Final thoughts and rating
If ever there was a notebook that gave mixed feelings, MSI's GT725 is it. On the one hand, its potency in various usage scenarios has us going back for more - perhaps due to the fact that it scores higher in the performance stakes than my own desktop PC.
On the other hand, we're anything but dazzled by the system's supposedly gamer-orientated aesthetics. Herein - literally - lies the problem. What's inside the MSI GT725 has us very impressed, the hardware combination is exactly what we'd look for in a high-end notebook. Intel's 2.53GHz processor makes light work of day-to-day tasks, 4GB of RAM is more than ample for most users, and the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4850 is on the cutting edge of notebook graphics.
Throw in a Blu-ray drive and the GT725 almost seems a very good deal for £1,125.
But - and it's a big but - the system finds itself let down by one too many shortcomings. To name but a few; the GT725's design could be considered vulgar, its keyboard is unnecessarily cramped, its supposedly "aerodynamic touch sensor" is awkward in use, it's noticeably heavy, and its 17in screen isn't full-HD.
It's a classic case of excellent hardware poorly implemented - perhaps a result of MSI's desire to be first to market with a Radeon HD 4850 notebook.
Still, MSI's target market is the gamer that seeks acceptable frame rates on the go. Here's a notebook that scores 9,943 on 3DMark '06, and they generally don't come much quicker than that.
The good
Very decent gaming and multimedia performance in a notebook
Priced reasonably at £1,125 - offers plenty of bang for buck
Built in Blu-ray drive is an added bonus
The not so good
Aesthetics are an acquired taste
17in screen isn't full-HD
Poor software implementation
HEXUS Rating
HEXUS.net scores products out of 100%, taking into account technology, implementation, stability, performance, value, customer care and desirability. A score for an average-rated product is a meaningful ‘50%’, and not ‘90%’, which is common practice for a great many other publications.
We consider any product score above '50%' as a safe buy. The higher the score, the higher the recommendation from HEXUS to buy. Simple, straightforward buying advice.
MSI GT725 notebook
HEXUS Awards
MSI's GT725 doesn't quite tick all the right boxes, but it is one of the world's first notebooks to feature ATI's Mobility Radeon HD 4850 and the result is outstanding gaming performance on the go.
MSI GT725 notebook
HEXUS Where2Buy
The MSI GT725 can be purchased from Scan.co.uk* at a cost of £1,125.80.
*As always, UK-based HEXUS.community discussion forum members will benefit from the SCAN2HEXUS Free Shipping initiative, which will save you a further few pounds plus also top-notch, priority customer service and technical support backed up by the SCANcare@HEXUS forum.
HEXUS Right2Reply
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