MSI Launches 10" Atom-Based Wind Notebook

by Marco Chiappetta — Tuesday, June 03, 2008, 01:15 PM EDT

MSI LAUNCHES THE WIND - THE FIRST 10” NOTEBOOK TO FEATURE INTEL ATOM CPU

The 2.6 lbs Wind features 5+ HR battery life, Windows XP, ergonomic keyboard, and 80G hard drive all for under $500

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – June 3rd, 2008 – MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is excited to announce the official launch of the much anticipated Wind Notebook. The Wind, an acronym for “Wi-Fi Network Device,” is the first 10” notebook to feature the speedy new Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor.

“Intel is excited to collaborate with MSI to usher in the next generation of mobile computing devices,” said Steve Dallman, Intel VP Sales and marketing Group and GM, Worldwide Reseller Channel Organization. “The Wind’s user–friendly design, combined with the low power and 45nm High-K process of the Intel Atom processor, makes for an exceptional netbook.”

Weighing in at just 2.6 lbs, MSI designed the Wind to be lightweight and ultra mobile, without sacrificing convenience or performance. The Wind features an ergonomically designed keyboard that is only 20% smaller than of a full sized keyboard, with keys spaced a comfortable 0.68 inches apart. Business travelers will welcome the extended battery life available with the Windows based version, which provides up to 5.5 hours of untethered work time.

The Windows version of the Wind features an 80G / 2.5” SATA hard drive, which further sets it apart from other ultra portable notebooks, whose manufacturers have compromised memory capacity to save space. The Wind’s display features embedded LED power-saving backlight technology, which provides superior color quality and brightness. This innovative notebook also comes standard with a 1.3M webcam, Bluetooth capabilities, 3 USB ports and a 4-in-1 card reader.

The Windows version of the Wind is priced at $499 MSRP, and will be available for purchase starting June 16th, 2008 at

www.msimobile.com. The Linux based models of the Wind will be available at the same site later this summer for $399 MSRP. Full specifications are below...

	Windows Version
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

Tags: MSI, Wind, Notebook, Atom, ebook, Book, MS, launch, Win, sed, Tom, note, K

Marco Chiappetta

Marco's interest in computing and technology dates all the way back to his early childhood. Even before being exposed to the Commodore P.E.T. and later the Commodore 64 in the early ‘80s, he was interested in electricity and electronics, and he still has the modded AFX cars and shop-worn soldering irons to prove it. Once he got his hands on his own Commodore 64, however, computing became Marco's passion. Throughout his academic and professional lives, Marco has worked with virtually every major platform from the TRS-80 and Amiga, to today's high end, multi-core servers. Over the years, he has worked in many fields related to technology and computing, including system design, assembly and sales, professional quality assurance testing, and technical writing. In addition to being the Managing Editor here at HotHardware for close to 15 years, Marco is also a freelance writer whose work has been published in a number of PC and technology related print publications and he is a regular fixture on HotHardware’s own Two and a Half Geeks webcast. - Contact: marco(at)hothardware(dot)com