MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo review: A flip in the right direction

A 2-in-1 laptop computer might seem to be the final word system for individuals who need portability and flexibility with out giving up an excessive amount of energy. You get the ultraportability of an ultraportable from light-weight builds measuring beneath 1 inch thick. When you do not want an old-school bodily keyboard, you possibly can change to pill mode, and with touchscreen and stylus choices, inventive work appears extra attainable, too.

However issues with battery life, warmth administration, sturdiness, and audio high quality typically include that oh-so-versatile method. The MSI E13 Flip Evo is not utterly resistant to all these points, nevertheless it evolves the story round convertibles that insist on being beneath an inch thick.

Hailing from MSI’s business- and productivity-focused Summit sequence of machines, the E13 (there’s additionally a 16-inch E16 with Nvidia RTX choices) begins at a $1,300 MSRP and goes as much as $1,900. (We have spotted it for $1,800.) With its light-weight, trim aluminum construct, shiny accents, and devoted pen, the machine is a transparent rival for premium ultraportables like Dell’s XPS line and Microsoft’s Floor choices.

MSI’s 13-incher nonetheless has its flaws, like an uncomfortable keyboard that fails to maintain up and limitations in audio high quality. However its potential to get probably the most from its eleventh Gen Intel CPU in addition to its built-in Iris Xe graphics (with out changing into unbearably sizzling) makes it a worthy rival amongst 2-in-1 gadgets. And a handsome construct with a taller and brighter-than-average display screen make the competitors much more intense.

Nice appears to be like, nice port choice

MSI’s E13 Flip Evo proves {that a} black laptop computer does not should look boring. Within the Ink Black hue, it carries a matte black end accented by what MSI describes as “rose gold” (in particular person, the accents seem extra like copper). The copper-ish shade is a refined distinction for the getting old rose-gold pattern, nevertheless it makes the machine look barely extra uncommon. These accents are reflective (however much less so than the slanted MSI brand on the lid) for that prim and correct really feel.

The two-in-1’s complete physique is constructed from a block of CNC-milled aluminum. Mildly chamfered sides on the higher left and proper corners method HP Spectre territory with out crossing the road. I carried this ultraportable round so much throughout my time with it, and it picked up fingerprints, however I’ve seen a lot worse, particularly with black laptops. You may decide to get the machine in Pure White, too.

Weighing simply 2.98 kilos (1.35 kg) and measuring 0.59-inch (1.5 cm) thick, the machine simply match into varied duties with pill and tented modes, and the latter withstood my most aggressive makes use of of the touchscreen. For comparability, Dell’s XPS 13 2-in-1 is equally mild and skinny (2.9 kilos, 0.56-inch thick, or 1.32 kg and 1.4 cm), whereas Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio convertible is notably heavier and barely thicker and (4 kilos [1.81 kg] with an i7 CPU, just like the E13 I am reviewing has, 0.75-inch [1.91 cm] thick).

Nonetheless, the E13 Flip Evo feels surprisingly dense and sturdy. The skinny lid does have some flex when compelled however is way from flimsy. The all-important (and rose-gold-accented) hinges are hearty and dependable. Once you flip the display screen backward, the 2 hinge items rotate again barely. I may additionally really feel some motion internally within the deck portion. Most significantly, the laptop computer was dependable when flipped right into a pill or arched up like a tent.

The deck’s frosted end appears more durable to scratch than cheaper, plastic alternate options, and it feels good on the wrist (if a bit sharp close to the sting). MSI claims military-grade sturdiness from its MIL-STD-810G certification (PDF), which requires testing beneath excessive temperatures, humidity, shock, low- and high-pressure altitude, and different parameters. Topping off the deck is a FIDO 2-backed fingerprint reader. Its deck location is not as snazzy or intuitive as these on the ability button, nevertheless it does not take up area on the touchpad, both.