09/21, 4:25pm
MSI Wind U110 in US with 15-hour spec
MSI this afternoon grew its American roster of Wind netbooks by importing the U110 Eco. The new model is the only one based on Intel's newer Z500-series Atom chips and uses a 1.6GHz example that gives it a much longer claimed runtime of up to about 15 hours with its standard nine-cell battery pack. Unlike the version announced earlier in the year, though, the US version uses the GMA 500 graphics inherent to the Z500 line than a much faster dedicated chipset.
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09/15, 1:35pm
MSI AE2200 arrives for the US
MSI this afternoon gave its US audience the Wind Top AE2200, the most advanced version of its all-in-one desktop. It gets a 21.6-inch touchscreen with MSI's own interface for apps, editing and games, but it's also treated as a media center with its own TV tuner and HDMI input. Helping the goal along are parts that put it above nettops and let it decode HD, such as a 2.7GHz Pentium dual-core and GMA 4500 video.
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08/26, 4:00pm
MSI WindTop AE2010
MSI today added a larger, faster version of its WindTop all-in-one desktop to its American lineup. In addition to a larger 20-inch touchscreen with a higher 1600x900 resolution, the easel-like PC is also the first for the US to use a processor faster than an Atom and uses a low-power, 1.5GHz AMD Athlon X2 that gives it enough power to run Windows Vista and eventually Windows 7. Switching to the new platform also gives MSI a much faster Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics chipset for better 3D and HD processing.
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08/25, 10:50pm
Mobile Core i7, touch Win
MSI has confirmed the introduction of mobile Core i7 processors with several of its upcoming Windows 7-based notebooks . The company is set to ship 15.4- and 17-inch notebooks based on the Core i7 7200M, Core i7 8200M, and Core i7 920XM CPUs. Along with the high-end notebooks, MSI is also set to release a Wind U150 netbook featuring a touchscreen and Intel's next-generation Pine Trail platform.
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08/21, 11:00am
MSI Wind12 U200 official
Taiwan-based computer maker MSI has officially announced the 12.1-inch, CULV-based Wind12 U200 ultraportable. Labeled as the first 12.1-inch notebook powered by Intel's Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) line, it comes with a 1.4GHz Core 2 Solo that gives it much more performance than a netbook but without as much of a jump in price or power use as a full-size system. Accordingly, it weighs less than 3.1lbs with its stock 3-cell battery.
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05/22, 3:05pm
MSI Wind U115 Ships to UK
Complementing the US launch of the U123, MSI today started supplying the Wind U115 Hybrid to UK shops. The netbook is the company's first system to use Intel's Atom Z500 line and uses a 1.6GHz example of the lower-powered chip along with a unique hard drive and solid-state drive combo to extend battery life. Unofficial tests show the system lasting as long as 13 hours on its standard 6-cell battery and 25 hours on a 9-cell pack.
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05/22, 12:10pm
MSI Wind U123 Ships to US
MSI on Friday started shipping its Wind U123 netbook to the US. The 10-inch system we tried at CTIA is MSI's first with the slightly faster 1.66GHz Atom N280 and centers on battery life; a relatively large 6-cell pack is stock, and an optional 9-cell unit extends its battery life to over 8 hours. Lid colors are less conservative with blue and red as options.
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05/13, 11:05am
MSI Wind U200 Leak
MSI's first true ultraportable to use Intel's CULV (Consumer Ultra Low Voltage) platform has likely been leaked a day ahead of its actual launch. Put into the Wind netbook family, the U200 as found by Engadget will be closer to a notebook with a CULV processor (presumed to be the 1.2GHz Celeron M 723) and a 12-inch, 1366x768 LED-backlit display. It will also have much more in base specifications than netbooks with 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive and GMA 4500 video that can drive HD video playback.
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04/21, 11:20am
MSI Wind U100 Plus
MSI today unveiled a last real update to its starter netbooks in the Wind U100 Plus. The new version trades up to the 1.66GHz Atom N280 and its faster, 533MHz system bus. It also brings two new colors, midnight blue and rose champagne (light pink) alongside the existing black, red and white. MSI claims 7 hours of battery life for the system on a 6-cell pack.
