This summer there will be a new cut-down and ultra portable laptop and this one is perceived as an Eee killer: the Wind NoteBook. With the availability of chips by VIA and Intel for low cost and less hungry devices and the ambitious work of OLPC with the XO and Asus’ Eee; low priced and lightweight devices have stormed the computing world and are sounding the drums of change. Indeed, it is expected that by next year, laptop sales will overtake desktops and mark the real shift (no pun intended to HTC). Cut-down devices are like a sprouting branch of the laptop market and with excited consumers, manufacturers are on fire. Asus success with the Eee has inspired other manufacturers to offer their own devices to compete in the growing market. Dell has recently announced that they will also launch a “netbook” of their own.

An Eee killer?
Micro-star international (MSI), a Taiwanese manufacturer of computer hardware is entering the cut-down market by officially launching the Wind. MSI is not a new player and has been offering good performance low priced laptops for awhile. The Wind, an acronym for Wi-Fi Network Device, has a roomy 10″ LED screen and is sporting the new Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor. At 2.6 lbs, the Wind is definitely ultraportable and will last more than five hours on a single charge. The keyboard is designed to be as close to a full keyboard being only 20% smaller. The Wind NoteBook (Windows) comes with an impressive 80G SATA Hard drive, a 1.3 mm integrated Webcam, 3 USB ports (take that Apple!) and a 4-in-1 memory card reader. It will be available with either Linux or Windows XP installed.

The Wind NoteBook is priced at 499$ MSRP and will be available June 16th 2008 and the Linux version will be available later this summer for 399$ MSRP. Visit MSImobile for more information.

Here’s the full Press release:

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.

MSI WIND NOTEBOOK SPECIFICATIONS
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

About MSI
Founded in 1986, MSI strives to design and manufacture superior technology and innovative products, while offering outstanding customer service.  The company’s expansive range of product lines includes mainboards, graphic cards, servers/workstation s, laptops, barebones, IPCs, multimedia products, CE devices and networking devices. MSI is ranked among the world’s top 3 motherboard manufacturers and is one of the top 5 server manufacturers. MSI has developed several new technologies, including ACV (Amazing Crystal Vision), and ACS (Advanced Cooling System).  MSI’s notebooks are known for their aesthetically pleasing designs and powerful components.  To keep abreast of the global market MSI provides multi-language customer service and associated web sites. MSI has offices in Taiwan, Mainland China, USA, Germany, France, Holland, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Korea, Poland, Russia, Canada, and India. To learn more about MSI’s complete line personal computers and components please visit www.msimobile. com.”

Related posts:

1. How To: Dual Booting the MSI Wind
2. Dual Booting the Wind – OSX and Windows 7
3. Windows 7 Beta
4. Blowin’ in the Breeze Part 4 – Update on Windows 7
5. Building On The Wind’s Popularity, MSI Unveils Their 2009 Lineup