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http://blog.laptopmag.com/msi-wind-reve … us-in-june



Like ASUS, MSI is a top PC motherboard manufacturer.  Although there have been many computer makers trying to compete with the very successful ASUS EEE subnotebooks, MSI is the first one that might be a tough competitor, due to start shipping June 3rd.

MSI's new WIND subnotebook will compete directly with the new second generation ASUS EEE PC 900 that has just entered the American market:

ASUS EEE PC 900: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00191 … d_i=507846

Both the Linux and Windows XP versions of the ASUS EEE PC900 sell for $549.  The MSI Wind, on the other hand, will sell their Windows XP version for $549 and Linux version for $399.

The $150 difference between the two WIND versions does buy 512KB more memory and Bluetooth and double the battery use time.  However, memory is cheap and Linux is far more frugal in memory usage than Windows anyway.

Instead of the no-moving-parts 20GB SSD hard drive of the ASUS, the MSI Wind comes with a more conventional 2.5" SATA 80GB hard drive (not shockproof, more vulnerable to transport damage).

The ASUS EEE PC 900 uses a 900MHz Intel Celeron-M CPU.  The MSI Wind will use a new 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU (faster and lower power).  ASUS will also migrate to using the Intel Atom later in the year.

The ASUS EEE PC 900 uses a 8.9" screen.  The MSI Wind will use a 10" screen.  This means that the MSI Wind will be somewhat larger and slightly (1/3 pound) heavier.

MSI Wind wrote:

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 2.6 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 2.8 lbs