When it comes to laptops, there are some brands that are better known for certain types of machines that perform exceptionally well in a particular category.

MSI is one of them.

Best known for its gaming rigs, MSI has carved a name for itself in that particular niche.

But one thing not all people know about MSI laptops is that they are not only focused on gaming.

Yes, MSI also builds notebooks and workstations that are quite powerful and perform just like the big boys in those categories.

Today we will look at 3 MSI laptops worth considering in 2018 – gaming laptops included.

In case you are wondering what a mobile workstation is, it is a notebook computer on steroids.

Not literally, but it does paint a good picture of what it is.

On a serious note, a mobile workstation is a laptop with powerful high-end computing features not found on your average laptop. This includes features like faster graphics processors, more powerful CPUs, and larger storage capacity than normal.

Because of these extra features, mobile workstations weigh more and look bulkier than normal laptops. But with the advancements in technology making it possible to pack a lot of power in a slimmer chassis, mobile laptops are beginning to look as slim and sleek as their notebook counterparts.

A good example is the MSI WS63VR 7RL.

Because of their powerful processors and large memory, mobile workstations are capable of computing feats normal notebooks can’t come close to achieving, such as 3D designing and scientific computing.

Whether you are a power user or a casual gamer, the MSI WS63VR 7RL has enough power to give you the performance you are looking for.

The MSI WS63VR 7RL is the first workstation to feature a Max-Q design GPU, making it a trendsetter, just like the people who use it. This feature is not just a marketing gimmick. It simply means this MSI workstation runs more efficiently, resulting in a reduction in the heat produced and thus leading to all that power being able to fit in a slim chassis.

Talking about the chassis, the MSI WS63VR 7RL comes in an all-black aluminum chassis with MSI's logo in silver and its Workstation shield icon on the lid. And because of the Max-Q design, it sports a low profile when closed.

And when you open the lid, that’s when all the fun begins.

For one, the 15.6-inch 4K screen is really something to write home about, not to mention the amazing RGB-backlit QWERTY keyboard.

And when it comes to connectivity, everyone knows a workstation needs a good number of ports for downloading and uploading projects over various peripherals. MSI understands that very well and kitted this workstation with every port you can imagine.

You’ll find a Kensington lock slot, an Ethernet jack, an SD card slot, three USB 3.0 ports, and headphone and microphone jacks – and that’s only on the left side. The right side features a USB 2.0 port, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort and the power jack.

And when it comes to performance, the MSI WS63VR's 2.8-GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU, massive 32GB of RAM, 2TB/5,400-rpm hard drive, and a 512GB NVMe PCIe solid-state drive gives it enough power to eat even the biggest of projects for breakfast. For example, in the file transfer test, it only took 11 seconds to copy 4.97GB of files, translating into a 462.7 MBps transfer rate. That's nearly twice as fast as the mainstream average of 234 MBps.

For the gamers among you, you’ll be glad to know that although the MSI WS63VR is not really meant to be a gaming laptop, it’s capable of outperforming some of the gaming rigs on the market. This is thanks to its Pascal (a feature that automatically makes a laptop VR ready) based Max-Q design GPU and a massive 8GB VRAM.

And VR ready it is, as is attested to by the SteamVR Performance test where the MSI WS63VR scored an impressive 8.1, beating the mainstream average of 5.9.

If you’re looking to combine business with some occasional gaming pleasure, then of all the MSI laptops, this is the one you definitely need to go for.

That’s if your budget is in the neighborhood of $$.

If you are looking for a gaming laptop that will remind you of arcade-style games with their flashing lights, then the MSI GE63 Raider RGB is definitely your cup of tea. This machine has lights in places you wouldn’t dream of finding them, including the USB ports.

If there’s one area MSI loves to excel in, it’s their chassis design. The MSI GE63 Raider takes on the basic MSI chassis design – except for the 2 customizable light stripes where you’d usually find the 2 red accents.

laptop features a 15.6-inch display with 1080p resolution and a brushed aluminum deck, but it’s the fully customizable RGB keyboard that will immediately grab your attention.

