Product Description

Enjoy ultimate computing mobility with the lightweight yet power-packed MSI Wind U100 Mini Laptop, which features a 10-inch LCD screen for excellent web browsing, Intel's newest low-power processor, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and familiar Windows XP Home operating system. The crisply and colorfully designed Wind U100 also includes an integrated webcam for video chats and an ergonomically designed keyboard that's makes typing easy. Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet--up to 6 hours with the included 6-cell battery. This model also features an 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB max), internal stereo speakers, multi-format memory card reader, three USB ports, and a VGA monitor port. It comes in black, but is also available in pink and white, and it includes a carry bag that matches its color.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #784 in Personal Computers
• Brand: MSI
• Model: U100-432US
• Dimensions: 1.24" h x 10.23" w x 7.08" l, 2.60 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Solo 1.6 GHz
• Memory: 1000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 160GB
• Processors: 1
• Display size: 10

Features

• Intel Atom 1.6 GHz Processor 512 KB L2 Cache, 533 MHz Bus speed 6 Cell Battery 1.3 MP Web Camera Includes protective bag
• Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN Card / Built-in 802.11b/g/n WLAN Card / Bluetooth Supported
• Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition
• 160 GB SATA Hard Drive, 1GB DDR2 667MHz RAM, 2 GB Max
• 4-in-1 SD/MMC/MS/MSpro Card Reader, 3 USB 2.0 Ports, 1 Mic-In Port, 1 Headphone Port, 2 Internal Speakers, SoundBlaster-compatible Audio

Amazon.com Product Description
Enjoy ultimate computing mobility with the lightweight yet power-packed MSI Wind U100 Mini Laptop, which features a 10-inch LCD screen for excellent web browsing, Intel's newest low-power processor, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and familiar Windows XP Home operating system. The crisply and colorfully designed Wind U100 also includes an integrated webcam for video chats and an ergonomically designed keyboard that's makes typing easy.

The MSI Wind U100 in black.

Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet--up to 6 hours with the included 6-cell battery. This model also features a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB max), internal stereo speakers, multi-format memory card reader, three USB ports, and a VGA monitor port. It also includes the next step in Wi-Fi networking with a Draft-N wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n). This model comes in black, but the Wind is also available in pink and white, and it includes a carry bag that matches its color.

Ride With The Wind
The Wind--which stands for for "Wi-Fi Network Device"--offers a number of convenient features that make this mini notebook a highly functional and easily portable laptop PC. The 10-inch LCD screen has a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution, which enables you to view full web pages while browsing the Internet. It's also embedded with an LED power-saving backlight technology, which not only helps to lower power usage but also provides richer and brighter colors. The Wind U100 is also equipped with a 1.3-megapixel webcam (placed in the bezel above the LCD) and integrated microphone, allowing you to snap still photos of yourself while on the go for sending via email or join video chats with friends and family.

The keyboard is 20-percent smaller than a standard full-sized keyboard, but offers excellent spacing between keys.

Magnify a portion of the screen for closer viewing of photos or documents.

The ergnomically designed keyboard--just 20 percent smaller than a full-sized keyboard--provides excellent texture and tactile feel when typing, and the keys are spaced at a comfortable 17.5mm width (0.68 inches). Additionally, the ingeniously designed spacebar and 2.1-inch touchpad allow your fingers to move smoothly while avoiding strain.

The Wind U100 also has the ability to magnify text within software--whether it be an Internet browser or office document--with a unique magnifying glass overlay, making it easy to focus in on what you're reading or precisely edit photos.

Finally, your Wind U100 will is constructed using a special Insert Mold Roller (IMR) technology that protects the notebook from fading and also reduces the impact of fingerprints, so the laptop will continue to look brand new.

