MSI’s Megabook M662 is one of a few notebooks in this test to benefit from Intel’s Centrino Duo technology.

At 1.67GHz, the T2300 processor doesn’t have the fastest clock speed, but with 1GB of Ram to support the processor, the MSI managed to achieve benchmark results similar to systems with faster processors.

Scoring 185 in Sysmark and 2,782 in PCmark means that Windows and most software gallops along. Deploy some hardcore tasks such as video encoding and rendering, and the MSI will slow down to a canter.

The 80GB hard disk should be adequate if you don’t have a huge media collection, but it may be a consideration for those who do. Along with the Hi-Grade, Toshiba and Asus, the Megabook M662 proudly displays a Vista Capable sticker, which will please those looking to upgrade.

The 15.4in widescreen display is powered by Intel’s unexciting GMA950 graphics chipset, but can still display at 1,280x800 pixels. The screen is quite flimsy and for a decent view of DVD movies, you need to position it dead ahead – so it’s no use for group viewing.

As we expected, there’s no chance of playing the latest 3D games at a respectable frame rate or detail setting, an assumption reinforced by its 3Dmark score of 437 and 5.94 frames per second.

Another let-down is the battery life; at just over two hours for general Windows use before needing a recharge, it’s not suitable for travellers. The usual smattering of ports and sockets can be found around the chassis, and there’s also a multiformat DVD writer. Expansion comes in the form of a PCI Express Card expansion slot for attaching compatible peripherals.

The keyboard is similar to the Evesham with its tightly packed buttons. At 2.5kg, it’s not the lightest notebook here, but is still very portable.

See full performance results for MSI Megabook M662 laptop
Compare to all laptop performance results

This article is part of a group test of laptop computers costing under £700.
See also:
Asus F3F
Evesham Quest A430
Hi-Grade A9700
MV Mobeus 13"
Toshiba Satellite A110-275

Graphs and table of features can be read via our pdf downloads above.