MSI somehow has both the ugliest and prettiest laptop designs this Computex

MSI Somehow Has Both the Ugliest and Prettiest Laptop Designs This Computex

Computex is not only a showcase for the latest technology but also a stage for companies to experiment with design and presentation. While this year’s laptops have been relatively subdued, MSI has managed to capture both the extremes of aesthetic appeal — the ugliest and the prettiest — with its latest releases. One of these is the Prestige 14 Flip AI+, a device that leans heavily into artistic themes, and the other is the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic, a gaming laptop that goes all out with its design and features.

A Van Gogh-Inspired Masterpiece

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a standout for its artistic design, featuring two versions inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s famous paintings — Starry Night and Starry Night Over the Rhône. The artwork is prominently displayed on the back of the laptop, with a keyboard that matches the color palette of each piece. While it might seem a bit excessive, the attention to detail and the inclusion of themed accessories — like a mouse pad, box, Bluetooth mouse, and even an ID badge — make it a true statement piece.

The laptop is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, and while it lacks a dedicated GPU, it still offers a OLED display that’s ideal for multimedia consumption. It's not a gaming beast, but it's more than capable of handling casual gaming and productivity tasks. The design is undeniably gorgeous, and it's the kind of device that would turn heads in any setting, whether it's a cafe or a meeting room.

The Over-the-Top Gaming Beast

On the other end of the spectrum, the MSI Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic is a gaming laptop that doesn't hold back. It comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an RTX 5090 mobile GPU, making it one of the most powerful laptops of the year. The specs alone are impressive — a 240 Hz Mini-LED display, Cherry MX mechanical keys, a dedicated vapour chamber cooler, and a premium box that includes limited edition coins, a mousepad, and a gaming mouse.

The laptop also features super speedy SSD storage with four M.2 slots that can be linked together as a SuperRAID 5 array. It’s equipped with a 6-speaker surround sound system and a wealth of ports, including Thunderbolt 5, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and C, and an SD card reader. Despite all this, the design is chunky and overly embellished. The RGB trackpad and dragon-themed backplate are too much for some tastes, and it's unlikely to be a favorite for those who prefer sleeker, more understated designs.

While the artistry on display is undeniable, the price point is expected to be very high, making it more of a showpiece than a daily driver. Even if it were to change hands, the bold design choices might still feel out of place in public. However, if you're a fan of extravagant aesthetics, this could be the laptop for you.