Processor
The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Hard Drive
This version of the Wind U100 comes with a 160 GB hard disk drive (5400 RPM), which offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

Memory
This laptop is installed with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, which has a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. It can be expanded to a maximum of 2 GB. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

DVD/CD Drive
Because of its size, the Wind U100 does not come with an integrated optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of the three USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook can be wirelessly networked with the integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g/n). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks, allowing you to link up to home networks as well as Wi-Fi hotspots while on the go. You'll also enjoy wireless connectivity to a wide range of peripherals with the built-in Bluetooth. It comes with the following ports:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 headphone/line-in and 1 microphone/line-out
• 1 VGA video output (15-pin, D-Sub)
• 4-in-1 memory card reader, compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Pro
• Fast Ethernet port for a 10/100 connection

Dimensions & Weight
The MSI Wind U100 measures measures 10.23 x 7.08 x 1.24 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 2.6 pounds.

Power
This model of the Wind U100 comes with a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 6 hours of usage. The long battery life is aided by the low power consumption of the Intel Atom processor, as well as MSI's ECO energy-saving technology, which can distribute power intelligently and adjust screen brightness to prolong the operating time of the battery. Using the ECO Engine software, you can choose between five power modes--gaming, movie, presentation, office and turbo battery.

What's in the Box
This package includes the MSI Wind U100 laptop in black, AC adapter, carry bag, and printed instructions. It's backed by a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Customer Reviews

Best so far
This is my second "netbook", the other being an HP Mininote with the 8" screen. I am happy with both, but the MSI is much closer to being the ideal compromise between size and features than was the HP. Although the HP has a (somewhat) better keyboard, the larger screen size on the MSI makes all the difference to someone like me with terrible eyesight. Indeed the screen on the MSI is just lovely; bright, clear, nice colors, and the icons and text stand out well. Even my wife was impressed by how bright it was.

Ergonomically, the MSI has a decent keyboard with good feel and tactile response. I am not a touch typer, but I am quick and accurate on the MSI. The only downside is the small size of the period (.) comma (,), and backspace keys, all of which are 1/2 sized. The trackpad is small but usable and I have had no trouble with the "rocker" (single bar) mouse button. I found the trackpad and the buttons to be better on the MSI than on the HP.

Performance so far is fine, using Word, Excel, and IE. Wireless performance has been fine and it is also a quiet machine, with only the faintest humming sound.

All in all, I think I have found what I have been looking for, a nice, lightweight, capable computer that cuts down on the size, weight, and cost of taking a laptop on the road and to meetings. The first road test will be the end of next week and I am looking forward to having the MSI with me.

Now if Apple would only make something this size....

FIVE WEEK UPDATE:

I have now had the MSI for about five weeks and remain very satisfied. I have used it on road trips to NJ, on-campus at meetings, and even at my son's swimming meet. In all of these situations, the MSI has been a big boost to my productivity, as I would not have taken a full-sized laptop to these events.

Things I am especially pleased with include wireless connectivity (better than my 2007 MacBook at the same hotel) and ability to go several days on standby without losing any significant battery power. The screen and keyboard remain strong points as well.

Things I am less pleased with are more limited. The unit is "tippy" with the larger battery, but you quickly learn to deal with that. Otherwise, no real negatives as far as I am concerned.

12 WEEK UPDATE

I regret I have had the first serious problem with the MSI, a faulty trackpad/mouse button. From what I have read on various MSI Wind forums, this is not an uncommon issue. In my case the left trackpad button no longer works and I have to return the MSI for repairs. Dealing with MSI tech support was only a fair experience; the main problems were registering the MSI on-line (just figuring out which model # I had and finding the serial # [located inside the battery compartment] were the main issues), but the phone call with tech support was hampered by language issues. I would do everything online next time.

Anyway, the MSI heads back for repair early next week (early February) and I'll note what the resolution was after it comes back.

POST-REPAIR UPDATE

The Wind was sent to MSI for repair last Tuesday and I got it back the following Thursday. Most of the time was spent in transit to California (I sent it 2nd day-they returned it UPS ground). The trackpad works fine, but I had to reinstall the drivers since I had tried re-installing Windows on Tech Support's suggestion. It would have been nice if they had done that for me, but I guess that's asking too much. Anyway, all software has now been installed and I am back up and running. I'l keep my fingers crossed this is a one-time event.

