| Enjoy ultimate computing mobility with the lightweight yet power-packed MSI Wind U100 Mini Laptop, which features a 10-inch LCD screen for excellent web browsing, Intel's newest low-power processor, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and familiar Windows XP Home operating system. The crisply and colorfully designed Wind U100 also includes an integrated webcam for video chats and an ergonomically designed keyboard that's makes typing easy. 
The MSI Wind U100 in black. | Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet--up to 6 hours with the included 6-cell battery. This model also features a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB max), internal stereo speakers, multi-format memory card reader, three USB ports, and a VGA monitor port. It also includes the next step in Wi-Fi networking with a Draft-N wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n). This model comes in black, but the Wind is also available in pink and white, and it includes a carry bag that matches its color. Ride With The Wind
The Wind--which stands for for "Wi-Fi Network Device"--offers a number of convenient features that make this mini notebook a highly functional and easily portable laptop PC. The 10-inch LCD screen has a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution, which enables you to view full web pages while browsing the Internet. It's also embedded with an LED power-saving backlight technology, which not only helps to lower power usage but also provides richer and brighter colors. The Wind U100 is also equipped with a 1.3-megapixel webcam (placed in the bezel above the LCD) and integrated microphone, allowing you to snap still photos of yourself while on the go for sending via email or join video chats with friends and family. 
The keyboard is 20-percent smaller than a standard full-sized keyboard, but offers excellent spacing between keys. | 
Magnify a portion of the screen for closer viewing of photos or documents. | The ergnomically designed keyboard--just 20 percent smaller than a full-sized keyboard--provides excellent texture and tactile feel when typing, and the keys are spaced at a comfortable 17.5mm width (0.68 inches). Additionally, the ingeniously designed spacebar and 2.1-inch touchpad allow your fingers to move smoothly while avoiding strain. The Wind U100 also has the ability to magnify text within software--whether it be an Internet browser or office document--with a unique magnifying glass overlay, making it easy to focus in on what you're reading or precisely edit photos. Finally, your Wind U100 will is constructed using a special Insert Mold Roller (IMR) technology that protects the notebook from fading and also reduces the impact of fingerprints, so the laptop will continue to look brand new. Processor
The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data). Hard Drive
This version of the Wind U100 comes with a 160 GB hard disk drive (5400 RPM), which offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0. Memory
This laptop is installed with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, which has a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. It can be expanded to a maximum of 2 GB. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed. DVD/CD Drive
Because of its size, the Wind U100 does not come with an integrated optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of the three USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more. Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook can be wirelessly networked with the integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g/n). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks, allowing you to link up to home networks as well as Wi-Fi hotspots while on the go. You'll also enjoy wireless connectivity to a wide range of peripherals with the built-in Bluetooth. It comes with the following ports: - 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
- 1 headphone/line-in and 1 microphone/line-out
- 1 VGA video output (15-pin, D-Sub)
- 4-in-1 memory card reader, compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Pro
- Fast Ethernet port for a 10/100 connection
Dimensions & Weight
The MSI Wind U100 measures measures 10.23 x 7.08 x 1.24 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 2.6 pounds. Power
This model of the Wind U100 comes with a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 6 hours of usage. The long battery life is aided by the low power consumption of the Intel Atom processor, as well as MSI's ECO energy-saving technology, which can distribute power intelligently and adjust screen brightness to prolong the operating time of the battery. Using the ECO Engine software, you can choose between five power modes--gaming, movie, presentation, office and turbo battery. What's in the Box
This package includes the MSI Wind U100 laptop in black, AC adapter, carry bag, and printed instructions. It's backed by a one-year manufacturer's warranty. |
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 Best so far |
| Review Date: November 8, 2008 |
| Reviewer: R. Seigel, MD |
This is my second "netbook", the other being an HP Mininote with the 8" screen. I am happy with both, but the MSI is much closer to being the ideal compromise between size and features than was the HP. Although the HP has a (somewhat) better keyboard, the larger screen size on the MSI makes all the difference to someone like me with terrible eyesight. Indeed the screen on the MSI is just lovely; bright, clear, nice colors, and the icons and text stand out well. Even my wife was impressed by how bright it was.
Ergonomically, the MSI has a decent keyboard with good feel and tactile response. I am not a touch typer, but I am quick and accurate on the MSI. The only downside is the small size of the period (.) comma (,), and backspace keys, all of which are 1/2 sized. The trackpad is small but usable and I have had no trouble with the "rocker" (single bar) mouse button. I found the trackpad and the buttons to be better on the MSI than on the HP.
Performance so far is fine, using Word, Excel, and IE. Wireless performance has been fine and it is also a quiet machine, with only the faintest humming sound.
All in all, I think I have found what I have been looking for, a nice, lightweight, capable computer that cuts down on the size, weight, and cost of taking a laptop on the road and to meetings. The first road test will be the end of next week and I am looking forward to having the MSI with me.
