When most people think of netbooks, they’ll usually think of little computers with 10-inch screens and Intel Atom processors. MSI seems to be bucking the trend for this go-around, introducing the new MSI Wind U230 netbook. It may look like any other, but it has at least two unique features.
For starters, the processor is not of the Intel Atom variety. Instead, the Wind U230 gets an AMD Neo X2 MV40 processor, which has the same 1.6GHz clock speed as the standard Atom N270 processor. It’s unclear whether this has better or worse performance than the Intel equivalent. Second, the screen size has been bumped up to 12.1-inches with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
Other features include Windows 7 Home Premium, AMD Radeon HD3200 graphics, up to 4GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel webcam, VGA/HDMI, Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. For the hard drive, you can choose between 160GB, 250GB, and 320GB capacities. You can also choose between three- and six-cell batteries.
The Wind U210 with Windows Vista had a retail price of $429.99, so the MSI Wind U230 with Windows 7 will probably have a suggested retail price in the same neighborhood. There’s no word on a release date either, but it should be ready soon.
Richard
November 3, 2009 9:07 am
This is a nice netbook. The features you mentioned are its best advantages for sure. I like its ‘huge’ (for a netbook) screen. Moreover, I must say that MSI makes really good stuff. I think I’ll buy it.
Laptop Briefcase
November 3, 2009 12:21 pm
Good move on using a 12″ screen instead of 10″. The small screen is the major reason that I would never buy the typical netbook. My fingers and eyes both need something a little bigger.
Amiga
November 4, 2009 3:01 pm
This netbook is great. 12.1 screen isn’t too small and too big :) It’s perfect to take it with you to school and you want notice that you have this light netbook in your rucksack:)
WiFi Digital Picture Frame
November 6, 2009 6:26 am
I agree. The increase in size of screen would make me re-think the purchase of a netbook. Although netbooks are very convenient I have always found them a little too small for ease of use and comfort. The extra few inches might make all the difference without losing the convenience.