Great Gadgets: MSI Wind Subnotebook

Posted on May 19th, 2008

By and large, the average consumer is not aware of the alternatives to the Asus Eee PC. They love its incredibly compact form factor and affordable price point, but they may neglect to notice competitors like the HP Mini-Note 2133. Another formidable entry into the world of subnotebooks is the stylish and small MSI Wind.

Set to be available with either a Linux operating system or Windows XP, the MSI Wind is slightly larger than the current 7-inch Asus Eee PC. The MSI Wind will come in two sizes: one with an 8.9-inch display and the other with a 10-inch display. As it stands, only the 10-inch version will be coming to the United States, but you will likely be able to purchase the 8.9-inch version from your favorite importer.

The specs will vary a little between the SuSE Linux model and the Windows XP model, but both will come with the new 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, an 80GB hard drive (instead of the flash-based memory found on the Eee), 1.3 megapixel webcam, and 4-in-1 card reader. The Linux version comes bundled with a 2.5-hour battery, whereas the Windows version gets a larger battery for 5.5 hours of life. The XP version also gets twice as much RAM, clocking in with one full gigabyte.

Both versions of the MSI Wind subnotebook are scheduled to launch next month. The Linux model and Windows model will retail for $399 and $549, respectively.

What do you think?

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