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The MSI GT70 2OC Gaming Notebook is nicely finished in a pseudo style aluminum finish, although on closer inspection it is built around a mixture of plastics and metal.
The MSI GT70 2OC Gaming Notebook is a chunky laptop, not at all like the super thin MSI GS70 20D Stealth which we reviewed back in September this year. It weighs 3.9kg with the battery installed, so certainly not in the super portable class.
The lid of the laptop attracts fingerprints quite easily, although they are not difficult to clean off with a cloth. The lid remains steady at all angles which is great for people who like to game on public transport as it won't move at all under light pressure.
One side of the laptop is home to two USB 2.0 ports, along with the optical drive. The other side has three USB 3.0 ports, a card reader and all the audio connectors. We like how MSI have moved one of the USB 3.0 ports into a position clear of the other two – ideal for a physically large USB 3.0 flash drive.
The rear of the laptop has an HDMI port, mini DisplayPort, VGA connector, GB LAN connector and power connector.
Underneath there are plenty of vents to ensure air can flow in and out of the machine. There is also a very large vent at the left hand side of the MSI GT70 2OC, behind two of the USB 3.0 ports.
MSI are using the Bigfoot Killer E2200 LAN with the Killer N1202 and we recorded some fantastic speeds across wireless via the Apple AirPort Express (802.11n), maxing out at 15.1MB/s.
MSI are using a high quality 17.3 inch panel with the GT70 2OC, which is moderately reflective, although not as glossy as panels we have used from the likes of Alienware for instance. It has good horizontal and vertical off angle viewing and colours and text are crisp and vibrant.
There is a web camera built into the laptop, just above the panel. It is rated 30 fps at 720p and the quality is actually very good.
Onboard audio on the MSI GT70 20C is surprisingly capable. MSI are using Dynaudio speakers, and there is a subwoofer built into the laptop. I say ‘subwoofer' lightly as no laptop incorporates a proper subwoofer system. Manufacturers are using this term to basically point out that the laptop will have a little bass response, rather than none.
The power button is hard to miss, positioned in the middle of the function key section above the main keyboard. You can control various parts of the machine from this panel, including disabling all wireless functionality for flights.
The keyboard is developed by Steelseries and is much better than the majority of spongy keyboards incorporated on gaming laptops the world over. We still don't think it is quite as good as the fantastic Lenovo ThinkPad series keyboard, but it is a close second.
The trackpad is also very good, with two angular shaped buttons running along the bottom. We still recommend the use of a mouse, but in those instances when you have no room to use a mouse, it is acceptable. There are various lights at the underside of the trackpad indicating activity. There is a button top left to disable the trackpad – if you are using a mouse for instance.
The MSI keyboard lights up in a ‘rainbow' style colour scheme, shown above.
