Date:
Monday , September 15, 2008
Category:
Motherboards / Chipsets
Manufacturers:
MSI
Author:
Kyle Bennett

MSI Blows or Goes? The Wind Netbook Video Review

Longtime motherboard builder Microstar is now in the Netbook business and sent an MSI Wind over to get our thoughts and feelings on it. I have been in the ultraportable notebook market for years now and was very anxious to use a Netbook with a keyboard big enough to type on. The MSI Wind has impressed us.

Introduction

The MSI Wind reviewed below (Model # U100-053US) performed better than expected after using it for a couple of months here at the HardOCP offices. We have carried the Wind around with us, given it to the kids to abuse, left it in the hot car during the day, and even tumbled it off the couch a few times. The Wind is far from being a fragile device and given its usage model that is certainly a good thing. If you want a device that will allow you to easily access the Internet websites, watch streaming videos, participate in forums, and check your webmail, the MSI Wind is a good device to do it with.

Controversy

“Netbook” or “notebook?” While it may say “notebook” on the Wind packaging, and undoubtedly it is technically a notebook, I think the end user that is buying one of these appliances needs to be aware of what it is capable of. These Intel Atom based processors, while extremely capable in some application profiles, are just poorly suited for others. In a true “notebook” application, I can see where they would fall flat. But in a “netbook” application the MSI Wind does shine and it great part to the Intel Atom processor.

Into the Mix

MSI has joined in the market a bit later than the forerunners, but the simple fact of the matter is that these new Wind-sized devices are tremendously more usable given the larger screen sizes and larger keyboards. The original “netbooks” were little more than toys in my opinion as you would have to have very small hands to use them. The 10” MSI Wind has a keyboard that is awesome in both size, feel, and use. Coming in at around 2.5 pounds, taking it with you is hardly an issue.

Cons:

  • Odd scrolling touchpad function.

  • Intel Atom Powered – Multitasking neutered.

  • Comes out of standby-hibernation “magically.”

  • Will be limited in full bitrate HD video.

  • Would still like a higher resolution screen.

  • No optic drive.

Pros:

  • Beautiful screen!!!

  • Great keyboard!!!

  • Very responsive in single application use.

  • Good for compressed video, even compressed HD.

  • 80GB hard drive that is upgradeable (not warranty covered).

  • 2GB memory, upgradeable (not warranty covered).

  • 3 full size USB.

The Bottom Line

Don’t think for a second that a $500 netbook is going to replace a more expensive notebook if you have any kind of content creation applications or true multitasking needs. Another thing that has to be taken into consideration is living with a screen resolution of 1024x600 like we see on the MSI Wind. If you have applications that you run that you want pixels behind, a netbook is likely not for you.

A netbook such as the MSI Wind is likely perfect for you if you only need to run simple applications and web based utilities that do not require true multitasking power or native processing power. I have used the MSI Wind for accessing my home PC through Remote Desktop and it works exceedingly well for that. The MSI Wind is also a great “appliance” for around the house. You can move it around easily with you, it does not get hot, it does not get loud, and the battery life supports it very well with the 6-cell battery.

The MSI Wind netbook only needs to now come in a “Goldilocks” version, as it seems to be “just right.” Five models are currently available at Newegg.

Article Image

MSI Wind Netbook - U100-053US

Discussion

Please join our HardForum discussion on the MSI Wind Netbook!