MSI Claw A1M Intel Core Ultra 5 135H 512GB
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According to our console expert
(In-game) image resolution | 1080p | |
Refresh rate | 120 Hz | |
Screen size | 7 inches | |
Screen type | IPS - LCD | |
Playable on TV | ||
Total storage capacity | 512 GB |
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The Claw is a handheld PC, specially developed for gaming. I tested the Claw from MSI for a week and my findings are as follows:
In addition to the Claw, the compact box contains an adapter with USB-C connection and a brief installation brochure. After switching on and updating, you can start immediately.
The Claw runs smoothly on Windows 11 thanks to the Intel processor. The game interface developed by MSI merges Steam and Xbox Game Pass into one library. Games run fine on low or medium graphics settings, but higher settings significantly reduce the frame rate.
The 7-inch 1080p screen with 120 Hz refresh is impressive. The joysticks and buttons are comfortable, but the battery life is only 90 minutes, which is a disadvantage for mobile gaming.
Paul H
17 July 2024
Automatically translated from Dutch
I have extensively tested this compact powerhouse over the past two weeks and here are my findings.
When unpacking the MSI Claw, the sleek design was immediately noticeable. It's very reminiscent of the ASUS ROG Ally, with the same joystick layout and M1 and M2 buttons on the back. The 7-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels offers clear images, although I sometimes noticed minor stuttering depending on the game.
Ergonomically, the Claw fits comfortably in the hand, even for people with smaller hands like me. The bulges on the back provide a comfortable grip, but the M1 and M2 buttons are sometimes a stumbling block because you can press them unintentionally. Fortunately, the buttons feel sturdy and the hall effect joysticks provide good control, similar to that of an Xbox controller. However, the d-pad feels a bit unclear, like with older Xbox 360 controllers.
With Windows 11 as the operating system, the Claw is versatile for both gaming and other tasks. The MSI Center provides handy shortcuts to platforms like Steam and Epic, and makes it easy to customize the Claw with RGB lighting. A big plus is the Thunderbolt 4 connection, which allows you to transform the Claw into a desktop computer with an external screen, keyboard and mouse.
A downside is the battery life; After about 1.5 to 2 hours of gaming, the Claw needs to be charged again. During intensive use, the device becomes quite warm, which is noticeable but not bothersome. The charger is quite large and the lack of a docking station is inconvenient.
Since Windows 11 is not optimized for controller use, MSI has developed its own 'launcher', the MSI Center M, which is similar to those of ASUS and Lenovo. It provides an easy-to-use interface to launch games and adjust settings such as RGB lighting and CPU power. The launcher starts automatically with Windows and can be quickly accessed using the buttons on the sides of the screen.
In summary, the MSI Claw offers an attractive combination of comfort, functionality and performance for gamers looking for a handheld PC. While the design isn't groundbreaking, it does offer reliability and usability. If you're looking for a portable gaming experience with Windows 11, the MSI Claw is definitely worth considering.
Voxox
16 July 2024
Automatically translated from Dutch
The MSI Claw offers a good combination of ergonomics, performance and battery life.
The Claw is equipped with the powerful Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H and a 7-inch 120Hz display. This combination ensures smooth images and high performance, ideal for gaming, content creation and multitasking.
The design seems based on other well-known handheld gaming consoles. This makes the Claw comfortable to hold. However, it took some getting used to due to the weight and size.
With a 53Whr battery, the Claw offers long gaming endurance. Efficient power management and powerful performance make the device reliable for long-term use without frequent charging.
The MSI Center is designed for ease of use, with an interface specifically for handheld devices. It automatically adjusts system settings for optimal performance and efficiency.
Simen
24 July 2024
Automatically translated from Dutch
Product number | 945548 | |
Manufacturer code | 9S7-1T4111-028 | |
Brand | MSI | |
Warranty | 2 years | |
Processing of your defect | Via Coolblue | |
Old product returned for free |
Computer platform | MSI Claw | |
(In-game) image resolution | 1080p | |
recommended for Virtual reality | ||
Operating system | Windows 11 | |
Refresh rate | 120 Hz | |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 | |
Cloud gaming | ||
Type of video card | Shared | |
Video card | Intel Arc Graphics | |
Battery/battery capacity | 18420 Ah | |
Maximum battery life | 2 hours |
Total storage capacity | 512 GB | |
Expandable memory | ||
Expandable storage capacity up to | 512 GB | |
Replace or add memory | Adding memory |
Built-in WiFi | ||
WiFi standards | Wireless A (WiFi 2), Wireless AC (WiFi 5), Wireless AX (WiFi 6), Wireless AXE (WiFi 6E), Wireless B (WiFi 1), Wireless BE (WiFi 7), Wireless G (WiFi 3), Wireless N (WiFi 4) | |
Bluetooth | ||
Bluetooth version | 5.4 | |
Playable on TV |
Included by default | Manual, Power cord, USB cable |
Color | Black | |
Weight | 675 g | |
Screen size | 7 inches | |
Screen type | IPS - LCD | |
Touchscreen | ||
Disc tray | ||
Detachable controllers |