If you require high performance for tasks like gaming, 3D modeling, or resource-intensive engineering software, the MSI GF65 Thin, while more expensive, offers stronger performance capabilities. However, if you prioritize affordability, basic tasks, and portability for activities like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the Packard Bell Cloudbook can be a cost-effective choice with sufficient functionality for everyday use. The MSI's higher cost accounts for advanced graphics and processing power suited for demanding applications, but the trade-off is less battery life and a heavier build compared to the lighter and longer-lasting battery of the Cloudbook. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the MSI GF65 Thin
Good keyboard
Advantages of the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14"
Very good portability
Good battery life
Key differences
General Use
6.5/10
5.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
262.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
4.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
4.6/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The MSI GF65 Thin is only fair for general use, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
The MSI GF65 Thin is better suited for general use due to its superior CPU, the Intel i5, which provides better performance than the Intel Celeron in the Packard Bell Cloudbook; additionally, the GF65 Thin has double the RAM for smoother multitasking and a higher quality, more powerful GPU for better visuals in demanding applications. While the GF65 Thin is less portable than the lighter Cloudbook and has shorter battery life, its advantages in core performance areas like the CPU, RAM, and screen quality make it a more capable device for a range of tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
5.5/10
6.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The MSI GF65 Thin is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
The MSI GF65 Thin is better suited for gaming and 3D applications because it features a powerful Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and a high screen refresh rate of 144Hz, key factors for smooth and detailed visual performance. In contrast, the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" has a much less capable Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, which significantly limits its ability to handle demanding graphics and results in a less responsive gaming experience.
Engineering and Design
6.7/10
5.5/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
6.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The MSI GF65 Thin is only fair for engineering and design, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
The MSI GF65 Thin is equipped with a powerful Intel i5 processor, ample RAM, and a high-performance Nvidia RTX graphics card, making it suitable for engineering and design tasks that require significant processing power and visual detail, while its IPS screen ensures good color representation and viewing angles. In contrast, the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" has a basic Intel Celeron processor and minimal RAM, along with integrated graphics that struggle with demanding applications and complex visuals, which results in a less capable machine for engineering and design despite its portability and lighter weight.
Content Creation
6.8/10
5.9/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI GF65 Thin is only fair for content creation, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
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, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Screen Quality
6.8/10
5.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.1in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
262.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
The MSI GF65 Thin has a better screen than the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the MSI GF65 Thin's fair screen quality is due to its adequate resolution and brightness, making it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook's poor screen quality is likely due to lower resolution and duller brightness, which can strain the eyes over long periods. When considering engineering and design, the MSI GF65 Thin has a tolerable range of colors it can display, but it may not capture the full spectrum required for professional color work, unlike higher-end laptops that offer wider color gamuts; the Packard Bell Cloudbook falls short here, potentially making colors look less accurate. For gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is critical, the MSI GF65 Thin's lower refresh rate leads to less fluid movement compared to gaming-specific laptops, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook's poor performance in this area means it's not suitable for these intensive tasks.
Battery
4.5 Hours
7.0 Hours
The MSI GF65 Thin has 4.5 hours of battery life. The Packard Bell Cloudbook 14 has 7 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.1in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" has very good portability, while the MSI GF65 Thin has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.7/10
5.1/10
The MSI GF65 Thin has only fair build quality, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,100
$350
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The MSI GF65 Thin has a price of $1,100 and the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" costs $350.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI GF65 Thin to be only fair for software development, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the MSI GF65 Thin and the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" compare to other laptops
"The MSI GF65 Thin offers a GeForce RTX 3060 on a budget. The MSI GF65 is a relatively inexpensive RTX 3060 laptop and, perhaps not coincidentally, it also comes with a slower-than-average RTX 3060 GPU. Other laptops we've tested thus far with the same GPU are about 10 to 15 percent faster. CPU performance is also slightly slower than average unless if users decide to enable Cooler Boost mode. Colors, black-white response times, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort are either average or completely omitted. Gamers who want to maximize performance-per-dollar without sacrificing RAM or SSD upgradeability will find the lightweight MSI GF65 attractive."
Get a great deal on the MSI GF65 Thin or the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14"
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
97,395
Recommendations made
21,103
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.