Tried Acer first, returned MSI, now have Samsung..keep the MSI
Like the title says, I tried the Acer first. I had problems with the wireless dropping on the Acer and decided to look at options. As it turns out, I am glad I did.

For an extra $30, the MSI Wind 432 is a winner. The MSI is a half inch wider than the Acer but the depth is identical. In fact, the Acer may be a tad deeper with the 6 cell battery. The larger keyboard on the MSI is much nicer and comparatively, the 10" screen feels huge.

The trackpad on the MSI is better than the Acer with with buttons located on the bottom. The MSI does not support scrolling on the trackpad. The Acer does but it's functionality is marginal at best.

The MSI has integrated Bluetooth the Acer does not. Also, the MSI supports 802.11 draft N where the Acer does not.

Bottom line, for an extra $30 you get a 10" screen vs. 8.9", integrated Bluetooth, better orientation of trackpad buttons and 802.11 draft N. Upgrading the MSI is easier from what I have read and is capable of 2 gigs vs. 1.5 on the Acer.

I am not bashing the Acer. It is a very nice machine and it's build quality is very solid. If you are buying the netbook for everyday use and not as a novelty, the additional screen real estate and larger keyboard are really nice.

The cons:

The MSI is not well balanced. The unit is weighted toward the back. When on my lap, it has a tendency to fall backwards.


Overall, this unit rocks and I highly recommend it.

Edit 12/3/08

With all the glowing reviews of the Samsung NC10, I returned the MSI and purchased the Samsung. Nice build quality on the NC10, heavier but better balanced than the MSI. The wireless card is the same Atheros used in the Acer. I did not think to research this before I bought it. Had I known, I would have kept the MSI. I need ad hoc wireless support and the Atheros is flawed. For a premium priced netbook primarily designed for remote connectivity, why did Samsung pick this POS wireless card? If Amazon will let me return the Samsung in favor of the MSI, I will do it in a heartbeat. Also, the multitouch capability on the Samsung is horrible, basically useless. It could be bloatware, but the Samsung was not as snappy as the MSI. For me, the marginally better keyboard on the Sammy is not worth compromised wireless reliability. Keep in mind that the MSI also provides 802.11 draft N.

For the dollar, the MSI is tough to beat. Also, if you are a hacker, the MSI can be dual booted with OS X.

I'm glad I got it!!!
At the time of review this is the best netbook for $430.
PROS: EVERYTHING except cons.
CONS: slow webcam, crappy speakers.

Review: I've used it for almost 2 weeks now and I love it. Removed all unneeded software. Installed software I'd use (Firefox, Chrome, Winamp, MS Office 07, Adobe Lightroom, K-Lite Codec pack, windows blinds, and some other stuff and all windows updates). When I got my 2gig stick ram (crucial) few days later, I updated BIOS to 109 and then installed ram. Updated Bios gave me option to disable onboard memory so I could use 2gb crucial ram. It also gave me option to overclock up to 1.9gHz. So everything runs smoothly, but I didnt like how the webcam worked when I used skype, it's slow but not too bad. Speakers are really bad, but with headphones it sounds really good (has equalizer software). 6 cell battery lasts at least 3 hours on heavy use and up to around 6 hours on very light use, but not 90 minutes like previous review says. Keyboard is fine, I'm a touch typer so I already got used to it. Some people complaint about touch pad and one piece mouse button, well it works good for me. Also I dont really like glossy covers, but its ok, I can put some cool graphics skin on it.
So overall, this netbook is great and its not comparable to regular notebooks, so its ok for it to have small resolution, no optical drive, small speakers etc. If you're looking for a netbook (at the time of this review) for around this price GET THIS MSI WIND.
More info and help you will find at msiwind.net