When Apple came out with the iPhone, suddenly it seemed like everyone and their brother–well, if their brother owned RIM or Nokia or whatever–was getting ready to put out a touch-screen phone with more or fewer buttons.

Now, I won’t say that it’s the rumored Apple tablet computer (rumored to be coming to a rumored Apple store rumored to be near you,  rumored to be coming in the first quarter of 2010–so I’ve heard) has encouraged other manufacturers to come out with larger–i.e., not smartphone-sized–touchscreen systems.  But it does make a guy wonder.

And so, allow us to tell you about you about MSI’s new touch screen computer.  It’s pretty durn big:  a 21.5-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio (full HD).  Comes with an NVIDIA ION graphics and the latest Intel^® Core 2 Duo/Pentium Dual Core processors, has both VGA and HDMI input ports, and of course the touch screen.

The touch screen uses MSI’s own graphic interface, and the system itself has “native support for multi-touch capabilities in the new Windows^® 7 operating system.”  So if you’re a touch-screen kinda person, you might want to check it out.

Full press release after the jump.

MSI, a leading manufacturer of computer components and systems, todaya nnounced the U.S. availability of the Wind Top AE2220 all-in-one desktop PC.  As MSI’s new flagship all-in-one computing system, the AE2220 extends the award-winning Wind Top line with new levels of performance, usability, energy-efficiency, and functionality in an affordable, stylish and eco-friendly design for today’s PC-centric families.

Featuring a 21.5-inch screen with 16:9 widescreen display, full HD (1080p) resolution and high-fidelity 5.1-channel SRS Premium Sound, the Wind Top AE2220 is designed to provide home users with theater-like multimedia entertainment.  Powered by NVIDIA ION graphics and the latest Intel^® Core 2 Duo/Pentium Dual Core processors, it can effortlessly run HD movies, resource-hungry applications and sophisticated 3D games.  The AE2220 also includes VGA and HDMI input ports, enabling the device to serve as the primary home computer, television or a widescreen display device for game consoles and other video-capable devices in the home.

The Wind Top AE2220 all-in-one PC is available in a variety of configurations, and is priced starting at $749.99.

“The MSI Wind Top is an awesome all-purpose family PC.  Share photos, edit videos, play games, watch HD video – our ION graphics processor means you can have it all,” said Drew Henry, general manager for ION and GeForce products at NVIDIA.

The AE2220 incorporates MSI’s exclusive graphic interface, enabling users to take advantage of “One Touch” convenience to browse the Web, instant message, use VOIP software, play music, and much more.  With native support for multi-touch capabilities in the new Windows^® 7 operating system, the Wind Top AE2220 dramatically improves the multi-touch experience by making it more intuitive, precise and easy to use for simple tasks, such as enlarging photographs and writing text in different languages, as well as for more complex applications, including professional photography editing.

“The Wind Top AE2220 all-in-one PC provides the perfect combination of processing power, easy to use multi-touch technology, and stunning graphics and HD video in a sleek, modern design that is sure to appeal to today’s tech-savvy families,” said Andy Tung, vice president of sales for MSI Computer.  “Even better, the price of MSI’s Wind Top won’t break the bank, making it a great addition for any home this holiday season.”

Like other Wind Top products, the AE2220 is designed to meet all computing performance needs while reducing energy consumption.  The AE2220 meets the latest efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification for Computers, and can reduce electricity costs by approximately 35 percent compared to conventional PCs.

Special Wind Top Promotion at WIRED Holiday Store 2009 in NYC

MSI Computer will be showcasing the new MSI
AE2220 all-in-one PC at WIRED magazine’s fifth-annual holiday
retail store in New York City from Nov. 21 to Dec. 27.  Those who visit
MSI’s display at the store will receive a $50 gift card that may be used
for the purchase of a new Wind Top all-in-one PC.  For the WIRED Holiday Store
location, directions and hours of operation please visit: http://www.wired.com/promo/wiredstore/aboutus.html>.

Wind Top AE2220 Specifications

• Operating System —Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
• CPU —Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz) / Pentium dual-core T4300 (2.1GHz)
• Chipset—NVIDIA® ION™ Graphics Processors
• LCD Panel— 21.5” (54.61cm ) 16:9, 1920×1080, Full-HD Multi-Touch Screen
• Graphics—NVIDIA GeForce 9300 Integrated Graphics with 256MB VRAM
• Memory—4GB DDR2 800MHz
• Wireless LAN — 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
• Hard Disk Drive— 500GB SATA2
• Optical Drive— Blu-Ray/Double-layer DVD Super Multi
• Speakers—Two 5W 5.1-channel surround speakers with SRS Premium Sound
• Video Input— 1.3-megapixel webcam and microphone
• I/O Ports—VGA in, USB (x6), eSATA, RJ45, mic, headphone, HDMI in, SPDIF
• Card Reader— Built-in 6-in-1
• Expansion Slots— Two Mini-PCIE
• IR Receiver— Yes, with MCE remote control
• Wall Mount— Supports standard VESA Wall Mount
• Keyboard/Mouse— Wireless
• Adapter—200W
• Optional—TV tuner