The MSI Katana 17 excels in engineering and design use due to its powerful main processor and high-end GPU which handle demanding applications smoothly, combined with ample RAM for multitasking and a quality screen that provides clear visuals and accurate colors necessary for design work. However, with a fair portability score, it's less convenient to carry around and while it has a good keyboard, the speaker and portability are not its strongest points compared to its performance and screen quality.

The MSI Katana 17 offers a powerful CPU and ample RAM which ensure smooth performance in general use, while the IPS display promises good screen quality. However, its large screen and heavier weight compromise portability and it has modest battery life, making it less ideal for frequent travel.

PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability as well as AI performance, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work. While performance (especially graphics performance) is the most important factor determining this score, we also give modest weight to screen quality, heat management, keyboard quality, and storage.

PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, and video editing work. In addition to a strong emphasis on overall performance, this score also places very high importance on screen quality. Heat management, storage, keyboard and speaker quality are also incorporated, with fan noise rounding out this score.

PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software development. In addition to a strong emphasis on overall performance, this score also places very high importance on screen quality. Heat management, storage, keyboard and speaker quality are also incorporated, with fan noise rounding out this score.

The Keyboard Quality score is based on the PerfectRec experts’ assessment of tactile feedback, typing comfort, keyboard reliability and typing noise.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, chassis rigidity, and overall reliability. Our assessment of build quality includes many details that are difficult to quantify. Our laptop experts use their best judgment to produce the final score.

The general use screen score is based on the screen technology, contrast ratio, resolution, brightness, color gamut and color accuracy. This score does not take into account specialized display features for specific use cases, such as high refresh rate for gaming.

PerfectRec’s Operating Noise Score is based on fan noise measurements. Laptops with a fanless design, such as Macbooks, receive the maximum score.

PerfectRec’s portability rating takes into account the volume and thickness of the laptop as well as its weight.