MSI Wind: The Subnotebook that makes sense?

[Flannel Boy]

Inexpensive, small, and lightweight laptops have been very pathetic. They offer poor value for the money, small and cramped keyboards, and disappointing battery life. Despite these deficiencies, Asus has managed to sell over a million crappy eeepc's. These sales numbers are causing manufactures to jump into the subnotebook market, including MSI. In June MSI will be releasing Wind. 



The MSI Wind is still a bad value; similar priced notebooks offer much more power, bigger screens, larger hard drives, etc. But the Wind will at least have a regular sized keyboard and very good battery life, reportedly lasting for up to seven hours. It will also be powered by Intel's newest CPU, the Atom.

SPECS
-1kg
-8.9-inch or 10-inch wide LCD: resolution of 1024 x 600.
-Intel Atom up to 1.6 GHz
-1 or 2 gigs of RAM
-Linux or Windows XP
-Bluetooth 2.0
-1.3-megapixel webcam.
-2.5-inch 80GB hard drive
-seven hour batter life (rumored)
-$500 to over $1000!

http://news.sky.com/skynews/xml/article/tech/0,,91221-14092,00.html

[Madrun Badrun]

sexy. 

[Eel O'Brian]

why does everything have a webcam nowadays

i miss the days when people kept their unfortunate looks to themselves

that's a pretty zippy little notepadbook, though

[Human Snorenado]

Atom
non-borked keyboard

[Flannel Boy]

why does everything have a webcam nowadays

i miss the days when people kept their unfortunate looks to themselves

that's a pretty zippy little notepadbook, though

They're inexpensive to put in and seem more valuable to the consumer than they really are. And all girls are attention whores, so these cameras are big selling points.

Atom
non-borked keyboard

The Atom uses about two watts of power, and 11 of them can fit on top of a penny. It's not very powerful, but it should provide enough power for most users.

[MrAngryFace]

This review basically says:

"Other subnotebooks dont have power for running games, and neither does this one, but at least it has a keyboard and a battery."

[Flannel Boy]

This review basically says:

"Other subnotebooks dont have power for running games, and neither does this one, but at least it has a keyboard and a battery."

That's what my desktop is for; I'd rather have extreme portability in my laptop.

[Flannel Boy]

Atom. So what. Asus, Dell and HP will use Atom too in their UMPC's.

Also the HP UMPC has a keyboard that is 92% of the actual size.

100% > Not 100%

And the the HP 2133 runs so hot that you can use it as a grill. It also has a via and crappy batter life.

[MrAngryFace]

This review basically says:

"Other subnotebooks dont have power for running games, and neither does this one, but at least it has a keyboard and a battery."

That's what my desktop is for; I'd rather have extreme portability in my laptop.

Well at least this one has a battery.

[Rman]

I'll probably pick one up.

[Flannel Boy]

So MSI should get further credit for waiting for the technology to come along, and not jumping the gun by releasing shitty UMPC's, with cramped keyboards, shitty CPU's, that function as hot plates.

[Eric P]

i just want fast start up, fast shut down and native word processing programs

i have balked at the eee because it's google docs and you need to go online to access them (to my understanding).

that's not what i'm looking for

[Flannel Boy]

Except Asus already has a non shitty UMPC since last year.

No, the EEPC is pretty shitty. And how small are your hands?

[APF]

i just want fast start up, fast shut down and native word processing programs

i have balked at the eee because it's google docs and you need to go online to access them (to my understanding).

that's not what i'm looking for

Can you use Google Gears?  (note I've never used GG and have only a vague idea re: what it's about)

[Eric P]

i don't know.

i understand there's an XP version being released soon which you can install office on

that i might be interested in

i really just want something small i can put in my bag.  the EEE is nearly perfect.

nearly

[Human Snorenado]

This review basically says:

"Other subnotebooks dont have power for running games, and neither does this one, but at least it has a keyboard and a battery."

