Final thoughts and rating
As a netbook, MSI's Wind U160 has almost all of the right ingredients. The system's small, thin, ultra-light, very easy on the eye and comfortable in use.
Performance is exactly what you'd expect from an Atom-powered netbook; it's perfectly adequate for basic tasks such as word processing and light web browsing, and battery life - albeit short of MSI's own claims - is excellent.
Trouble is, the system fetches an £80 premium over the older Wind U135, which features an almost identical set of components housed in an arguably less-fashionable chassis.
Furthermore, whilst netbooks once dominated the low-cost computing landscape, the £330 Wind U160 now faces stiff opposition from ultra-thin notebooks and tablet computers.
MSI's own 12in Wind U200 low-power notebook, for example, offers more on-screen real estate, a quicker CPU, more memory and a larger hard disk in a still-portable frame for just an extra £55. And, users seeking an on-the-go media device can also now consider tablet computers; Apple's sought after iPad, for example, can be had for £99 more than the Wind U160.
There's a growing number of choices in the budget computing marketplace, but if you've decided that the basic netbook is the right choice for you, MSI's Wind U160 offers a familiar formula in a tidy, well-rounded and stylish package.
The Good
Looks classier than your average netbook
Impressive battery life
Surprisingly comfortable keyboard
The Bad
Bulky battery detracts from overall design
Can become noisy during use
Other netbooks offer similar specs and fewer frills for less
HEXUS Rating
MSI Wind U160
HEXUS Where2Buy
The MSI Wind U160 netbook can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk or Argos.co.uk at a cost of £329.99.
HEXUS Right2Reply
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