I recently had the opportunity to test the MSI 1223 notebook which features the latest Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology. For someone like me who is not “down” with IT talk, what this means to me is being able to be mobile with great wireless connectivity and longer battery life.
The first thing I noticed when I unpacked the notebook was how little it was compared to my notebook. The MSI 1223 is just 30cm in length, 23cm in width, and 3cm in height, and only weighs about 1.8kg, including the battery, making it very portable.
Some specs for those who can make out what they mean 
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Operation system support: Support Windows Vista®/XP
Processor: Support Intel® Penryn 45nm socket P mobile processor
Chipset: Intel® GM45 + ICH9-M
Graphics & Video Module: Intel® embedded GMA X4500
Main Memory: DDR2 667/800 SO-DIMM x 2 slots,
MAX: 4GB (2GB DDR2 SO-DIMM x 2)
Display: 12″ WXGA (1280 x 800)
PC Cards Slot: None
Card Reader: SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro 4-in-1 Card Reader
Hard Disk Drive: Supports SATA HDD
Optical Drive: Built-in Super-Multi Drive (supports DVD RAM)
LAN/Modem: Built-in Realtek Gigabit LAN + 56K Modem
Wireless LAN: Supports PCI-Express mini card
Bluetooth: Built-in MS-6837D Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Robson Support: Optional (PCI-E Mini)
Built-in CMOS Camera: 2.0 Mega Pixels
TPM: None
Security Feature: Built-in Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
PCI-E Mini Slot: Full size x 2
I/O Ports: Express Card : 1, Monitor ( VGA ) : 15 pin D-Sub x 1, HDMI : 1, USB 2.0 : 3, IEEE 1394 : None, MIC-in : 1, Headphone out : 1, RJ11 : 1, RJ45 : 1, TV-Out : None
Audio: Realtek ALC888/662
Short-Cut Keys: BlueTooth / WLAN Power on / Camera Power on
Battery Pack & Life: Li-ion 8 cells
AC Adapter: 19V DC, 65W/Input: 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
It runs really fast. From the moment I pressed the power button, it was just seconds before the desktop was loaded and it had connected to the net. Logging off and shutting down is just as fast. I had logged off, powered down and gone to bed while Bill was still waiting for his laptop to shut down!
For extra security, the MSI 1223 sports fingerprint software which means you no longer have to remember your user name or passwords to access your computer. It also stops unauthorised use of your laptop much to the dismay of my teens who thought they would try to use the notebook without my permission!
I was very impressed with the battery life. I wanted to time how long the battery would last and found it gave me about 6 hours before needing recharging. This meant that I can move around the house freely, especially if I’m trying to find a quiet (?) spot in the house to do some blogging, or I’m able to go outside, still be able to watch the kids and finish off my work at the same time.
The built-in 2 mega pixel web cam and built in microphone means that I can chat easily with friends and family, create videos and shoot still photos. Although I don’t usually turn the web cam on because I’m usually still in my pajamas and my hair is not done! LOL
Built-in bluetooth means I can connect wireless headphones, a mouse and some printers. I can also connect to my phone to synchronise or access my address book and connect to other laptops easily to share files.
I have to say I’m very impressed with the MSI 1223 notebook and I think it’s definitely one that I will consider upgrading to when the time comes.
