MSI Pulse GL66 11UDK

Entry-level ray tracing on a budget

- SAM LEWIS

MSI’S BUDGET LAPTOPS are always intriguing. They seem to nail a lot of the essentials that make up a gaming laptop, yet other features are left on the back burner. Of course, performance is the most important factor when it comes to gaming, so maybe we’re being harsh, as there have to be sacrifices at this price. So, without this pre-judgment, how does the Pulse GL66 11UDK shape up?

Like many other MSI machines, the design is very utilitarian. We like this from MSI; it isn’t unique to the company, but you can easily tell it’s an MSI product. Its monochrome color scheme features a black angled chassis with a shield-like lid in shimmering titanium gray, with a black outlined MSI logo sitting proudly in the center. MSI has certainly made the most of the cheaper plastic materials in play here, without making it feel cheap. It isn’t the lightest of laptops, which makes it feel more sturdy than it probably is. This is a double-edged sword, however, as it makes it less practical to carry around, too. The GL66 11UDK also has plenty of radiator vents around the chassis, which is great for ventilation and cooling.