Thanks to great input from Coffeeshark, I decided to build an MSI 510c Megabook. I had looked at the Asus and Aopen barebones 'whitebook' units, but the modular simplicity of the MSI 510c made the installation of the components very straightforward and simple---especially when compared to some of the other designs, where keyboards and other components need to be removed for access to installation areas.
See the photo thread that Coffeeshark posted, for great pics in the Notebook Photo Gallery.To make things even easier, MSI includes a Tech Manual on CD with a video clip of most installation tasks.
I went with the 1.7 Dothan 735 CPU, a Samsung 5400 rpm HD, Intel b/g module, and 512k of Kingston 333 ram. The entire assembly process too about 45 minutes, and I am a newbie to laptop assumble.
The notebook seems solid and well built. It may not be a heavy gamer's choice, with 64 of 9600 video ram, but it is quick and runs fast, cool, and quietly. This entire package cost me under $1300 for parts, and it far surpasses the other choices in this price range (assembled). Other units in this price class usually have the integrated Intel Video or GO card.
It is more than I need for my business, photo, internet and video purposes, and from what I can tell, it can run most current games with decent results.
Thanks again to Cardshark for his help and feedback!
By the way, these MSI 510c units are also sold as built custom order units at Xmeld (xmeld.com) ..and a couple of other builders.
See the photo thread that Coffeeshark posted, for great pics in the Notebook Photo Gallery.To make things even easier, MSI includes a Tech Manual on CD with a video clip of most installation tasks.
I went with the 1.7 Dothan 735 CPU, a Samsung 5400 rpm HD, Intel b/g module, and 512k of Kingston 333 ram. The entire assembly process too about 45 minutes, and I am a newbie to laptop assumble.
The notebook seems solid and well built. It may not be a heavy gamer's choice, with 64 of 9600 video ram, but it is quick and runs fast, cool, and quietly. This entire package cost me under $1300 for parts, and it far surpasses the other choices in this price range (assembled). Other units in this price class usually have the integrated Intel Video or GO card.
It is more than I need for my business, photo, internet and video purposes, and from what I can tell, it can run most current games with decent results.
Thanks again to Cardshark for his help and feedback!
By the way, these MSI 510c units are also sold as built custom order units at Xmeld (xmeld.com) ..and a couple of other builders.
