MSI GT725-074US 17-Inch Laptop

by MSI

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 10.9 x 1.3 inches ; 7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001N44U9E
• Item model number: GT725-074US
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,351 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 6, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The MSI GT725-074US notebook PC features an enormous 17-inch LCD monitor for your viewing pleasure, providing the ultimate in realism whether you are playing games or watching a DVD. It's also equipped with the ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphic card (built-in 512 MB VRAM), exclusive MSI vivid image enhancement technology, and the latest Intel Centrino 2 processor. MSI's exclusive Turbo Drive Engine Technology allows you to overclock the GT725 (while in AC power mode) with just a touch of the turbo button located above the keyboard. And the unique ECO Engine power management function helps extend the battery running time while performing different tasks, and you can easily switch between five different modes--Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office, and Turbo Battery (minimizing battery power consumption).

The GT725's body is surrounded by MSI's flame design, symbolizing the essence of speed. MSI has also selected aluminum as the base for the exterior and added metallic thread accents to the cover, giving it an outstanding sense of fashion. It includes MSI's aerodynamic touchpad design with a simple black mirror plate to accentuate its slickness.

This gaming/multimedia laptop is equipped with the theater-class bass speakers and four track audio recognized by Dolby Surround Sound. The bass speakers can provide the most realistic audio, and the speakers feature a metallic polishing process that accentuate the futuristic styling of the 3D speaker pores. Additionally, the embedded high performance subwoofer's design at the bottom of the computer can create shocking low-end effects.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance.

Other features include a 320 GB hard drive (with fast 7200 RPM speed), 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), Gigabit Ethernet, 2-megapixel webcam for video chatting, an eSATA/USB combo port, Dolby Digital Live surround sound via two integrated speakers, multi-format memory card reader, and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.

Spec Check 17-inch LCD screen 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor 320 GB hard drive (7200 RPM) 4 GB RAM (maximum) Dual-layer DVD±R drive Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics (512 MB dedicated) Windows Vista Home Premium Weighs 7.05 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and it can run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.

• Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (with a fast 7200 RPM speed--usually found in desktops) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook, and it also offers an ultra-fast 800 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 104-key keyboard--with 10-keypad on the side--and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook has a 17-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing) and a 16:10 aspect ratio. MSI's exclusive VIVID LCD technology is able to display signals for a better richness in colors, and you can even detect in the presence of the finest details. Video is powered by the ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics card, which provides 512 MB dedicated graphics memory and up to 3579 MB as allocated by the Windows Vista operating system. ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series GPUs bring the power of graphics "supercomputing" to gamers, setting a new standard for visual computing. With up to 1.2 teraFLOPS on tap, the TeraScale graphics engine delivers an immersive, cinematic gaming experience. Enhanced anti-aliasing (AA) and anisotropic filtering create striking graphics with unparalleled realism so you can max out the settings of the most demanding next-generation games or revitalize your favorite titles. You'll also be able to watch Blu-ray movies and play HD content with incredible visual fidelity and take your experience to another level with new multimedia capabilities. Sophisticated new features within ATI Avivo HD technology give you the freedom and flexibility to edit videos quickly and convert them to H.264 and MPEG-2 formats 1.8x faster than real-time.

This laptop also has an integrated Intel High Definition Audio card with Dolby Digital Live, which provides real-time encoding technology that converts any audio signal into a Dolby Digital bitstream for transport and playback through a home theater system. It provides Dolby Digital (5.1-channel surround sound) during movie playback and gameplay, immersing players in high-quality surround sound that puts them at the center of the action

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). The Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1 + EDR) enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard card slot (though no PCMCIA card slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features.

It comes with an HDMI video output, which extends full 1080p support to HD displays as well as provides uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable. Here's the full list of connection options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (including 1 eSATA/USB combo port)
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 ExpressCard slot
• Digital video out: HDMI
• Analog video out: VGA
• 1 headphone jack
• 1 microphone jack
• RJ-45 port for 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection
• 56K modem port (V.90)
• 4-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 15.56 x 10.95 x 1.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 7.05 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 9-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 1.5 hours (depending on usage.

What's in the Box
This package contains the MSI GT725-074US notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.

Product Description

GT725 Notebook with the latest Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology (2.4GHz 1066MHz 3MB); Windows Vista Home Premium; Intel PM45+ICH9-M Chipset; 4GB RAM (2GB x 2 DDR2 667/800); 17" WSXGA+/Glare (1680 x 1050) TFT-LCD Widescreen Display with Built-in 2.0 Mega Pixel Webcam; ATi Mobility Radeon HD 4850 3D Graphic Card with 512 MB VRAM; 320GB SATA 7200rpm HDD; DVD+/-RW Drive; HD quality (4 speakers + 1 subwoofer) Audio & Dolby Digital Live; 56K Modem 10/100/1000 Ethernet 802.11 b/g/n Wireless LAN with Bluetooth; 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro); PCI ExpressCard slot; HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Output; 9-cell Li-Ion Battery & 120W AC Adapter; 15.56"(L) x 10.95"(W) x 1.04" 1.38"(H) 7.35 lbs. I/O ports include (3) USB 2.0 (1) eSATA/USB Combo (1) IEEE-1394a/FireWire (1) 15-pin VGA (1) HDMI Audio (mic-in line-in headphone).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best laptops for the money, April 28, 2009

By 

M. Pentecost (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MSI GT725-074US 17-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

I have had this laptop for a couple of weeks now, and I can only say that it is honestly the best laptop I have ever owned. I have owned several before - including some Apple iBooks - but I can see myself using this laptop as my only and main computer for quite some time.

The video card is superb, and every game that I have played through it: Runes of Magic, TF2 - and they both run at the highest setting, with everything maxed. This laptop blows away my desktop - and it's large enough to replace the desktop and be your main rig.

This laptop is huge, and for some that might be a low point - if so, you probably are not in the market for a laptop like this anyways. This laptop put performance and functionality over portability. You should also be aware, the battery does not sit flush with the back, it has about a 1 inch lip that protrudes from the back.

Some positive of this laptop are:

1. Beautiful huge screen that shows vibrant colors and contrast
2. Full keyboard (and numberpad)
3. Plethora of ports: SD/MMC, USB 2.0, IE1394, Esata, HDMI!
4. Great speakers for a laptop
5. Very fast performance
6. The ability to play just about any game on the market now
7. Good power management tools
8. Comes with a good backpack to carry it in.

Some areas that people may not like are:

1. Vista 32 bit is installed - NOT 64 bit like we would all like
2. Protruding battery
3. Right side shift key is very small to make room for keypad
4. Heavy!

I'm very happy with this laptop and would recommend it to anyone who is in the market for a large, big screened laptop that will play games decently. If you are a hardcore FPS fan and need the hotest thing out, look towards Asus' new SLi laptop. You will play around $1,000 more then this one though.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, March 12, 2009

By 

T. Franchuk Jr. - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MSI GT725-074US 17-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

This is a fine rig! Very fast. Little added junk software that you normally get from other manufacturers. I have had no heat problems. It smokes Fallout 3 on maxed settings and Total War: Empires the same. Minus one star for one very disappointing detail........Comes with Vista 32 not 64 as advertised.....A lonely tear dropped when I saw system properties but quickly dried when the pc ripped a hole in the space time continuum from pure awesomeness!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect laptop, April 9, 2009

By 

Francois Giroux-quesnel - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MSI GT725-074US 17-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

This is the best gaming laptop out there yet so get your hands on one!!!I've been using it for 4 weeks and everything is perfect with high fps in all the latest games!! Not to forget that I got a 10500 score with 3dmark 06 and 5800 in vantage.