Now if Apple would only make something this size....
FIVE WEEK UPDATE:
I have now had the MSI for about five weeks and remain very satisfied. I have used it on road trips to NJ, on-campus at meetings, and even at my son's swimming meet. In all of these situations, the MSI has been a big boost to my productivity, as I would not have taken a full-sized laptop to these events.
Things I am especially pleased with include wireless connectivity (better than my 2007 MacBook at the same hotel) and ability to go several days on standby without losing any significant battery power. The screen and keyboard remain strong points as well.
Things I am less pleased with are more limited. The unit is "tippy" with the larger battery, but you quickly learn to deal with that. Otherwise, no real negatives as far as I am concerned.
12 WEEK UPDATE
I regret I have had the first serious problem with the MSI, a faulty trackpad/mouse button. From what I have read on various MSI Wind forums, this is not an uncommon issue. In my case the left trackpad button no longer works and I have to return the MSI for repairs. Dealing with MSI tech support was only a fair experience; the main problems were registering the MSI on-line (just figuring out which model # I had and finding the serial # [located inside the battery compartment] were the main issues), but the phone call with tech support was hampered by language issues. I would do everything online next time.
Anyway, the MSI heads back for repair early next week (early February) and I'll note what the resolution was after it comes back.
POST-REPAIR UPDATE
The Wind was sent to MSI for repair last Tuesday and I got it back the following Thursday. Most of the time was spent in transit to California (I sent it 2nd day-they returned it UPS ground). The trackpad works fine, but I had to reinstall the drivers since I had tried re-installing Windows on Tech Support's suggestion. It would have been nice if they had done that for me, but I guess that's asking too much. Anyway, all software has now been installed and I am back up and running. I'l keep my fingers crossed this is a one-time event. |
I'm glad I got it!!!
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| Review Date: November 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Di, |
At the time of review this is the best netbook for $430.
PROS: EVERYTHING except cons.
CONS: slow webcam, crappy speakers.
Review: I've used it for almost 2 weeks now and I love it. Removed all unneeded software. Installed software I'd use (Firefox, Chrome, Winamp, MS Office 07, Adobe Lightroom, K-Lite Codec pack, windows blinds, and some other stuff and all windows updates). When I got my 2gig stick ram (crucial) few days later, I updated BIOS to 109 and then installed ram. Updated Bios gave me option to disable onboard memory so I could use 2gb crucial ram. It also gave me option to overclock up to 1.9gHz. So everything runs smoothly, but I didnt like how the webcam worked when I used skype, it's slow but not too bad. Speakers are really bad, but with headphones it sounds really good (has equalizer software). 6 cell battery lasts at least 3 hours on heavy use and up to around 6 hours on very light use, but not 90 minutes like previous review says. Keyboard is fine, I'm a touch typer so I already got used to it. Some people complaint about touch pad and one piece mouse button, well it works good for me. Also I dont really like glossy covers, but its ok, I can put some cool graphics skin on it.
So overall, this netbook is great and its not comparable to regular notebooks, so its ok for it to have small resolution, no optical drive, small speakers etc. If you're looking for a netbook (at the time of this review) for around this price GET THIS MSI WIND.
More info and help you will find at msiwind.net |
Perfect linux portable
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| Review Date: December 21, 2008 |
| Reviewer: I. Bukvic, USA |
First of all, this netbook is worth every penny for those who seek a portable solution with a long battery life. Before buying MSI Wind I researched all the current netbook offerings and after several days of reading user and magazine reviews concluded this one provides best value for the money--better than Apple Air, eee Pc, even Lenovo. While solid state drives are theoretically more reliable as they have no moving parts, the performance of the ones that find their way into cheap netbooks is surprisingly sub-par to conventional hard drives (such as the one found in this netbook). However, do not mistake this for a full-fledged laptop. This is a netbook and as such its scope and function is different than that of a laptop. So, if you are in a need of a netbook, I think this is the best one can get currently on the market.
If I had to complain, it would have to be that:
1) my netbook came with a sentelic touchpad that has a limited set of functionality when compared to the ubiquitous synaptics found in most laptops (e.g. it supports tap-click and scrolling by holding a finger in top-right and bottom-right corners for scrolling up and down respectively). Some users reported they did get a synaptics touchpad so this aspect is a hit and miss. That being said, the touchpad works just fine and as long as you are not a "power user" commonly utilizing two- or three-finger gestures, you should be perfectly fine.
2) The netbook is so light, with the screen propped open all the way it tends to tip backwards which has in my case resulted in the netbook falling from my sofa. The good news it still works fine and there are no noticeable blemishes.
3) In Linux (see below for more info) some dialogs/windows have minimum size of 700+ pixels which makes it cumbersome to read on a 1024x600 screen.
