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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
The MSI Modern 14 is a high-performance laptop with a premium price tag, offering superior processing power, memory, and graphics capabilities, ideal for intensive tasks like engineering, 3D modeling, or gaming. On the other hand, the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is much more affordable but has lower specifications, making it suitable for general use such as web browsing, document editing, and other non-intensive tasks. Along with the performance difference, the MSI Modern 14 also has a higher build quality. However, the lower cost of the Packard Bell might be more attractive if your needs are basic and budget is a primary concern. The MSI's battery life is also geared towards heavy usage whereas the Cloudbook, due to its less powerful hardware, might offer better battery life for light tasks. Keep in mind the tradeoff between affordability and capability when making your decision. 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 Modern 14
- Good for general use
- Good for software development
- Good for content creation
- Good overall build quality
- Good speakers
- Good keyboard
Advantages of the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14"
- The Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" has no clear advantages over the MSI Modern 14.
Key differences
General Use
7.2
5.7
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
311.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
4.6/10
8.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The MSI Modern 14 is good for general use, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
The MSI Modern 14 offers a stronger CPU, more RAM, and higher screen color accuracy, which contributes to a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially for multitasking and media. On the other hand, the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14 has less storage and memory, a lower-tier CPU, and poorer keyboard quality, making it less ideal for general use where performance and comfort are key factors.
Gaming and AI
6.0
5.5
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The MSI Modern 14 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
The MSI Modern 14 offers fair gaming performance since it is equipped with a mid-range GPU that handles games and 3D applications decently well, along with an average 60Hz screen refresh rate. In contrast, the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is considered poor for these tasks because it has a basic GPU that isn't capable of handling these more intensive graphics demands and also comes with an average screen refresh rate.
Engineering and Design
6.6
5.5
5.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The MSI Modern 14 is only fair for engineering and design, while the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" is poor.
The MSI Modern 14 is more suitable for engineering and design because it has a stronger CPU, more RAM, and a better integrated GPU, which are crucial for such tasks, along with a high-quality screen. In contrast, the Packard Bell Cloudbook has a basic CPU, less RAM, and a weaker GPU, making it less capable for demanding engineering software and design work, despite its similar screen size and resolution.
Content Creation
7.2
5.9
5.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Modern 14 is good 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.
Software Development
7.1
5.9
5.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
4.6/10
The MSI Modern 14 is good 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.
Screen Quality
6.4
5.8
14.0in
SIZE
14.1in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
311.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
The MSI Modern 14 has a better screen than the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering the MSI Modern 14 and the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14", the MSI typically provides a clearer and more vibrant display for general tasks due to its better panel type, higher resolution, and greater brightness. For engineering and design, the MSI offers more accurate colors, which is crucial for precision work, but the Packard Bell falls short in displaying the full range of color gamuts, making it less suitable for professional editing or CAD work. When it comes to 3D applications and gaming, the MSI, while not ideal due to its standard refresh rate, does edge out over the Packard Bell, which has a lower performance in both refresh rates and resolution, leading to less fluid visuals.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.1in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Modern 14 and Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" both have very good portability, though the MSI Modern 14 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0
5.1
The MSI Modern 14 has good 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
$748
$350
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The MSI Modern 14 has a price of $748 and the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" costs $350.
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Key similarities
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The MSI Modern 14 has 6 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the MSI Modern 14 and the Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| MSI Modern 14 | Packard Bell Cloudbook 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$748 | $350 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 8.7'' x 0.63'' | 14.8'' x 9.6'' x 0.78'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.08 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.68" | 14.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.74" | 9.56" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 1 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 128 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 39 Wh | 38 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14.1" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 311 nits | 200 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
MSI Modern 14
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Rtings
Alexander Tozzi, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | October 2023
"The MSI Modern 14 is okay for school use. It's very compact, so it's easy to carry around. It has a sharp display, a spacious keyboard, and a reasonably large touchpad. Its Intel 13th Gen CPU and integrated graphics can handle general productivity tasks like text processing and web browsing; however, don't expect to do anything intensive like 3D modeling or physics simulations. Unfortunately, the battery lasts less than five hours of light use, and the display doesn't get bright enough to combat glare."
Get a great deal on the MSI Modern 14 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.
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