Final thoughts
We've been anticipating MSI's Wind for a while, and indeed any other competition to ASUS' Eee, and we're glad to see it finally arrive. If, however, you were expecting a game-changing gust from MSI's direction, you'll be underwhelmed. MSI's Wind is more of a breeze pushing subnotebooks in the right direction.
Wind's keyboard alone is a selling point, and users who've suffered with ASUS' previous attempts will easily be drawn toward it.
In a sense, MSI's subnotebook and similar devices from other manufacturers are a little like Apple's iPhone. They're gorgeous pieces of technology, and you're instantly drawn toward them. They do almost everything, and do it fairly well. However, they're a little too pricey and more of a "want" than a "need".
Despite its potential, the Wind is a next-generation portable device littered with ageing technology. Yes, it features Intel's latest power-conscious Atom processor, but it also has a standard mechanical hard disk drive and a rather basic 1,024 x 600 screen, not to mention Microsoft's on-the-way-out operating system.
Give it say a year, and we wouldn't be surprised to see subnotebooks running dual-core Atoms, 2GiBs of RAM and Windows Vista Basic. We're confident they'll eventually get touch-screens, too. Those additions would make for a truly compelling device.
Right now, at £330, it's a tough choice to make. If portability is essential, the Wind makes for a cracking device. If you're leaning toward performance, £330 will bag you a Core 2-based laptop and you'll probably get some spare change.
Consumers should be aware that the £330 price-tag applies largely to the MSI branding. Head on over to PC World and you'll find an MSI Wind rebranded as an Advent 4211, priced at a much more appealing £279.99.
Irrespective of its faults, the Wind is an impressive competitor to ASUS' Eee and the majority of us here at HEXUS already want one.
HEXUS Where2Buy
The MSI Wind U100 notebook can be pre-ordered from Scan.co.uk for £333.70 and Play.com for £329.99.HEXUS Right2Reply
HEXUS World Leading HEXUS Right2Reply initiative invites manufacturers, their representatives and vendors which supply HEXUS with products for evaluation, to comment on the articles that we publish. If they choose to respond, we publish their response verbatim.
