In a strategic maneuver that promises to elevate productivity for users in Japan, MSI has unveiled two new business-oriented laptops—the Modern 15 H B13M 5039JP and the Modern 14 H D13MG 5029JP. These sleek machines pack a punch, not only in hardware specs but also by including the coveted Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 along with a complimentary one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic. This initiative reflects a potential trend in the PC market, as manufacturers recognize that productivity software can significantly sweeten the deal for consumers. The big question now is whether this enticing offer will spread to other markets around the globe.
However, it should be noted that while the laptops come with Windows 11 Home, MSI’s recommendation for business users typically leans towards Windows 11 Pro. This discrepancy leaves some questions regarding the suitability of the bundled OS for a professional setting.
Although the initial offering sits firmly in the Japanese market, it certainly lays the groundwork for discussions on productivity, value, and user experience that resonate with professionals everywhere.
For those eager to see how laptop offerings may adapt and evolve, or to share your thoughts on these new MSI models, feel free to join the conversation on the forum!
Source: TechRadar Here's a great idea! MSI is giving away Microsoft 365 office suite with some of its laptops in Japan — so when will that be extended globally?
The Hardware: Performance Meets Portability
Both MSI models are designed for the business user, showcasing the latest Intel Core i7-13620H processors. But let’s delve a bit deeper into what makes these laptops tick.Modern 15 H B13M 5039JP
- Display: 15.6-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) non-glare LCD
- Memory and Storage: 32GB RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home (a curious choice for business)
- Battery Life: Approximately 4 hours during video playback (up to 8 hours when idle)
- Weight and Dimensions: Weighs about 1.9 kg, measuring 359 x 241 x 19.9 mm
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with video output and USB PD compatibility
- Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- HDMI output
- Wi-Fi 6E support
- Bluetooth 5.3
Modern 14 H D13MG 5029JP
- Display: 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) non-glare LCD
- Memory and Storage: Same as above—32GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD
- Battery Life: Longer than its bigger sibling at around 6 hours during video playback and up to 14 hours when idle
- Weight and Dimensions: Lighter at approximately 1.6 kg, measuring 313.7 x 236 x 18.6 mm
The Value Proposition: Microsoft 365 Included
What’s particularly intriguing about these new laptops is the inclusion of Microsoft's suite of productivity software. By bundling Microsoft Office 2024 and a year of Microsoft 365 Basic, MSI is directly appealing to professionals who rely on tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook. The added bonus of 100GB of OneDrive storage further integrates the cloud, enhancing the user experience by making file storage and collaboration seamless.However, it should be noted that while the laptops come with Windows 11 Home, MSI’s recommendation for business users typically leans towards Windows 11 Pro. This discrepancy leaves some questions regarding the suitability of the bundled OS for a professional setting.
Market Trend: A Possible Wave of Bundled Offers
The inclusion of productivity software isn’t unique to MSI; competitors like Dynabook are also beginning to provide similar offerings. This points toward a potentially larger trend where bundling software with hardware could become a standard practice, echoing strategies from the smartphone market where apps come pre-installed.What Could This Mean for Users Outside Japan?
Considering the benefits and enhanced appeal of these bundled offerings, it’s plausible that MSI may soon roll out similar deals globally. Consumers are increasingly seeking more out of their tech investments, and a year of Microsoft 365 paired with a capable laptop could be a powerful incentive. It prompts us to ask: will other laptop manufacturers follow suit, and how might this reshape purchasing decisions in the consumer electronics landscape?Commentary: What’s Next for MSI and Microsoft?
As we look ahead, the critical question remains—will MSI extend this generous promotion beyond Japan? If so, how might it impact the competitive landscape among laptop manufacturers? Furthermore, would Microsoft look to leverage such collaborations more broadly?Although the initial offering sits firmly in the Japanese market, it certainly lays the groundwork for discussions on productivity, value, and user experience that resonate with professionals everywhere.
Conclusion
MSI's launch of its Modern 15 and Modern 14 laptops bundled with Microsoft 365 in Japan opens a new chapter for business-oriented devices, underscoring a shift toward integrating software and hardware in meaningful ways. This move not only caters to the needs of productivity-centric consumers but may also prompt a global trend that could reshape how laptops are marketed and sold. Keep an eye on this space—if you're in the market for a new device, you may soon have more choices that come with built-in productivity enhancements.For those eager to see how laptop offerings may adapt and evolve, or to share your thoughts on these new MSI models, feel free to join the conversation on the forum!
Source: TechRadar Here's a great idea! MSI is giving away Microsoft 365 office suite with some of its laptops in Japan — so when will that be extended globally?