MSI’s new Prestige Plus laptop packs AI power and is highly portable

The MSI Prestige 13 AI Plus Evo represents a compelling alternative to mainstream business laptops, combining premium performance with exceptional portability in a compact form factor.

Design and build quality: The laptop’s magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis achieves an impressive balance between durability and lightweight construction at just 2.18 pounds.

• The device passes the “one-finger test,” demonstrating excellent weight distribution and build quality
• An innovative design feature lifts the laptop’s rear when opened, improving both airflow and ergonomics
• The keyboard offers a notably comfortable typing experience with soft, responsive keys

Display characteristics: The 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED screen delivers exceptional visual quality but comes with some compromises.

• Colors are vibrant and images appear crystal clear on the high-resolution panel
• Thick bezels around the display reduce the effective viewing area
• The compact screen size can create a cramped workspace, particularly when multitasking or working with document applications

Performance capabilities: The Intel Core Ultra 7-258V processor delivers strong everyday computing performance with AI acceleration.

• The laptop handles general office workloads efficiently, achieving a PCMark 10 score of 6,333
• MSI Center software includes an Extreme Performance mode that boosts benchmark scores to 6,697
• While capable of handling multiple tasks, the system occasionally experiences brief freezes under heavy workloads
• The AI-enhanced performance mode significantly improves digital content creation capabilities, though at the cost of increased fan noise

Battery life and practicality: The laptop excels in portable use scenarios with impressive endurance.

• Consistent 12-hour battery life under typical usage conditions
• The lightweight design and long battery life make it particularly suitable for business travelers
• The compact form factor doesn’t compromise the overall user experience

Market positioning and value: At $1,399 for the high-end configuration, the Prestige 13 AI Plus Evo targets premium laptop buyers.

• The configuration includes 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD
• While the price point is relatively high, the combination of features and performance justifies the investment
• The laptop competes effectively with established business ultraportables from major manufacturers

Looking forward: The MSI Prestige 13 AI Plus Evo demonstrates how manufacturers beyond the typical mainstream brands can deliver innovative, high-performance laptops that challenge market leaders, though the premium pricing may limit its broader market appeal.