As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that the handheld gaming PC market is truly evolving at a rapid pace. I remember the days when we had to lug around our bulky desktop computers to LAN parties, and now we have devices like these compact powerhouses!
MSI has unveiled fresh iterations of their portable gaming PCs branded as Claw, coming in both 7-inch and 8-inch variants. The base price for the 7-inch model (Claw 7 AI+) is set at $799, while the 8-inch version (Claw 8 AI+) will cost you $899.
In comparison to its previous model, the latest MSI Claws will undergo various enhancements such as larger batteries, refinements in its ergonomic structure, and Intel’s cutting-edge Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 processors. These devices are also designed to support Copilot+ PC functionality, which explains the AI tag. The new versions boast a doubled RAM capacity, with each having 32GB, and a boosted CPU speed of 2.2GHz. In contrast, the original MSI Claw’s base model Ultra 5 operated at a 1.2GHz CPU speed, while its Ultra 7 version had a 1.4GHz CPU.
As a gamer, I’m excited about the new look of the MSI Claw! You can now grab one that boasts khaki-colored panels, reminiscent of wind-sculpted desert rocks. If you’re more into something sleek and simple, there will also be a black version available for those who prefer a plainer design.
In a new design, the buttons such as sticks, bumpers, D-pad, and Hall Effect triggers have been modified to ensure more precise button presses. MSI has announced that both versions of this product feature a 120Hz VRR LCD display with an enhanced resolution of 1920 x 1200.
The eighth version of The Claw boasts an enhanced battery capacity, now offering 80 watt-hours compared to its initial model’s 53 watt-hours. Meanwhile, The Claw 7 sports a slightly lower 54.5 watt-hour battery. Let’s delve deeper into the specifications of each device.
MSI Claw 8 AI+
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Storage: 1TB
- Chipset: Integrated SoC
- Memory: 32GB
- Display: 8-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 16:10, Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Graphics: Intel Arc 140V GPU
- Storage Slot: Up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD Easy-Access
- Sensor: 6-axis IMU, vibration motor
- Audio: 2 x 2W Speakers
- Dimensions: 299 (W) x 126 (D) x 24 (H) mm
- Weight: 795 grams
MSI Claw 7 AI+
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258VV
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Storage: 512GB
- Chipset: Integrated SoC
- Memory: 32GB
- Display: 7″ FHD (1920 x 1080), Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Graphics: Intel Arc 140V GPU
- Storage Slot: 1 x NVMe M.2 2230 SSD by PCIe Gen 4 x4
- Sensor: 6-axis IMU, vibration motor
- Audio: 2x 2W Speakers, DTS sound effects, support Hi-Res Audio
- Dimensions: 290 (W) x 117 (D) x 21.2 (H) mm
- Weight: 675 grams
Initially, the MSI Claw’s debut received mixed responses this year. Although it received accolades for superior sound quality and ergonomic construction, its battery life was criticized as insufficient and its overall performance was deemed subpar. This was particularly evident when compared to competing Windows handheld gaming PCs in the market.
If these disadvantages don’t bother you, you can grab the MSI Claw at a reduced price currently. Amazon is selling the MSI Claw model equipped with 16GB of RAM and an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor for $500 (originally $749), or there’s another option available with an Intel Ultra Core 5 processor for $430 (previously $699).
Windows handheld gaming PCs on sale
- MSI Claw (Intel Core Ultra 5) — $430 ($699)
- MSI Claw (Intel Core Ultra 7) — $500 ($749)
- Asus ROG Ally Z1 — $400 ($500)
- Asus ROG Ally X (2TB) — $900
- Lenovo Legion Go — $540 ($700)
Opting for the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go may cost a bit more, but they deliver a superior gaming experience overall. The current sale price for the 2023 Asus ROG Ally Z1 at Walmart is $400, making it an excellent choice for immersing yourself in indie and AA games. If you’re willing to make significant graphical compromises, it can handle AAA games as well, but consider investing in the Z1 Extreme model or the upcoming ROG Ally X for high-end portable gaming. The standard models share the same Z1 Extreme chipset, but the ROG Ally X offers a version with 2TB of storage capacity.
Additionally, it’s worth considering the Legion Go, which is currently available for $540 (usually priced at $700). This model boasts an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a Radeon 700M Series GPU, 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and a large 8.8-inch screen that offers a 144Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.
Read More
- FARTCOIN PREDICTION. FARTCOIN cryptocurrency
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- Best Crosshair Codes for Marvel Rivals
- All Madden 25 Madvent Rewards & How to Get Them
- Baldur’s Gate 3: Why It’s So Good
- Path Of Exile 2: How To Get Uncut Skill Gems
- League of Legends Fans Adore Heimerdinger’s Voice Actor Singing ‘Spin the Wheel’
- Honkai: Star Rail Voice Actor Change Sparks Mixed Reactions from Fans
- Team Fight Tactics (TFT): Players Weigh In on Akali Buffs and Nerfs
- League of Legends: A Deep Dive Into the Arcane Fractured Jinx Skin Debacle
2024-12-04 20:39