What’s $499 and runs Windows XP Home with a 1.6GHz Atom processor? Why the MSI Wind, of course! It should be available in June (a Linux version drops for $399 in July) and will definitely give the ultralight Asus eee a run for its money.
The 2.6 lbs Wind features 5+ HR battery life, Windows XP, ergonomic keyboard, and 80G hard drive all for under $500
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – June 3rd, 2008 – MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is excited to announce the official launch of the much anticipated Wind Notebook. The Wind, an acronym for “Wi-Fi Network Device,” is the first 10” notebook to feature the speedy new Intel Atom™ 1.6GHz processor
“Intel is excited to collaborate with MSI to usher in the next generation of mobile computing devices,” said Steve Dallman, Intel VP Sales and marketing Group and GM, Worldwide Reseller Channel Organization. “The Wind’s user–friendly design, combined with the low power and 45nm High-K process of the Intel Atom processor, makes for an exceptional netbook.”
Weighing in at just 2.6 lbs, MSI designed the Wind to be lightweight and ultra mobile, without sacrificing convenience or performance. The Wind features an ergonomically designed keyboard that is only 20% smaller than of a full sized keyboard, with keys spaced a comfortable 0.68 inches apart. Business travelers will welcome the extended battery life available with the Windows based version, which provides up to 5.5 hours of untethered work time.
The Windows version of the Wind features an 80G / 2.5” SATA hard drive, which further sets it apart from other ultra portable notebooks, whose manufacturers have compromised memory capacity to save space. The Wind’s display features embedded LED power-saving backlight technology, which provides superior color quality and brightness. This innovative notebook also comes standard with a 1.3M webcam, Bluetooth capabilities, 3 USB ports and a 4-in-1 card reader.
The Windows version of the Wind is priced at $499 MSRP, and will be available for purchase starting June 16th, 2008 at www.msimobile.com. The Linux based models of the Wind will be available at the same site later this summer for $399 MSRP.
MSI WIND NOTEBOOK SPECIFICATIONS
Windows Version
CPU
Intel Atom 1.6 GHz
Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition™
Chipset
Intel 945GMS, ICH7-M
Display
10″W (1024×600) LED
VGA
UMA
Memory
1GB DDR2/ 667MHz
Hard Drive
80G / 2.5” SATA
Battery
6 Cells / 5.5 hrs
WLAN
802.11b/g
Bluetooth
Yes
Webcam
1.3m
Dimensions
10.23″ x 7.08″ x 0.748″ ~1.24″
Weight
2.6lbs
Available Colors
White, Black, and Pink
MSRP
$499
Although it isn’t any powerhouse or desktop replacement… might be just perfect for checking e-mail and typing a few notes in notepad!
Jon
http://woodmarvels.com – Create Unique Memories
Someone should tell them that WIND is not an acronym for Wi-Fi Network Device; that would be WND….
Netbooks aren’t quite as versatile as they might appear. Yes they’re cheap and compact, but ultimately worthless for anything beyond basic writing and simple web browsing. Video is all but useless on these devices – dropped frames galore, so you can forget about laying on the sofa, watching streaming videos on YouTube, Joost, Hulu, etc.
I like the concept these mini-notebooks bring to the table, but they’re an idea not fully baked.
I am the target market for an ultralight laptop (I’ve had a ThinkPad x30 for years, which I use as much or more than my desktop). I’m a writer who travels quite a bit, and I need a laptop that I can carry everywhere with me without putting much strain on my shoulder. I don’t watch Web video and I leave image processing to my desktop; I use my laptop for writing and surfing the Web and doing a little bit of light Web development. (Lack of an optical drive is not a problem if you have a desktop and a home network. Just share out your desktop optical drive, connect to it from your laptop, and you’re golden. I’ve needed an optical drive all of four times since I’ve owned this laptop.)
This one looks nice, though I could wish it had 2GB RAM. If it has at least two USB ports and a comfortable keyboard, I might actually purchase one.
“Netbooks aren’t quite as versatile as they might appear. Yes they’re cheap and compact, but ultimately worthless for anything beyond basic writing and simple web browsing. Video is all but useless on these devices – dropped frames galore, so you can forget about laying on the sofa, watching streaming videos on YouTube, Joost, Hulu, etc. ”
I’m pretty sure I’ve read somewhere that the wind had no problems streaming videos from hulu. heck, my dad’s 400mhz duron can stream videos from youtube, so i’m sure the wind can.
netbooks look like a great market for students. i’d really like to be able to get a cheap laptop for easy notetaking.
I like it, but it needs a better battery life for such a small device.
http://astore.amazon.com/buy.cheap.msi.wind.mini.laptop.sale-20
I like it, but I think battery is too bad