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04/02, 11:40am
MSI X-Slim Hands-On
Electronista had the opportunity to try MSI's new X-Slim and Wind U123 notebooks at a press event last evening and came away impressed. The X340 is the centerpiece, as it's one of the first to use Intel's new CULV processors; that lets it run Vista Home Premium reasonably quickly without having to balloon the form factor. The system is disconcertingly thin: at about 0.7 inches deep and 2.8 pounds heavy, it's visibly almost as thin as a Dell Adamo and certainly feels much lighter. It should also cost half as much at about $1,000 while running about as quickly.
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04/01, 2:50pm
MSI Wind U123, X-Slim spec
At the CTIA show in Vegas that kicked off today, MSI is showing off its new Wind U123 netbook along with a pair of new X-series Ultra-Slim notebooks and has released the specs and pricing information for its portable PCs. The new 10.2-inch Wind model is powered by Intel's 1.66GHz Atom N280 CPU and is the first Wind netbook to offer a 3G data network module and a TV Tuner. For security, the netbook will have MSI's EasyFace software that will read a user's facial features via its 1.3-megapixel camera before granting access. Another first in the Wind range is the U123's availability in a range of colors, adding blue and red in addition to white and gray.
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03/16, 10:30am
MSI Wind U110 Eco
MSI today gave the Wind series yet another update through the U110 Eco. The new netbook is MSI's first to use the Poulsbo-era 1.6GHz Atom Z530 and uses the more power-efficient chipset to extend battery life to a full 9 hours in peak conditions. Despite the Intel core, the model also unusually depends on AMD's ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3200 integrated chipset to give it faster graphics than Intel's current chipsets can offer.
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03/12, 2:35pm
MSI Wind Nettop CS120
MSI on Thursday afternoon brought the Wind Nettop CS120 to the US. The mini desktop is slightly slower than the CS100, opting for a single-core 1.6GHz Atom 230 instead of the dual-core Atom 330, but is a complete system with 1GB of built-in memory, a 160GB hard drive and 802.11g Wi-Fi. It's also one of the few nettops to have a built-in DVD burner instead of relying on USB storage or the network.
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02/06, 3:50pm
MSI NetOn AP1900
MSI has formally announced the Wind NetOn AP1900, the company's first all-in-one to hit the market following the unveiling of the lineup at CES in January. The device features an 18.5-inch WXGA display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, with all components contained in a housing that measures just 35 mm thick. Users can adjust the viewing angle or mount the computer to a wall. The design features a gloss-black bezel around the display along with polished silver trim and accents.
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01/15, 1:35pm
MSI shows dua-core NetTop
Taiwan-area computer maker MSI has shown off a dual-core version of its small Wind Wind Nettop desktop PC, the D130. The new PC is powered by Intel's 1.6GHz Atom 330 dual-core CPU and 2GB of RAM. The desktop uses a power-saving design that uses up to 35W at its peak, which MSI estimates is 90 percent more efficient than the power consumption of a traditional ATX desktop that uses between 250W and 300W.
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01/08, 12:15pm
ViewSonic VieBook ViePC
ViewSonic today ventured into relatively unknown territory for itself by launching its first, full-fledged computers. The VieBook (content to come soon) is its take on the netbook and carries specs similar to most other models using a 10-inch display, with a 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and Bluetooth rounding out its feature set. The system will ship in February for $429 and comes preloaded with Windows XP.
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01/05, 3:10pm
MSI Wind NetOn at CES
MSI today outlined its plans for CES and confirmed the presence of the company's first all-in-one nettop. The Wind NetOn (shown) competes against ASUS' Eee Top and also described as one of the fastest; in the US-specific AE1901 model, the 19-inch system will come with a dual-core 1.6GHz Atom that should significantly improve performance while keeping power use down to just 50W. IT and the other 16- and 22-inch systems have yet to receive full details but should come with 16:9 ratio, 1366x768 touchscreens (1920x1080 in the 22-inch version) that simplify their respective interfaces.
