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So, MSI’s throwing a big splash at Computex, right? Here I am, trying to wrap my head around this fancy new toy they’ve brought – the Claw A8 BZ2EM. First AMD handheld they’ve proudly cranked out. The chatter at the tradeshow didn’t stop there; they also dropped updated versions of their Crosshair and Cyborg laptops. It’s like they went all out.
Now, let’s gossip a bit about MSI’s gaming handhelds. Previously, they seemed married to Intel and their Core Ultra processors. Like, seriously, they were the only mainstream game gurus doing that. But, ah! Suddenly, AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip makes an entrance. Are they ditching Intel? Who knows! Maybe they’re just playing the field a bit.
Seriously, this Claw A8 is packing some hot features. Xbox-style controls? Check. Hall Effect joysticks to avoid the dreaded stick drift? Double check. Rounded corners and bigger grips — practically screams comfy. It’s green too. I mean, the color, not eco-friendly. Or maybe both?
And the specs. Oh, those specs! Up to 24GB of RAM — the super speedy LPDDR5x-8000 kind. But, here’s the catch: no word on market configurations. Guess we’ll have to play a waiting game, just like with Asus’s ROG Ally X. Memory share between CPU and GPU was a game changer there, ya know?
Then there’s the battery — 80 WHr — same size as the ROG Ally X, which had decent battery life niceties. Ports galore up top, including the typical microSD, and a couple USB 4 Type-Cs. Yawn or yay? Depending on your geek level, I guess. Also, you could swap the SSD yourself. Neat if you’re into cracking open tech.
Okay, let’s shift gears to those gaming laptops. MSI is clearly trying to rub shoulders with the likes of Acer and Asus at Computex. We’re talking mid-range, RTX 5060 and 5070, making their debut.
The new Crosshair lineup is mind-boggling. Come in three sizes – 16, 17, and 18 inches. Names are a jumble though. Intel’s Crosshair 18 HX AI versus AMD’s Crosshair A18HX — who’s naming these things? Honestly.
So, what do they share? Tons, really. NVIDIA RTX 5070 or 5060 GPUs, 90 WHr batteries, hi-res 2560 x 1600 screens with a zippy 240 Hz refresh rate, and fancy Wi-Fi. Who knows what else they’ll cram in there?
Annoyingly, we only have specs for the Crosshair 18HX AI: starting at $1,699 (if you’re cozy with Costco) and goes up to $2,049 if you want 64GB RAM juiciness. But wait! They didn’t spill everything about these configurations yet. Suspense!
Ah, the trusty MSI Cyborg line — they’re getting some love too with translucent plastic edges and metal lids, possibly to keep the sci-fi look alive. Screens offer a mix, like the 1080p at 144 Hz or even a 1440p at 240 Hz – variety is the spice of life, right?
And if you’re up for bagging one, say at Costco, starting at $1,149, you could grab the Cyborg A15 AI. Then there’s Best Buy’s option — a couple hundred bucks more for fancier specs. Your call.
Okay, I almost forgot. MSI’s not just gaming. They’ve got productivity machines coming out too. Something about partnering with AMG Motorsport. Plus, a Prestige 13 AI+ “Ukiyuo-e Edition” with “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” Yep, art and tech shaking hands.
That’s a wrap on MSI’s bazillion Computex launches. Until they drop another bombshell, let’s just daydream of future tech we nearly get our hands on.
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