While it may not be as flashy as 3D-enabled displays, the slow but steady appearance of USB 3.0 ports on new laptops is a welcome trend. After all, who can argue that a 10-fold data transfer speed increase over the previous standard is insignificant?

The latest desktop replacements from MSI, the FX700 and FR700, sport two USB 3.0 ports, which offer transfer speeds up to 4.8Gbps. These new models are essentially the same, save that the FX700 comes with discrete graphics performance, while the latter delivers the power savings of an integrated video solution.

MSI FX700/FR700
# Intel Core i5 processor
# 17.3-inch full-HD display
# Nvidia GeForce GT 425M (FX700)/Intel GMA 4500HD (FR700) graphics
# Up to 8GB RAM
# Up to 640GB HDD
# DVD writer
# Two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, VGA and HDMI output
# Six-cell battery
# 2.8kg
# 417.8 x 269.3 x 39mm
# Windows 7 Home Premium

While the Intel Core i5 chip already features automatic overclocking, MSI has added its proprietary TDE (Turbo Drive Engine) technology, which lets users manually boost the CPU speed with the touch of a button. The FX700 also sports auto-graphics switching. Price and availability are not firm at this time, but we'll keep an ear out.