![]() ![]() Though the keyboard feels familiar, the touchpad is different from what we’ve seen on other MSI notebooks. We would much rather see dedicated keys for brightness and volume instead, both of which are absent on the Valkyrie. Though useful on paper, the touch-sensitive keys do not always respond to the first touch, which is a problem we have experienced with almost all MSI shells that utilize this feature. Like most MSI gaming shells, the Valkyrie makes use of a touch-sensitive row of keys on both sides of the power button that provide one-touch toggles to keyboard backlight, Turbo Fan, Airplane mode, display outputs, optical drive eject, and two user-defined commands. The WASD and directional keys are also outlined red for that gaming-centric feel. Travel and feedback are otherwise very satisfying and not as loud as what one may expect. As a result, we had no major issues typing or using the keyboard in general, though users with larger fingers may find the spacing between the keys to be a bit tight. The backlit Chiclet keyboard (36 cm x 12 cm) is identical to the one on the GT70. They do, however, provide lifetime technical support for all new sales free of charge. Strong warranty support is an incentive for buyers to purchase from large resellers, but iBuyPower unfortunately offers no other services beyond its one-year limited warranty. The company also kindly provides in the packaging a quick Service Manual alongside an Intel SSD disc, Valkyrie drivers disc, and a Windows 8 installation disc, items that are becoming increasingly uncommon with new notebook purchases. Accessoriesĭedicated accessories are non-existent, though iBuyPower makes it easy to purchase third-party accessories from Razer, MadCatz, Logitech, and other popular manufacturers during system customization. We experienced no random timeouts or other unexpected Wi-Fi problems. Users can configure up to an Intel 6300 for dual-band 450 Mbps transfer speeds should their networks support it, but most will be satisfied with the base configuration. ![]() There are no WWAN/GPS options as expected for this notebook class. In either case, most buyers interested in gaming notebooks will likely be less concerned about the overriding size and weight than the usual business or Ultrabook user.įor wireless connectivity, the Valkyrie uses an Intel Wireless-N 2230 with integrated Bluetooth 4.0. Thickness is fortunately less substantial at 62 mm compared to its weight. Only a few non-SLI competitors, such as the Alienware M17x R4 and Asus G75VX, come in with heavier footprints. In fact, it is one of the heavier 17.3-inch gaming notebooks around as even the beefy Eurocom Scorpius P370EM and Maingear Nomad 17 still come in at less than 4 kilos. Speaking of size, at exactly 4 kg, the Valkyrie is noticeably heavier than its 17.3-inch MSI counterparts including the GE70 (3.049 kg) and GT70 (3.826 kg). Aside from the nitpicking, there is little to complain about the quality of the case considering the size. ![]() Perhaps the only noteworthy negative is the glossy inner bezel surrounding the display, which feels like inexpensive plastic and simply not visually up to par with the surrounding materials. The small hinges are quite stiff and are more than capable at holding the display at the allowable angles. Likewise, the brushed palm rests are nigh-incompressible with a finger and the center of the keyboard is remarkably rigid. For example, the center of the lid is very resistant to pressure and shows almost negligible depression. Quality-wise, the chassis holds up exceptionally well and is surprisingly sturdier than what we have seen on some MSI models. The red logo and blue accents are lit by the display backlight and add a layer of subtle color on an otherwise smooth and brushed aluminum surface. ![]() The lid, however, has been customized to avoid the arguably flat and bland appearance that some of the MSI models share. Since iBuyPower has its roots to MSI, the Valkyrie is built similar to a number of MSI gaming models including the MSI GT70, GE70, and CX61. ![]()
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