MSI dishes specs for its Wind mini-notebook

Matthew Elliott | May 14, 2008

MSI put out a vague news release that detailed some, but not all, of the specifications of its upcoming and unfortunately named Wind mini-notebook. At the top of the release, it states the 10-inch notebook will "feature the new Intel Processor", but it failed to explain what that processor might be. An Intel Atom processor is a safe bet; the chips are expected to be released this June.

The only mention of pricing in the release reveals that MSI Wind configurations will start at less than US$500 in early June. The MSI Wind is available, however, for preorder at Expansys, which lists a S$764.95 (US$562.46) price for a Linux-based model and a S$834.95 (US$613.93) price for a Windows model (and a ship date of June 27). Expansys states that the processor as a 1.6GHz Intel processor. I'd hazard a guess that the Wind will use the 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 chip. Available colors for the models on Expansys are white, black, and pink.

The MSI Wind news release does reveal that there will be two configurations, one based on Novell Linux and another based on Windows XP Home. Both models will feature a 10-inch, LED-backlit screen with a 1,024 x 600-pixel resolution, the Intel 945GMS chipset, Bluetooth and an 80GB hard drive. Common features also include three USB ports, a card reader, an integrated Webcam, and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi.

Both variants serve up 1GB of RAM and a three-cell battery which MSI estimates will run for 2.5 hours. The six-cell unit has a claimed uptime of 5.5 hours. With its smaller battery, the three-cell MSI Wind weighs 1.05kg, while the larger battery ups the heft to 1.18kg.

ASUS offers both versions of its Eee PC 900 at the same S$798 (US$586.76) price, but it supplies a larger hard drive in the Linux version--your bonus for skipping the fee for the Windows license. MSI is taking a different approach, charging the consumer for the Windows licensing fee, which means the sub-US$500 price it quotes will almost certainly apply to only the Linux model.

Perhaps the most interesting detail included in the release was how MSI arrived at the Wind moniker. Wind means Wi-Fi Network Device.

Via CNET Crave

Filed under: Notebooks
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isaac976

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isaac976 says...
do i hear Mini-note/UMPC WAR? hyak hyak hyak.. prepare to spend less cash on this babies when they start trashing each other.. more value to the consumers

May 16, 2008 22:30