MSI has introduced a new G-series desktop replacement notebook with a quad-core Sandy Bridge processor and a unique keyboard developed in conjunction with SteelSeries. Meant to provide hardcore gamers a home away from home, the GX780 packs a 17.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1600x900 or 1920x1080, a 2GHz Core i7-2630QM, a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 555M, up to 16GB of RAM in four SO-DIMM slots, and up to dual-750GB HDDs in RAID 0.
The machine's keyboard is designed with gamers in mind, replacing the left Windows key with a function modifier and enlarging the Ctrl and Alt keys. Unlike most notebook keyboards, the GX780's supports up to 10 simultaneous commands – though this is limited to a handful of keys commonly used in games. It also features multiple backlighting options and is said to be more durable than what you'd find on other notebooks, but it's not clear how this is achieved.
MSI says it partnered up with Creative and Dynaudio to find the ideal hardware and placement for the GX780's 2.1 sound system. Other specs include a Blu-ray player, an HD webcam (30fps@720p), two USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA port, VGA and HDMI 1.4 outputs, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, a multi-card reader, a nine-cell battery, and Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate. No word on pricing or availability.