OPERATING SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS
Like Asus Eee PC, this netbook is also available with Linux (although AFAIK not in US). However, the Linux flavor it comes with has been reported to not work as well as some of the more recent distributions, such as the Ubuntu 8.10.
The Although XP does the job for the most part (assuming you wish to spend another couple hundred $ getting Microsoft productivity software or better yet use one of the free alternatives, such as Open Office), as a long-time user of Linux platform I installed Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid (for the uninitiated, this is a flavor of Linux) and was literally blown away by the fact that practically everything worked out of the box. In my 10+ years of using Linux I've never had this good of an experience installing Linux on a portable. If you do decide to install Linux, however, pay close attention to the wireless card you get, as mine was entirely different from all the online documentation, so it required a driver that was not included with Ubuntu. One simple download and I was ready to go. Overall, if you are brave enough to take a plunge and try Linux, I think this is the portable to do it on. Not only does it provide better user experience than the aging XP, but it also includes all the productivity software you will ever need in a netbook. If you do decide to use Linux, please pay special attention to fine-tuning power-saving features as the bios by default has rather aggressive settings for the spin-down of the HD which (unless configured properly) may significantly shorten its lifespan. For more info on this last feature look into laptop-tools and hdparm.
OTHER CONSIDREATIONS
One rather cute feature is with the latest bios you get to overclock the netbook by up to 24%. There is even a reserved key/icon for this feature(Fn+F10). Please note for this to work you do need latest bios update and you need to enable overclocking in the bios. Finally, the overclocking only works when you are running off of AC power (which makes sense as you would want to conserve power when running off battery anyhow). The crazy part is this is a feature supported by the manufacturer and it truly does deliver the 24% boost in cpu performance (as measured by the SuperPI cpu benchmark).
Overall, I love the portable and I use it regularly next to my 17" Apple Macbook Pro. |
best set of features yet
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| Review Date: November 22, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Amazon Customer, |
Initial impressions of the U100-432US based on 2 weeks of usage
Pros:
Form factor, it seems to be the right compromise between size and usability. I looked at an Acer Aspire One and found it to be too small, esp its keyboard. The keyboard here is usable, though I doubt I would use it for extended periods. The unit still seems a bit heavier than I expected.
Screen: very bright and very clear-beautiful! Just the right size, any smaller it would be difficult to use, any larger, it's no longer a netbook.
System seems pretty snappy/responsive given its specs.
Boot-up/shutdown is speedy.
System comes with XP Home, but according to on-line sources can also support MacOS X and Linux. The 160 GB can support a dual boot system easily.
System can be upgraded to 2GB from the standard 1GB though this currently seems to void the warranty in the US at least.
Cons:
The system is very tippy ie will tip over backwards easily. While this does not seem too much of a problem if the unit is used exclusively on a table top, if you plan to use it on your lap and/or open the lid to its fullest, it's quite likely to tip over. Too bad the battery isn't in the front to help stabilize the unit. I consider this tippiness a design flaw and a major weakness.
I wish the Wind had a trackpoint (a la Thinkpad), it would eliminate the space/need for the poorly functioning trackpad.
The buttons (really only one toggle button) on the trackpad is very poorly designed, need a lot of pressure to engage, and isn't easily found by feel, ie it's just as smooth and made of the same material as the surrounding case. A different texture would have been nice.
Documentation: It's sparse, I haven't found much info on how to use some of the features of the trackpad, nor how to update my system to the latest drivers/BIOS.
RAM upgrade: The System can be upgraded to 2GB from the standard 1GB though this currently seems to void the warranty in the US at least. This ought to change.
The white "pleather" slipcase is ugly, at least it could have been black for the black model.
I'm probably keeping it as it's much more portable than my larger Thinkpad, but there is clearly room for improvement here, a better trackpad (or a trackpoint) and less tendency to tip, esp for a system whose primary purpose is to be portable and allow computing on the fly (you don't want to watch it take a dive next time you are working at your local coffeehouse). At this form factor it's all about compromise, the Wind offers the best set of features for me now.
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Good value
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| Review Date: November 21, 2008 |
| Reviewer: AiM, Cali |
I'm a screenwriter and I needed a laptop small enough for my purse but large enough for me to load my Final Draft software and type a script without getting carpal tunnel or going cross eyed. I purchased this little guy about a week ago and I LOVE IT however, there are a few flaws.
The keyboard is about 85% the size of a standard; perfect for my hands but it could be a nuisance to those with larger fingers. It includes no optical drives, but there are 3 USB ports. Use earphones if you want to listen to music; the speakers are crappy. The packaging claims 5.5 hrs battery life, but it's more like 4 hours.
All in all (even with the flaws), this is a great little notebook and well worth the money.
P.s. when I whipped this mini out at a cafe, it caught the attention of every guy that passed by. |
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US $219.99
