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Maybe because of the screen size? Oh well, guess I'll have to order one :/

Well I had my 1036 for about 3 hours. The overall quality was good except the key board. It had allot of flex and the (H) key stuck. I had to send it back for a replacement. The screen was shiny and HUGE but not to much glare. The speed and ease of installing the operating system was flawless right out of the box. I didn’t have to change any bios settings to begin Win xp cd install. Beware that you actually have the WIFI and blue tooth installed. If you don’t order it separately, you won’t have it. When you install the WIFI & Bluetooth drivers, windows manager shows ports evan when the card is not installed. After an hour of trying to get the absent WIFI to work, I was told that the MSI sight was wrong about integrated support.
Well that’s all for now folks. I hope to have more when I receive a working keyboard unit.

By the way, when I called about the (h) key gone bad, the vender immediately paid the return shipping OVERNIGHT!! That is great service.

Nice to hear raveis

Is this laptop light and durable enough to be considered portable. I won't be carrying it around while walking, just transporting via vehicle...would it be sturdy and light enough to be easily used in a cafe/bookstore setting then transported home?

Also, are extra batteries available anywhere, as with 4 hours battery life an extra battery could put it up to 8 hours which would be perfect for my uses on weekends (long writing sessions).


I really like every aspect of this computer as it allows me to do lots of different things I just want it to be sturdy and light enough to not have to worry about transportation

it's portable, not super lightweight but easily transportable.

You should be able to get the extra batteries from the reseller without a problem.

Thanks. I'm more of a desktop guy, I've never done the notebook thing before, but I think getting this instead of a fancy new desktop will be better for me (I don't write well from inside my house, too many distractions). I like the 1036 because I can still play some games (I mostly play strategy games so I don't need top of the line graphics anyhow) and have a nice big screen to do my more serious work with.

Is there anywhere to individually buy an emblem or something to put over the hole in the back of the monitor backing, or will I just have to cover it with a piece of electrical tape?

And what would the best reseller for this model be? I've never done internal work on notebooks (I can put a desktop together no problem) so I want one that's going to configure it before being built. Appreciate the help

As far as resellers are concered and before Coffee or Unleaded get here I recommend either www.xmeld.com or www.rawpowerpc.com

Just noticed the same chassis is available for the Rock Quadra T64, looks ok but the firewire port is on the front! :-( I use firewire for burning so that means once I start the burn I'll have to leave it be, especially since firewire cable easily plops out (and doesn't have screw downs) Is there a way of fixing firewire more securely? Some other laptops have firewire on the front also. hmm but Rock is lower spec screen (1440 x 900 Res)

http://www.rockdirect.com/notebooks/quaddrat64_cons.htm

Is the MSI available in the UK?

Is there an IR port on the 1036? I don't see one in any of the pics...

Don't see anything about it on MSI's website, but maybe Coffe or unleaded can enlighten us more.

Are there dedicated buttons for Bluetooth and wifi.Also Will This laptop be a hard time to lug around Becuse I had a 15inch (not widescreen) toshiba that whighed 7.5 LBS and I am used to luging that around.

I'm on the verge of picking one of these up, either form xmeld or rawpowerpc, and I have a couple of questions:

I'm familiar with the Intel 2200bg wireless but not the MSI bluetooth combo. I currently have no need for bluetooth but, as far as the g side goes, is it fairly equivalent to the Intel? I'm mainly concerned about range.

What brand is Rawpower's 80GB 7200RPM HD? Xmeld's is Hitachi.

Is Xmeld's 2GB RAM 400 or 333? Rawpower's is 400.

Other than that, it's going to be a tough choice between the 2: they're priced identically (haven't checked shipping costs yet).

I would aprreciate some answers, as I need to order this ASAP.

Great forum, it has been very helpful in making a choice.

Epsilon3,

You will get better WiFi range from an Intel card.

Thanks for the prompt reply, Unleaded.

I gather from reading this thread that you're Mr. Rawpower
Can you tell me what brand your HD is and what approximate shipping cost to IL is?

rawpower uses Hitachi 7200rpm drives. I'm pretty sure you can get their shipping costs before you hit the final "buy" button.