Facts about the MSI Wind Notebook
MSI’s upcoming UMPC bet has generated some (yes, just some when compared to the EEE) buzz to turn a few curious eyes away from it’s competitors. Under the Atom Processor banner, the new Ultra Mobile Notebook is set to make AsusTek run for it’s money with the delay of the Atom version of it’s much awaited EEE 900.
Update: MSI has set the release date to June 16th and changed the price of the XP version to just $499.
I’ve posted some preliminary specs and features of the Wind PC and the moment I hit the publish button, I knew I should’ve waited for a couple of more days. MSI has just revealed all that there is to know about the Wind PC. You’ll note that there are two versions of the unit, one running Novell LInux and one running Windows XP. Here’s the breakdown of the specifications and pricing:
| Linux Version ($399) | Windows XP Version($499) |
| CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom OS: Linux Novell SUSE Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600 Hard Drive: 80GB / 2.5” SATA VGA: UMA Memory: 512MB DDR2/ 667MHz Card Reader: 4-in-1 (SD,MMC,MS, MS Pro) USB Ports: 3 Mic-in/Headphone Webcam: 1.3 MP WLAN: 802.11b/g Bluetooth: No Battery: Three Cells / 2.5 hrs Dimension: 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.748 inches Weight: 2.6 lbs |
CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom OS: Windows XP Home Edition Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600 Hard Drive: 80GB / 2.5” SATA VGA: UMA Memory: 1GB DDR2/ 667MHz Card Reader: 4-in-1 (SD,MMC,MS, MS Pro) USB Ports: 3 Mic-in/Headphone Webcam: 1.3 MP WLAN: 802.11b/g Bluetooth: Yes Battery: Six Cells / 5.5 hrs Dimension: 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.748-inches Weight: 2.8 lbs |
Judging from the specs, it appears that the Linux version is much more tuned down version against the pricier, Windows XP version. Is MSI showing preference to Microsoft? Hmm.. My guess is not. Price-wise, at $399, the Wind PC is already a strong competitor to the EEE 900 (if you’re going to complain about the RAM, just add another 512 to it, they’re cheap nowadays). Couple that with the early release date of June 3 instead of a yet unknown date for Asus’ Atom-based EEE 900, it’s an offer that’s difficult to match.
Confident of the mark they’ll be making on the UMPC market, MSI is also set to release several other models to ensure that they’ll be able to cater to everyone’s needs. An 8.9-inch version (not available in the US) is set as a follow-up release as well as a $500 “base” XP edition, but details are still sketchy.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Wind PC (Linux and/or Windows version/s) is a great package. It has all that I am looking for in terms of mobile computing (10 inch screen, 5 hr battery life, Atom-processor) and at a reasonable price (more than my DSLR but less than my older notebook). It offers mobile computing with style without burdening your back (from carrying this) and your wallet.
Like the Asus EEE 900 the price is higher for the Windows XP version but if you compare features, you’ll realize than MSI has packaged both versions with the consumer in mind, not just a way to milk them dry.
With MSI’s release, I’m officially on the Wind PC boat.
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4 Responses to “Facts about the MSI Wind Notebook”
By jhay on May 15, 2008 | Reply
Looks like a serious competitor to the Asus Eee PC. Hopefully, this will be all good to us consumers.
jhays last blog post..Asus Eee PC 900 Press Launch
By sylv3rblade on May 15, 2008 | Reply
Yep. The UMPC market is getting crowded. Sooner or later, it’ll be just a matter of preference instead of who’s who.