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12/10, 1:20pm
Touchscreen Wind at CES
MSI will be demonstrating new touchscreen-enabled notebooks during January's Consumer Electronics Show, says the company's US sales director. Andy Tung notes that 10- and 16-inch touchscreen portables will be on display, the former of which should be a Wind netbook. It is uncertain if it will become a commercial product, says Tung, as a 10-inch screen may be considered too small for tablet functionality; it is confirmed however that MSI's touch-based Wind desktops will be coming to the US in 17-, 19- and 22-inch sizes.
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11/28, 2:10pm
MSI to add Wind models
At a press conference recently held in France, Taiwanese computer maker MSI introduced new versions of its Wind netbook, the MSI Wind U115, U110 and U120H. The U120H will ship with a 3G data network module from Ericsson that will enable it to access the high-speed network with a SIM card. Other specs of the new netbook include an Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard disk with Windows XP on it. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules will also be accounted for, with the computer powered by a six-cell battery. MSI recently announced a stock U120 with similar specs and the availability of a Wi-Fi module.
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11/28, 10:55am
MSI Windbox Spotted
MSI is planning to join ASUS in the nettop field by taking a different approach, the company has confirmed through a French unveiling covered by Journal du Geek. The Windbox is deliberately given a slim, subtle black enclosure that MSI says is meant to be used for home theater PC duty; a VESA mount on one side lets it attach directly to the back of most HDTVs. The company also renders it noise-free by using passive heatsinks to cool the inside instead of fans.
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11/21, 4:15pm
MSI Wind U120
MSI in a late weekday announcement announced its long-promised US version of the Wind U120. The update to has the same features of higher-spec U100 models with a 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB of memory, a six-cell battery and a 160GB hard drive but brings in a sleeker design and the option of either 3G cellular Internet access over HSPA or WiMAX for 4G-grade access over networks from Clearwire or Sprint.
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11/19, 10:30am
MSI Wind Netons coming
Desktop and notebook computer maker MSI recently unveiled a new range of small-footprint all-in-one PCs, called the Wind Neton, in China. The Wind Neton range should compete against the ASUS Eee Top as well as the iMac and comprises the 22-inch M22, 18.5-inch M19 and 15.6-inch M16. Processing power will come from Intel's Atom CPU, with a dual-core 1.6GHz Atom 330 in some models. Any of the three nettops will be available with touchscreen functionality for the M16 and M19's 1366x768 screen or the M22's 1920x1080 display. In a rare move for Atom-based systems, the M22 also has an optional Blu-ray drive.
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11/05, 3:35pm
MSI Wind drops to $350
An online Best Buy listing has been spotted on Wednesday and is offering a version of the 10-inch MSI Wind netbook for just short of $350, which is the least expensive Wind ever by about $50. The specific model is U100-420US, which is powered by Intel's 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU coupled to 1GB of RAM, and includes an 802.11b/g Wi-Fi module to stay true to its Wind name, which, according to MSI, was taken from Wi-Fi Network Device.
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10/20, 12:05pm
MSI Wind coming earlier
There are new specs to report regarding the MSI Wind U120, introduced earlier this month. The netbook will include a built-in 3G module and sport a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU coupled to 1GB of memory and a 120GB hard drive with Windows XP. The newest report, published on Monday, maintains the netbook will be available in November and not, as previously believed, December. MSI has teamed up with Vibo Telecom in its home market of Taiwan for supplying its 8.9-inch Wind U90 netbook with wireless data services, and the computer maker is in talks with European providers for similar deals.
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10/06, 4:05pm
MSI Wind at Best Buy
MSI today said that its Wind netbook is shipping to Best Buy, marking one of the first times the portable has been available in a major US retail chain. The netbook ships in just one configuration for the store and comes with Windows XP pre-loaded as well as the necessary 1GB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive; MSI keeps pricing under check by using the stock three-cell battery rather than the larger six-cell pack.
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08/04, 7:25am
Lenovo IdeaPad S10
Lenovo this morning contributed its share to the rapidly growing netbook field with a new IdeaPad model. The S10 shares the same 10-inch screen and 1.6GHz Atom processor as larger rivals like the MSI Wind but promises a unique design with a multi-touch trackpad, front-mounted speakers, and a keyboard at 85 percent of full size and thus comfortable enough to type on for long periods. A 1.3-megapixel camera is built into the lid. Bluetooth and an ExpressCard slot are also rare additions for connections to wireless keyboards, 3G modems, and similar peripherals.
