14 DAY TRIAL // MSI was among the first PC vendors to adopt Intel's CULV platform for ultraportable and ultrathin computer systems, with the company announcing early this year the launch of the X-Slim family of notebooks. One of the first models to be made available was the X340, which was designed as a 13.4-inch ultraportable that was powered by Intel's line of energy-efficient single-core processors. After a few months in the market, it now looks like said portable is preparing for a considerable update, which will most likely benefit end-users in the long run.
According to recent details on the Internet, the much-hyped ultraportable will soon be getting a new battery option, which will add a bit of weight to the system, as well as a small bump in the overall design. However, the new 8-cell battery pack will also provide end-users with an impressive 8 hours and 48 minutes of runtime. In addition, MSI has also worked on the laptop's keyboard, which, according to Laptop Magazine, is considerably better than the one available on the initial model.
Moreover, MSI seems to have made all these improvements without increasing the price tag of the CULV-based ultraportable. As a matter of fact, fans of this segment will be glad to hear that the new and improved X-Slim X340 laptop will be available for US$799, down from US$899. So, basically, the company has improved the system's battery and keyboard, while also reducing its price tag by a noteworthy US$100.
At heart, the X-Slim X340 remains the same, with a Core 2 Duo Solo SU3500 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive. The weight of the system increased to 3.4 pounds, up from 2.9, thanks to the improved battery pack. In addition, users of the current X340 model will get an option to upgrade their battery to the new solution, for US$99.