Dude, no one is buying subs for gaming.  Mainly because it's just not frickin' possible to make one that will do gaming right now.  But in the future it will be fuck awesome.

[MrAngryFace]

well it DOES have a keyboard and a battery, that puts it one up on those other sublaptops

[Flannel Boy]

well it DOES have a keyboard and a battery, that puts it one up on those other sublaptops

I know you're mocking me, but a laptop is worthless if it doesn't have a decent keyboard. All other functions are useless if it has a tiny, unusable keyboard. And if the laptop does have a battery life of seven hours, are you going to tell me that isn't a giant advantage? It means that you wouldn't have to take an AC adapter or an extra battery along with the laptop, greatly adding to its portability--which is the point of these machines.

[MrAngryFace]

Im mostly mocking the review, actually

edit...oh wait, you wrote that. Yeah I was mocking you

[CurseoftheGods]

edit...oh wait, you wrote that. Yeah I was mocking you

Yeah, you were mocking him for making valid points.

[AdmiralViscen]

drama!

[MrAngryFace]

CURSEOTHEGODS IS FULL OF SPIT N VINEGAR!

[Smooth Groove]

That resolution is kinda weird but everything seems pretty nice.  I wonder if the battery could last 7 hrs even if you played videos on it. 

[Flannel Boy]

CURSEOTHEGODS IS FULL OF SPIT N VINEGAR!

With a bigger keyboard, you won't accidentally hit the Caps Lock key.

That resolution is kinda weird but everything seems pretty nice.  I wonder if the battery could last 7 hrs even if you played videos on it. 

Probably not. And this is rumored after all. There should be a whole slew of atom based laptops in the coming months, one of them has to get decent battery life.

[Flannel Boy]

copy and paste

Linux Version ($399)
CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom
Operating System: Linux Novell SUSE
Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M
Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600
Hard Disk 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 2.3 lbs

Windows XP Version ($549)
CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition
Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M
Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600
Hard Disk 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 2.6 lbs

[Tauntaun]

That's pretty freaking awesome, I might have to pick one up for school. 

[Flannel Boy]

That's pretty freaking awesome, I might have to pick one up for school. 

Seems a lot better than the Asus eeePC, which is very popular at the moment.

[T234]

Could this thing run WoW?

[Flannel Boy]

Could this thing run WoW?

I doubt it.

Can you play WoW on a PC with a Celron and 945 onboard graphics? If so, then I guess you could play WoW on this laptop.

[T234]

Could this thing run WoW?

I doubt it.

Can you play WoW on a PC with a Celron and 945 onboard graphics? If so, then I guess you could play WoW on this laptop.

There's a big thread on the wow forums from last year complaining about vista drivers for this exact chipset.

[Flannel Boy]

Could this thing run WoW?

I doubt it.

Can you play WoW on a PC with a Celron and 945 onboard graphics? If so, then I guess you could play WoW on this laptop.

There's a big thread on the wow forums from last year complaining about vista drivers for this exact chipset.

Does the XP driver for that chipset work?

[T234]

Yeah, there was never an issue with the xp drivers.

[Flannel Boy]

[bork]

Could this thing run WoW?

Here is one of many videos of WoW running on the Asus EEE PC.  If that can run it, this MSI notebook HAS to be able to do it better.

[youtube=425,350]LxA47JQYHrM[/youtube]

[bork]

Wait does the MSI Wind not use solid state drives?  If not, forget it...I want that kind of drive in an ultra-portable notebook.

[Eric P]

Wait does the MSI Wind not use solid state drives?  If not, forget it...I want that kind of drive in an ultra-portable notebook.

this

at this point i may as well wait for 2nd gen asus eee

[Tauntaun]

That's pretty freaking awesome, I might have to pick one up for school. 

Seems a lot better than the Asus eeePC, which is very popular at the moment.

I see your Icon status has given you great wisdom.

Malek

[Van Cruncheon]

i REALLY want one of these.

[max_cool]

so, this is a two year old laptop redesigned to be smaller? Thanks, but I already have the older model (it's 4 inches bigger  ).

