MSI P65 8RE Creator review: A gaming laptop disguised as a work device

The use case of laptops has changed a lot over the years. However, the thing that hasn't changed is the core reason why computers were made. From the beginning of time, the computers were designed to aid, creators and developers, with the advent of laptops that became more evident. Gaming came in afterward. However, known for their gaming laptops, MSI has recently launched a laptop aimed at creators and professionals. The MSI P65 8RE Creator is meant to be used by professional creators and developers.

MSI P65 Review: Specifications

MSI P65 is available in a variety of configurations. The variant we had for review purposes came with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8750H processor coupled with 32GB of RAM. It comes with a 15.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels anti-glare panel. The device also packs in 512GB SSD. For the graphics, it packs an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 for light gaming and video rendering needs.

MSI P65 Review: Design

The MSI P65 looks sleek but bulky. The brushed aluminum design feels a lot of Applish, but the thick design with angular cuts and vents make it look true to the MSI brand. The weight of the laptop is not that to break your back, but when it packs so much power, you expect it to weight a little more.

The bottom bezel of the display is massive, the huge speaker grill on the top of the keyboard looks unattractive and the non-body color-matched fingerprint sensor on the trackpad all combined makes the laptop look unattractive.

The keyboard and the trackpad area looks normal, with the subtle MSI logo on the lid in silver, which almost blends in with the brushed aluminum body and is almost unnoticeable. The huge side grills make the laptop look more utilitarian than anything.

Overall, the design of the MSI P65 is utilitarian. The company has paid no attention to the looks of the laptop, however, many people like me dig the utilitarian look. This helps keeps the price down and gives a unique character to the laptop.

MSI P65 Review: Display

MSI P65 sports a 15.6-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The panel is big, bright and sharp enough for everyday usage. The laptop also sports a 180-degree hinge which helps a lot while using the laptop up close or while standing. The display panel has good color accuracy and is bright enough to be used comfortably in bright sunlight.

MSI P65 Review: Performance

The laptop is powered by the 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8750H processor coupled with 32GB of RAM. which is quite honestly more than enough for most use case scenarios. There is a 512GB PCIe SSD which can be upgraded. There is no HDD but that is for the good.

The gaming performance of the laptop with that GTX 1060 is good, which the work performance for development is good also. It will not be able to run AAA titles at ultra-high but it is good enough for most of our gaming needs.

MSI P65 Review: Keyboard, Trackpad, and IO

The laptop comes with a backlit chiclet-style keyboard. The keyboard has good travel which makes typing on it a joy. The keyboard has good feedback, however, the auxiliary switches on the side and the fn button on the right instead of the left will take some time to get used to.

The trackpad is smooth, but the finish on the trackpad is not at all inviting. Also, the trackpad clicks completely like most other, but I wasn't able to figure it out. The operation of the trackpad is not like any other laptop, and it will also get a while to get used to it.

The IO on the Asus P65 is pretty good. The right side contains only a USB A port with a USB-C port along with a mini display port, HDMI, and a charging point. The left side sports two USB A ports, ethernet port, headphone jack, microphone jack. The IO was clearly designed to entertain all types of users.

MSI P65 Review: Battery

Battery life is the most important thing in any portable gadget. You don't wanna run out of battery when you are working on the go. With medium settings in windows, 70% brightness, playing audio in the background and web browsing, the laptop lasts around 6 hours until you need to run and grab a charger. While performing some heavy tasks like programming, the laptop lasts around 3-4 hours, which is good enough.

MSI P65 Review: Verdict

The MSI P65 Creator 8RE is merely masquerading as a workstation for creative professionals. It is indeed a gaming laptop deep within, Actually, it is a great concept. Gaming laptops are generally powerful enough to sport the work of creative professionals. It sports a good enough display and it is not heavy enough to break your back.

However, considering that the laptop costs around $1999 (~Rs 1.5 lakh) and is available for over Rs 2 lakh in the Indian market, the laptop is not just well made. It's not good enough, not powerful enough, and the trackpad honestly is not that good.

For over Rs 2 lakh in India, a Laptop like the Zenbook Pro Duo gives way better performance, looks and features including stunning dual 4K displays. For the price of around Rs 1.5 Lakh, it is a decent enough gaming pc that disguises itself as a work laptop.