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07/30, 11:40am
MSI Wind Price Hikes
MSI today confirmed to LAPTOP that it would raise the official price of its Wind mini notebook by an average of $50. A base model with a three-cell battery pack now costs $499 while a longer-lasting six-cell version costs $549. The company has had "no choice" but to increase the price as the raw manufacturing costs for the battery and other notebook materials have increased significantly, according to an MSI official. Retailers such as Buy.com are being asked to cancel orders at the original prices to avoid facing sanctions from the PC builder.
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07/08, 4:35pm
MSI Wind Ships in US
MSI this afternoon confirmed that it has finally begun shipping the Wind, its first mini notebook. Stores such as Amazon, Buy.com, Fry's, and Newegg are all receiving the 10-inch portables first and will initially receive basic versions with a three-cell battery and Windows XP Home. Versions with the longer-lived six-cell battery as well as those preloaded with Linux are due in September, the company says. The larger battery itself will be available separately at the same time.
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06/27, 4:30pm
MSI delays Wind UMPC
MSI has again delayed getting its Wind UMPC into the hands of buyers. In a letter sent to customers recently, apologetic MSI says the delay stems from an industry-wide notebook battery shortage that took place in March. In an attempt to make up for the delay, MSI will give buyers free overnight shipping when the Wind does arrive on July 7. The last promised ship date for the long-awaited UMPC was June 16th, but US customers are still to receive their mini notebooks.
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06/04, 4:50pm
Apple snubbing 3 Italia?
Apple may be refusing to negotiate with all players in the Italian cellphone market, one telecom executive suggests. Vincenzo Novari, the CEO of phone carrier 3 Italia, says that while his company is "super-interested about the iPhone," he has not heard any response in regard to inquiries at Apple, whether positive or negative. Novari in fact claims to have sent two e-mail messages directly to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, without receiving any sort of acknowledgement.
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06/03, 7:45am
Acer Aspire One
Acer this morning made its launch into micro notebooks official with the Aspire one. Following closely in the style of systems from ASUS and MSI, the 8.9-inch portable is based on an Intel Atom processor that Acer claims should last for about 6 hours on an optional battery, or slightly longer than the MSI Wind's 5.5 hours. This is helped by the switch to flash storage on the base model: simpler configurations include an 8GB module in place of the hard drive used in some other mini portables.
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06/03, 7:15am
MSI Wind Launch Firmed Up
MSI this morning finalized the US specs and details for the Wind, its entry into micro notebooks. The 10-inch, LED-backlit system is available in Linux and Windows versions that share virtually identical features: at the center is a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor that MSI claims will net each Wind as much as 5.5 hours of battery life, or much more than systems based on older Celeron processors. Each also comes with an 80GB hard drive rather than flash memory.
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05/28, 7:55am
ASUS Eee PC 1000
ASUS is bumping up the launch of the 10-inch Eee PC in an attempt to head off rivals, PC builder insiders claim. The company is reportedly concerned about the launch of the same-size MSI Wind and now plans to introduce its largest Eee PC at the Computex show next week alongside the Atom-based Eee PC 901 in an attempt to garner more publicity for its own system.
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05/13, 2:45pm
MSI Wind US Launch Info
MSI today has firmed up specs for its Wind mini-notebook, including its launch timeframe. The 10-inch system will closely follow ASUS' practices with the Eee PC and ship in both a low-cost Linux version (based on Novell's distribution) as well as a more expensive Windows XP edition. The basic Wind will ship with just 512MB of RAM and a three-cell battery good for 2.5 hours of battery life; in exchange for the higher price and demands of the Windows portable, the premium model will come with 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth, and a six-cell battery that runs for 5.5 hours.
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05/09, 3:05pm
MSI Wind Pre-Order
Online store eXpansys today put up pre-orders for the Wind, MSI's rival to the ASUS Eee PC. Elaborating on early specs published last month for the system, the store confirms that the launch edition of the 10-inch notebook will run on a comparatively quick 1.6GHz Atom and features that aren't often present in smaller notebooks, such as a physically larger 80GB hard drive, a 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the lid, and Bluetooth.
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