When it comes to size, the MSI GE63 Raider is more travel-friendly than its main competitors in its category, coming in at 5.5 pounds and 15.1 x 10.2 x 1.2 inches. The Alienware 15 R3 comes in at 7.4 pounds and measures 15.3 x 12 x 1 inches, while the new kid on the block, Micro Center’s PowerSpec 1510, comes in at 6.5 pounds and measures 15.3 x 10.8 x 1.3 inches, making the Raider the lightest gaming laptop in this group.

As the display plays a big role in a gaming laptop, MSI put in a lot of effort in making the Raider give you a great experience as long as color accuracy is concerned. Put to the color gamut test, the Raider managed to reproduce a massive 184 percent of the sRGB color gamut, making it more vivid than the mainstream average of 134 percent.  This also puts it ahead of the PowerSpec’s 113 percent, Alienware 15’s 114 percent, and its stablemate, the Stealth Thin’s 150 percent.

Unfortunately, though, when it comes to brightness, to it doesn’t shine as bright as the displays of the other gaming rigs in its class. It measured 253 nits on the light meter, a score below the mainstream average of 282 nits.

When it comes to performance though, this is where the MSI GE63 Raider impresses.

Featuring an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 boasting 8GB of VRAM, you can expect nothing but the best gaming experience from the Raider – and at high settings too. You’ll get frame rates that are mostly above the average on most games, so playing games is definitely a joy on this gaming laptop.

And if you are riding the VR wave, the MSI GE63 Raider got a perfect score of 11 on the SteamVR Performance test, so all you have to do is connect your HTC Vive or Oculus Rift gear and it’s game on.

For a gaming laptop that costs $, you’re definitely getting a lot of value from the MSI GE63 Raider. And like all the other MSI laptops, it’s built like a tank, so it will definitely serve you for a long time to come.

Now, perhaps you are looking for a laptop that strikes the perfect balance between a gaming laptop and a workstation.

If that’s more up your alley, then read on.

For many, getting 2 different laptops that are dedicated to gaming and business is not just feasible. That’s why the MSI PE70 Prestige is one of the best MSI laptops on the market – it offers you the best of both worlds without burning a hole in your pocket.

Just how good is it?

As always, we start our journey by looking at the spec sheet.

At a glance, the MSI PE70 Prestige doesn’t look anything like a gaming laptop. Sporting a toned-down design, this laptop can easily fit in a boardroom or a gaming room without raising any eyebrows.

Featuring a 15.6-inch 1080p display and an amazingly comfortable keyboard, and only weighing 5.2 pounds, this is one laptop you can easily commute with and use for…well, anything, really!

If it’s gaming you want, the MSI PE70 Prestige with its Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GPU will grant you a fantastic playing experience, although not at the highest settings for some of the latest titles. Because of the GPU, don’t expect any VR gaming on this laptop though.

And when it’s time for serious business, the 2.8-GHz Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU, 16GB of RAM, 128GB NVMe PCIe solid-state drive, and 1TB/7,200-rpm HDD makes the MSI PE60 Prestige a workhorse you’ll definitely be glad to have on your side.

For example, the Prestige managed to copy 4.97GB of files in 22 seconds. That’s an amazing transfer rate of 231.3 megabytes per second. That's way faster than the average rate of 168 MBps and is a rate that put the Inspiron (106 MBps) and Strix (94.2 MBps) to shame.

This is definitely one laptop that’s a solid performer and a great gaming companion, all in one.

MSI Laptops – Shaking the World of Mobile PCs

Although MSI laptops were considered as one of those laptop brands that come and go, it is evident this is a brand that is here to stay – and ruffle the big boys’ feathers.

Whatever your need, you’ll definitely find a laptop that will more than meet your requirements among MSI’s line of powerful and well-priced laptops.