MSI - IPS level display

[Sirluke99]

Looking at a MSI Crosshair 18” with what they call IPS Level display panel.   Bought a nice Lenovo in Nov 2023 that just died after warranty expired last year.  Tried to stay with Lenovo and their new 2025 models, all but 1, have adopted the OLED glare displays.  The one they have with IPS won’t ship till Sept. 

This is from a Google search:  

AI Overview

+1

 

The MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI A2XW is a gaming laptop featuring an 18-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) IPS-Level display with a 240Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. The laptop also includes 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD for storage. It runs on Windows 11. 

 

Your thoughts?

 

also looked at ASUS ROG and don’t like the numlock keys as part of the trackpad. Weird. 
 

This is to the MSI spec page.  https://us.msi.com/Laptop/Crosshair-18-HX-AI

 

 

[Damien Symonds]

"IPS Level" means "not IPS".

[Sirluke99]

Gotcha.  They trying to be slick. Almost brought it home.  Back to the drawing board.  

[Brian]

Damien is correct. Not to mention the stupid LED Rainbow Keyboard causing color casts when editing photos. 

I'd wait until Sept. 

Buy it Right-Buy it Once! 

[Sirluke99]

This is the Lenovo.  Only IPS one in the Legion lineup at this point.  
 

itemPrice $1,749.99

Total Price $1,749.99

Delivery MethodDelivery:

 CUSTOMIZED

Hide Specs Info

 

Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 9 8945HX Processor (2.50 GHz up to 5.40 GHz)

 

Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64

 

Operating System Language: Windows 11 Home 64 English

 

Memory : 32 GB DDR5-5200MT/s (SODIMM) - (2 x 16 GB)

selected upgrade

 

Solid State Drive: 1 TB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 TLC

 

Second Solid State Drive: 1 TB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 TLC

selected upgrade

 

Display: 16" WQXGA (2560 x 1600), IPS, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch, HDR 400, 100%DCI-P3, 500 nits, 240Hz, Low Blue Light

 

Graphic Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR7

selected upgrade

 

Camera: 720P HD with Dual Microphone

 

Color: Eclipse Black

 

Keyboard: 24zone RGB Backlit, Black - English (US)

 

Keycap Kit: No Keycap Kit

 

Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 2x2 BE 160MHz & Bluetooth® 5.4

 

Battery: 4 Cell Rechargeable Li-ion 80Wh

 

Power Cord: 245W 30% PCC 3pin AC Adapter - US

 

AI Agent: Lenovo AI Now

 

Language Pack: Publication - English

 

Utomik: No Gaming Subscription Service

 

Warranty: 1 Year Courier or Carry-in

[Brian]

Looks good. 

IPS Screens are more expensive and are tough to find on laptops. This is why we have "IPS-Like;" they are cheaper to manufacture and with the Tariffs on China, many manufactures are looking to make as much profit as possible. I'd get that Lenovo as soon as you can. 

[Sirluke99]

Thanks for your input again. 

[Sirluke99]

One more question.  I know you not a big HP fan but is the OMEN line any better?:   

Edited Monday at 10:44 PM by Sirluke99

[Brian]

I HATE FUCKING HP LAPTOPS!!! 

Once upon a time, like 20 years ago, they used to be really good. Then HP switched to Eco-Friendly Solder, meaning it's not Lead Based. Which causes so many weird electrical issues, like the power connector developing cold solder joints so the damn thing won't charge. In today's world, I'd never use one. My clients always seem to complain about them and the built-in trackpads just sporadically cause the cursor to jump. It's such a PITA.

Personally...I've had the best luck with Lenovo Laptops consistently, that's why I'm telling you to wait. 

Trust me - I hate wasting money on this shit.  

[Sirluke99]

Thanks.   I ordered 2 Lenovo laptops.  A new model with specs to grow into and a Certified Refurbished one that is one gpu level below the one that went bad.  It will be my travel box.   old one was a 4070 gpu this is a 4060.  The new one will be a 5070.   Think that will hold me. 

Also,  PLEASE don't let WINDOWS do your firmware updates.   it makes BRICKS.    

[Brian]

Yeah, firmware updates are done with the Lenovo Update Software. Microsoft’s updates for stuff like that is questionable at best.