[Human Snorenado]

so, this is a two year old laptop redesigned to be smaller? Thanks, but I already have the older model (it's 4 inches bigger  ).

But but but IT'S FUCKING SMALL.

Prole- yeah, I think I'm gonna buy one.  Maybe two, give one to my mom so she'll stop complaining about OMG THIS LAPTOP YOU GAVE ME FROM YOUR FRIEND IS SO HEAVY! 

[Van Cruncheon]

my parents whine about their 13" acer being too heavy. jesus, i pack around a 7 pound dell 15" all day at work, and i barely even notice. THE OLDER GENERATION IS WEAK.

raoul, yeah, that laptop is a fuckin' beast for size/weight. why do you torment your mother so!

[Human Snorenado]

my parents whine about their 13" acer being too heavy. jesus, i pack around a 7 pound dell 15" all day at work, and i barely even notice. THE OLDER GENERATION IS WEAK.

raoul, yeah, that laptop is a fuckin' beast for size/weight. why do you torment your mother so!

Because she didn't meet her quota for Authentic Scottish Wool Scarves (tm) knitted last week.  So I gave her that laptop to use on her 2 15 minute daily breaks, and took away her outside privileges.  She's gonna have to step up her productivity if she wants them back, I'm not trying to go broke here.

[Flannel Boy]

Here is a mini review: http://blog.laptopmag.com/mini-review-msi-wind-nb

As far as the Wind’s hardware goes, we are seriously impressed. As for performance, here is a hint, it is equally, if not more, impressive.

It's a pretty glowing review, though poorly written.

[Flannel Boy]

CNET preview: http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39030092,49297130,00.htm

MSI says the Wind's keyboard is pretty much identical to those used on some of its larger laptops. . . . we can tell you that the Wind is very easy and comfortable to type on.

What we can tell you is that the Wind's performance was startling. It felt significantly quicker than other machines in its class.

The Wind is the first machine of this type that can be overclocked at the touch of a button. Like the MSI TurboBook GX600, the Wind uses MSI's TurboDrive Engine, which overclocks the Wind's CPU by approximately 20 per cent if the device is connected to the mains.

Outlook
We're already in love with the MSI Wind. In fact, it could well be the best mini laptop on the market. It has a superb keyboard and screen, its performance is stellar, and it's very affordable.

[CurseoftheGods]

What were you expecting to play on a subnotebook?

[Human Snorenado]

What were you expecting to play on a subnotebook?

Yeah, I don't get that either.  These machines are not MADE to play games on, people. 

[Reb]

What are they made for?

[Human Snorenado]

What are they made for?

Word processing, interneting and such.  Fuck, what kind of games do you think you're gonna play on something that costs $500?

[Flannel Boy]

Fuck, what kind of games do you think you're gonna play on something that costs $500?

Games that have two 90 minute cut scenes, games that require 10 gig downloads, games in 630P, and games like this:



See what I did there? 

[The Fake Shemp]

That's actual screen size outputed in Haze lawl.

[Human Snorenado]

I thought Haze was an abortion, not a game???

[max_cool]

I still say that all these subnotebook PC's are a bunch of crap. I have a notebook that I bought 2 years ago for $750 that is 14.1 inches and has as good of specs as this MSI Wind (seriously? Wind?). So MSI wants someone to wait 2 years and spend $200 less for the same level of technology only 4 inches smaller? Fuck that shit. I can guarantee that I have gotten well over $200 worth of productivity from this notebook in the last 2 years and that if one were to sell it today it would probably go for $300. MSI Wind (Blows) is a ripoff much like any subnotebook is a ripoff.

- but it's so tiny.
so's my dick but I haven't had any buyers yet.

[Flannel Boy]

Your 14.1" notebook doesn't weigh less than three pounds and doesn't last 5.5 hours on a single charge.

Yes size and power efficiency are important. I'm sure Zack Morris's giant cellphone works too, but smaller more effecient phones are just better to walk around with.

