MSI Flip AI+: Powerhouse Laptop With Trackpad Flaw

The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ emerges as a surprisingly potent ultraportable, showcasing the capabilities of Intel's new Panther Lake processors. Its Intel Core Ultra X7 358H chip, featuring a robust 16-core configuration and integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU, delivers exceptional performance, even allowing for gaming. This machine achieved a record-breaking 10,169 points in the PCMark 10 benchmark, surpassing many powerful gaming systems, and demonstrated strong frame rates in demanding titles like Arc Raiders. Despite its impressive internal hardware, the laptop's overall user experience is hampered by a poorly implemented mechanical trackpad, a stark contrast to modern haptic alternatives. The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ also offers a versatile 2-in-1 design, a vibrant OLED display, and an extensive port selection, including two USB-A and two USB-C ports. Battery life is another standout feature, with the laptop achieving an astonishing 22 hours and 15 minutes in PCMark 10's battery benchmark, setting a new record. While its gaming performance is commendable for an ultraportable, it is not a replacement for dedicated gaming laptops, offering playable frame rates rather than top-tier experiences. The laptop's $1,299 price point positions it as an accessible entry into the new era of Intel-powered ultraportables capable of gaming.