In the world of notebooks, Apple is an indisputable trend setter. Case in point, the 13-inch Averatec N3400 that we recently reviewed had an aluminum outer shell, while the Acer Timeline 4810T used island-style keys like those found on MacBooks. Not surprisingly, however, those two laptops are considerably less expensive than anything on Apple's product line.

Today we'll be taking a look at the X-Slim X340, a very slim notebook from MSI that's been labeled by many as the budget alternative to the MacBook Air. Currently selling for $600, MSI hopes to lure potential buyers with its svelte design and extended battery life.