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Acer TravelMate 8200(Intel) vs. MSI MS-1039(AMD)

post #1 of 14
4/3/06 at 3:08am
Thread Starter 
Hey everyone, this is my first post, but I've been reading these forums for a few weeks now. Anyway, here's my thread...

Both of these systems have very similar components, and price. They are both above-average gaming notebooks, however they have one main difference. Acer's CPU is Intel, while MSI's CPU is AMD. It's duo core multi-tasking vs. 64 Bit High performance.

The specs:

Acer TravelMate 8200(Intel)

MSI MS-1039(AMD) (click BUY to configure specs to match that of the Acer model)

My question is which notebook is the better buy? The MSI one isn't out until mid-April and doesn't have reviews out either. However, it does come with a glossy screen (good for gaming & other media), and a much respected 64bit AMD Processor.

Since the notebooks are so similar, does it only come down to multi-tasking vs. 64 bit, or the weight, battery life, and glossy/matte of the screens? Or, is one company (Acer/MSI) better than the other?
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post #2 of 14
4/3/06 at 3:11am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by trelarah
Or, is one company (Acer/MSI) better than the other?

IF, it does come down to this. Asus also has a similar notebook V1J (Intel Duo Core) coming out in August for nearly the same price. However, Asus is known for building good notebooks.
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post #3 of 14
4/3/06 at 4:36pm
Thread Starter 
Therefore, I just have two questions:

1) Which of these three systems is the best for my needs: internet, gaming, media

2) Why choose said system?
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post #4 of 14
4/3/06 at 11:22pm
The MSI looks like a pretty nice system, but: if you have to purchase now, I'd go for the 8204 given the dual-core. Performance is outstanding.

If, however, you can wait a few months, I'd consider looking at systems with the upcoming Turion X2. That'll be dual-core AND 64-bit, which should be a nice combination. I predict that heat and battery life won't be as good as with the Core Duo, but performance should be as good or better (plus, the security of 64-bit).

I couldn't wait, and love my 8204. But, if I could, I'd be waiting myself for a Ferrari with a Turion X2 and the X1600. That would make a nice system, I'd wager...
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post #5 of 14
4/4/06 at 11:57am
Thread Starter 
wynand32, how do you find the matte screen on the 8204? The one feature I like about the MSI is it's glossy screen which would be great for gaming and watching DVD's.
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post #6 of 14
4/7/06 at 5:29pm
Just came across this post, sorry about the late reply... I like the matte screen, because I'm using my 8204 mostly for business and am often in lighting that gives a nasty glare with glossy screens. Not much DVD watching on mine, and I haven't had any issues with the occasional game.
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post #7 of 14
4/7/06 at 10:15pm

8204

I have the Acer 8204 and it performs awesome. Great for all aspects of laptop use, while lite in weight and good battery
For the screen I had to adjust the gamma a little to produce the best results with omega driver 6.3
Plays Battlefield 2 on near all settings high 2xAA and all settings medium 2xAA on 64map great. Awesome laptop 8204 good choice. MSI seems the same but AMD and glossy screen. My 8204 gets near no glare though
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post #8 of 14
4/7/06 at 11:47pm
Acer might be better laptop but the MSI 1039 is a better value $2300 compare to $1300 configured.of course if you have a 1k to spare then Acer looks like a better choice.
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post #9 of 14
4/8/06 at 1:40am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the advice guys!

I'll be needing a laptop for May, so I'm leaning towards the Acer thus far. I like that the MSI is cheaper and AMD 64bit. However, Asus is a better company (good parts) and at this point in time I think I'd prefer core duo multi-tasking (I like to do a lot of things at once). Plus when vista comes out it will still be able to run fine on 32bit cpu's.

Idealy, I would like to wait for the Asus V1J, or a Turion X2 Duel Core, but they're too far off.

Anyone else have some more pros or cons for the MSI vs ACER thread?
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post #10 of 14
4/8/06 at 2:28am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiz of Peace
MSI 1039 is a better value $2300 compare to $1300
From the sites that I will be potentially buying from, they have the ACER model for $2100USD and the MSI for $1800USD, this is with the systems configured the same, and before taxes & shipping.

Therefore I'm only looking at approx. $300 difference.
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post #11 of 14
4/8/06 at 3:02am
I don't know if you noticed that you may be able to get a matte WSXGA+ screen with the 1039 or not. Also I would like to point out that many people have complained of issues regarding the Acer 8204 screen.
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post #12 of 14
4/8/06 at 11:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pharoke
able to get a matte WSXGA+ screen with the 1039.
I included that type of of LCD screen in the configuration of the MSI that I stated above. (but forgot to add XP PRO, which throws the config to approx. $1900USD)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pharoke
many people have complained of issues regarding the Acer 8204 screen.
I do know this. I've read millions of threads on pretty much every forum I could find. A lot of people have praised the 8200, and a lot have sent theirs back. I know about the NIC, dim LCD Screen, Fat32 HD, heat dissipation, & curved keyboard issues. Personally, the keyboard is fine for me, the NIC can be easily resolved, as can the FAT32 HD. The heat dissipation at the side is not a big deal for me either. The only issue I would have a problem with is if my LCD screen has a leakage problem.
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post #13 of 14
4/9/06 at 4:02pm
try http://www.xmeld.com/html/msi1039.html
its cheaper than $1800 for sure.unless you want everything maxed out.
you can configure it nicely for about $1400
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post #14 of 14
4/9/06 at 4:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiz of Peace
try http://www.xmeld.com/html/msi1039.html
its cheaper than $1800 for sure.unless you want everything maxed out.
you can configure it nicely for about $1400
I was using XMELD as comparison. The reason it came to approx. $1900 is because I'm trying to get it to specs with the Acer TravelMate. I have the money to spend, so I'm not too concerned about the savings. I just wanted to see spec for spec the difference.
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