MSI GS60 6QE (Ghost Pro 4K) Skylake Laptop Review

The MSI GS60 6QE (Ghost Pro 4K) is an attractive looking laptop, like all the MSI laptops we have reviewed this year. The company name and ‘Dragon Shield' logo are centralised close to the top of the lid.

Connectivity is excellent, and the laptop even includes a USB 3.1 Type C port – for futureproofing. The only downside is that there is no traditional USB 2 or 3 port on the right side of the machine, so if you want to use a cabled mouse, you have to trail the cable around the back of the laptop from the left side. Alternatively you could buy an adapter for the USB Type C port.

We have only seen a USB 3.1 Type C port on the Google Chromebook Pixel and Macbook systems so far – it is positive to see MSI adopting this connector.

Connectors on left and right sides:

• USB3.0 Port x 2
• USB 3.1 Type-C x 1
• HDMI Port(s): 1(v1.4b), Support 4Kx2K Output
• Mini Display port(s): 1, Support FHD 120HZ, 4K 60Hz
• LAN Port(s): 1
• Microphone Jack(s): 1
• Headphone Jack(s): 1
• Card Reader: SD (XC/HC)

No ports on the back of the chassis – just plenty of cooling vents.

MSI ship the laptop with a protective cloth between keyboard and screen – this stops any possible marks which could be caused by very rough international shipping.

The Steelseries branded Keyboard is quite enjoyable to use, with each of the keys offering tactile feedback. I wouldn't class it as the greatest laptop keyboard I have used, but it is certainly well above average.

The keyboard lights up in a multicolour scheme when the driver loads during boot. Steelseries software is supplied which allows the end user to change settings.

A large trackpad is positioned slightly off center and it has a slightly glossy finish which works well under the finger. Tracking is smooth and for use on public transport or in confined spaces, its perfectly fine.

Onboard audio is supplied by ‘DynAudio', a highly respected company who are actually very well known in high end audio circles. The company make speakers that cost up to £50,000.

While you pick your jaws up from the floor, I will say that I was a little disappointed with the audio quality from the onboard speakers fitted inside the GS60 6QE. There is little bass and the volume level didn't go quite as loud as I hoped. A good pair of headphones or speakers would be needed to get the most from this system.

The screen doesn't quite open to a full 180 degrees – it is closer to 150 degrees.

The hinge mechanism is something that many people overlook, but we are pleased to report that there is no movement from the panel at all when typing on the keyboard.

A 30fps 1080p webcam takes pride of place centrally, above the panel.

The 4K PLS Wide View Angle is the star of the show. Text is pin sharp, colour clarity is first rate, and viewing angles are fantastic. I would have liked another 1 or 2 brightness levels if I was being pedantic but I find it difficult to fault this panel. Thanks to Windows 10 default options scaling is applied to make using the operating system less tricky. A native 3840×2160 resolution would prove difficult to use on a 15.6 inch panel.

The GS60 6QE is a compact, slim design so space saving measures are important. The 4150mAh battery takes up quite a lot of the physical width of the chassis although it is thin. There are two cooling fans and heatsinks visible at each corner at the rear. The motherboard is actually reversed from view when the rear panel is open, so we can see mounting retainers – not the CPU or GPU itself.

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