MSI Shows Its First Notebook Powered by AMD Fusion

They say there is a first time for everything, and it looks like Micro-Star International just performed a feat that had no precedent for it, namely release a mobile personal computer powered by AMD's Fusion architecture.

Advanced Micro Devices may not have filled the industry with mainstream or stronger APUs (accelerated processing units) yet, but its entry-level ones have definitely not been slacking.

In fact, not only have netbooks and notebooks been built with Fusion products, but even tablets experimented with it.

Micro-Star International is one of those world-class PC suppliers that was slower in adopting the platform, something that has finally changed.

What MSI did was put together the CR650, a laptop powered by none other than the E-350 processor.

For those that want a reminder, the E-350 is a dual-core chip with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz and which also features the Radeon HD 6350 integrated graphics, with DirectX 11 support.

For storage, there is a hard disk drive of up to 500 GB, plus a DVD drive that handles optical disks. There is also Gigabit Ethernet, an HD webcam, WiFi and a 4-in-1 card reader, among other things.

“AMD’s newest generation platform is helping revolutionize MSI’s product portfolio,” noted Andy Tung, vice president of sales for MSI US.

“Our customers want entertainment on the go, as well as products that are sensitive to power consumption, and the new VISION Technology from AMD gives us the ability to deliver cutting edge products at an appealing price point.”

The machine is completed by a 15.6-inch HD display (1,366 x 768 pixel resolution) and kept operational by a 6-cell battery that is said to last for up to 6 hours on a single charge.

Online stores should start listing the CR650, if they haven't already, for the price of $499.99.