[max_cool]

Your 14.1" notebook doesn't weigh less than three pounds and doesn't last 5.5 hours on a single charge.

Yes size and power efficiency are important. I'm sure Zack Morris's giant cellphone works too, but smaller more effecient phones are just better to walk around with.

The problem is that subnotebooks still don't fit into my pants pocket and if they did the keyboard would be so small I might as well just get an iPhone. So, either fashions start make giant pants pockets or I'm still stuck carrying it around in some sort of bag or briefcase and I get something that is weaker in a dollar per power ration than an average laptop. A little less than 3 pounds or about 5 pounds doesn't make much of a difference when I'm carrying it on my back.
battery life is an advantage, that is for sure. However, since one is still required to carry around with them a bag or briefcase, why not throw the power cord in there as well (for either laptop or subnotebook)?

[Flannel Boy]

The Windows XP version will be $500, not $550.

CPU Intel Atom 1.6 GHz
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition™
Chipset Intel 945GMS, ICH7-M
Display 10"W (1024×600) LED
VGA UMA
Memory 1GB DDR2/ 667MHz
Hard Drive 80G / 2.5” SATA
Battery 6 Cells / 5.5 hrs
WLAN 802.11b/g
Bluetooth Yes
Webcam 1.3m
Dimensions 10.23" x 7.08" x 0.748" ~1.24"
Weight 2.6lbs
Available Colors White, Black, and Pink
MSRP $499

Laptop Mag review: http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/msi-wind.aspx#
4.5/5

Pros
Relatively big 10-inch screen
Fast boot time
Long battery life
Comfortable keyboard
One-touch TurboDrive CPU overclocking

Cons
Single-bar mouse button [it does have both left and right click, however]
Below-average wireless throughput
Limited tech-support hours and not toll-free

You know you're stretching your cons when you list tech support hours.

This 2.6-pound system boasts a relatively large 10-inch screen and a full-size keyboard and Intel’s zippy new 1.6-GHz Atom processor (overclockable with a touch of a button). Plus, the MSI Wind NB lasts more than 5 hours on a charge. At $499, no other mini-notebook offers more for your money.

Programs loaded quickly even when we had several others running in the background. We could listen to music, have a videoconference with a friend, surf the Web, and write this review in OpenOffice Writer all at the same time with no hang-ups.

Verdict
If there were a Survivor: The Mini-Notebook series, and each of the ultra–low-cost notebooks were incrementally eliminated, the MSI Wind NB would be the one left standing. Unlike its competitors, the Wind NB offers the complete package, including an adult-size keyboard, a larger 10-inch screen, and a very capable Atom processor. This system’s solid performance, stellar 5-plus hours of battery life, and $499 price make it the best all-around mini-notebook to date

[Flannel Boy]

Pocket Lint Review: http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/3187/4211/MSI-Wind-ultraportable-notebook-PC.phtml

9/10

VERDICT
The MSI Wind takes everything Asus learnt from its first generation Eee PC and improves on it. If you're looking to use this machine for the daily commute, you may find it a little large but as a basic everyday machine it's simply fantastic.

[chronovore]

In June MSI will be releasing Wind. 

I will also be releasing wind tomorrow morning, but will likely eschew a press release.

[Flannel Boy]

In June MSI will be releasing Wind. 

I will also be releasing wind tomorrow morning, but will likely eschew a press release.

Did you think I phrased the sentence in that way accidentally?

Anyway, another review: http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7613&Itemid=40&limit=1&limitstart=1

Wind PC notebook is as big as a paper planner, fits any, even the smallest of bags, and still packs enough power. It is as good as it gets and we will be surprised if we see anyone making anything much better than this.

[Tauntaun]

Wind PC notebook is as big as a paper planner, fits any, even the smallest of bags, and still packs enough power. It is as good as it gets and we will be surprised if we see anyone making anything much better than this.

[MrAngryFace]

I want a subnotebook without a touch pad, a mini-sub notebook