MSI AP16 FLEX Review

[section_title title=Conclusion]

Conclusion

I think that the MSI Flex is one of those products that attempts to redefine the way we do things, and it does work. However, and this is the big however. £350 for the MSI Flex AP16, or £350 for a low end ultrabook. I mean you could even find a half decent i5 laptop if you aren’t concerned about the touch functionality, looking at it from the the perspective of “you need an everyday computer that’s going to get hammered!” Now there are so many great laptops out there, and I mean literally hundreds I’d choose over this. But if you are dead set on an all in one computer – the MSI AP16 specifications wise – isn’t so badly priced in that particular market.

Basically the MSI Flex is a hybrid between everything computing, it truely is an all in one computer with a little more going for it. I think the reason I’m being so passively nit-picky with this device is because I’m looking at it from the perspective of an “Everyday user”. So what might the every day user want to buy the flex for? The Flex stand is the main selling point we keep coming back to during this review, because the AP16 is so versatile and easy to use it makes for a great all-rounder. But being able to mount this computer in permanent locations adds a little more depth to the Flex, I’d personally mount it on a wall in the family area hooked up to the media system. Maybe I’d keep it in the kitchen to watch TV whilst eating breakfast or cooking away, if you need to quickly check your calendar on the way out the door the AP16 is there waiting to be used.

I’ll be kind on it for the fact they’ve described this as a general use touch screen computer, and in theory it could even run a cheap POS system, the limitations of the product are only really limited by the ideas of the user. I still think it would be a tough call for me to choose a laptop or tablet over the AP16. But I’ve still got to give MSI huge credit for launching a product that is aimed at so many niche markets, and at the end of the day the product really does work as intended.

Basically depending on the scenario, MSI have created a product that is only limited by the end-users imagination. If you’re looking to buy the Flex the chances are you have an ideal use in mind for it! Basically, I’m not saying. Don’t buy this. I’m saying, think about your needs. If you already have an office computer, and perhaps you want a second fluid computer to check the stock market, or news, this is simply another use for the Flex. But I do struggle to see any power users using this on a day to day basis. I also feel the tablet market is so big the AP16 is one of those products you might only consider if you want a bigger screen. There is also a strong market for smaller power PC’s that performance wise decimate the Flex at a much lower cost (Like the MSI Cubi).

I’ll not be giving this product any awards today, whilst I think the design is interesting. The AP16 is essentially a 15.6″ touch screen strapped on a stand that moves about, even if you can mount it on the ceiling, which is pretty cool. I personally think its a small feature to sell such a big price tag. Now performance wise it’s interesting and this level of performance at such a low energy cost is something more companies should be working towards, power at a lesser electric premium. And functionality wise – it was flawless, it did what it said on the tin. Having read about the product, then used the product it’s hard to pick flaws in, because I can understand some of the uses.. but I still struggle to see the MSI AP16 breaking ahead in a tough market. 

However – If you are looking for a new home computer without sacrificing space, check out the MSI Cubi I reviewed over here as I would recommend.

Authors notes: I like that MSI is taking a leap, and creating new and more energy efficient systems like the MSI Windbox, the MSI Cubi, even the Flex uses less power than we’ve seen in all past products! I hope they invent a gaming laptop that can play every game maxed out whilst having a five hour battery life next.