swap in cards beyond what is currently available.

4) The P150HM is 6.4lbs plus the power brick, which is about another 1.2lbs. Obviously the 15.6" is a decent bit smaller in overall area than say, the 17" P170HM.

5) If you'd like two hard drives in the P150HM, you can always go the route of replacing the ODD, but also keeping the optical drive in an external enclosure. I find that I use my optical drive only sparingly and this has worked out nicely on the machines I run.

 

I'm actually more concerned about things like viewing angle, backlight uniformity, response time, brightness, contrast etc. as opposed to 90 vs 95%, which I don't expect to see a difference on. Actually I saw in another thread that you've linked to other reviews on these screens. Link please?

Kind of what I figured, so only high point of nVidia 570m is physx and slightly better drivers (a point of hot debate, I know).

Yeah, I understand the chipset is changing, but I don't expect the chassis to, was my point. If chassis is same, higher likelihood heatsink is same etc. I know there has been talk of upgrades to the MXM 3.0 slot, but I'll admit I don't expect it this coming generation.

I'd definitely entertain the idea if I don't use the ODD often because I'm using Steam. Not sure what my buying habits will be though. What does the ODD slot look like on the exterior when a caddy is installed?

 

On most caddies, you can pop off the faceplate on your optical drive and swap it with the faceplate of the caddy. That way it still looks as if you have an optical drive, nothing out of the ordinary.

 

It's kind of strange to compare 15" one brand to 17" on another.

MSI makes good laptops... I don't know much but this was my thoughts on them

1) the speakers are the best on any laptop, very noticible difference if this matters to you
2) good cooling
3) relatively easy to get inside and service parts
2) significantly higher bulk/weight
3) goofy looks, personal opinion

 

Was this the link you were referring to?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sag...-between-different-screen-options-photos.html

That is a possibility. Clevo may keep the chassis and just add the newer motherboards to it as they do with revisions to GPU's/CPU's, but that's to be seen.

 

I know the speakers on the MSI are awesome, but I think my Audio Technica ATH 700's are better

The only reason I'm comparing the two is because they are both in the price range I want to spend. More screen is always better, but I'm obviously concerned about the added bulk even though I don't plan to move around a lot. I agree that the 780 is somewhat tacky, but the 150 isn't a stunner either.

 

This is on a personal note, so don't assume this is true of all MSI laptops, but here we go...

My buddy bought a lower-end MSI laptop about two years ago. He takes tremendous care of everything he owns, but the laptop just suddenly went lights out on him, so he asked me to help him reformat with his recovery CD. While it was reformatting, the laptop just suddenly powered down even though it was connected to a power outlet. It took me a total of three tries to get the whole reformatting process complete on his laptop (what a headache ). After I handed the laptop back to him, he reported that the fans started making grinding noises. :O

As a result of this, I don't perceive MSI as a high-quality manufacturer any longer. I used to be enticed by their gamer line (which could have a higher workmanship than a budget laptop), but after dealing with my buddy's well-kept but broken MSI, I have decided to stay away.

 

I've read similar reviews of msi machines. Apparently theyre not well built according to accounts, but i can't speak on personal experience. I do have an uncle who uses their motherboards and has good experience...so not same but a different view.

I actually compared the same msi computer with the MALIBAL Satori p170hm and over the weekend had great help from nbr users and the MALIBAL crew. I ended up with the P150hm due to their advice. I am happy and will be happier when my laptop ships September 12.

I see you're getting yours on the 7th. Congratulations!

 

I would recommend the 15", just because you can't really know where you're going in the future. Having t pack your bags and go on vacation means the 15-incher is going to be far lighter and easier to carry

 

Not just that; have you tried using a 17" laptop on an airplane