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–u…
Buy MSI Wind U100-432US 10-Inch Netbook Black at Amazon
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
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.
Like the title says, I tried the Acer first. I had problems with the wireless dropping on the Acer and decided to look at options. As it turns out, I am glad I did.
For an extra $30, the MSI Wind 432 is a winner. The MSI is a half inch wider than the Acer but the depth is identical. In fact, the Acer may be a tad deeper with the 6 cell battery. The larger keyboard on the MSI is much nicer and comparatively, the 10″ screen feels huge.
The trackpad on the MSI is better than the Acer with with buttons located on the bottom. The MSI does not support scrolling on the trackpad. The Acer does but it’s functionality is marginal at best.
The MSI has integrated Bluetooth the Acer does not. Also, the MSI supports 802.11 draft N where the Acer does not.
Bottom line, for an extra $30 you get a 10″ screen vs. 8.9″, integrated Bluetooth, better orientation of trackpad buttons and 802.11 draft N. Upgrading the MSI is easier from what I have read and is capable of 2 gigs vs. 1.5 on the Acer.
I am not bashing the Acer. It is a very nice machine and it’s build quality is very solid. If you are buying the netbook for everyday use and not as a novelty, the additional screen real estate and larger keyboard are really nice.
The cons:
The MSI is not well balanced. The unit is weighted toward the back. When on my lap, it has a tendency to fall backwards.
Overall, this unit rocks and I highly recommend it.
Edit 12/3/08
With all the glowing reviews of the Samsung NC10, I returned the MSI and purchased the Samsung. Nice build quality on the NC10, heavier but better balanced than the MSI. The wireless card is the same Atheros used in the Acer. I did not think to research this before I bought it. Had I known, I would have kept the MSI. I need ad hoc wireless support and the Atheros is flawed. For a premium priced netbook primarily designed for remote connectivity, why did Samsung pick this POS wireless card? If Amazon will let me return the Samsung in favor of the MSI, I will do it in a heartbeat. Also, the multitouch capability on the Samsung is horrible, basically useless. It could be bloatware, but the Samsung was not as snappy as the MSI. For me, the marginally better keyboard on the Sammy is not worth compromised wireless reliability. Keep in mind that the MSI also provides 802.11 draft N.
For the dollar, the MSI is tough to beat. Also, if you are a hacker, the MSI can be dual booted with OS X.
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
1.0 out of 5 stars
Would not buy another USI Wind product
I purchased this product for Christmas for my son. After approximately two months, he began having problems with it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this netbook!
Actually, my husband loves it–it was his birthday present. It’s great for writing and filing stories from the road.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best little netbook I could find
I really like the MSI netbook that I purchased I have an older HP Laptop and out of the box the netbook out performed it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
MSI Wind is the best “netbook”
I have tried a few netbooks already; the “Wind” or U100 (the model number for the entire Wind series) falls almost out of the netbook category; it’s bigger than most netbooks…
4.0 out of 5 stars
Save the Wind, Dump the XP
An impressively well built device. Being a fan of the Panasonic ToughBook approach to notebooks I was surprised and favorably taken by the QC claimed to have gone into the…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best bet!
I am not a computer Maven but have just loved this little computer. My daughter is very computer savy and I have to fight her off to get my MSI wind from her.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good value, excellent functionality….some nitpicks
I’ve had high regard for MSI’s motherboards in home-built PC builds for many years. With many options in the current netbook market, quality of the motherboard is an obvious key…
1.0 out of 5 stars
MSI NETBOOK RETURNED
I RETURNED THE MSI NETBOOK BECAUSE I COULD NOT LINK IT TO MY DSL WIRELESS MODEM. I FOUND THAT THE DOCUMENTATION SUPPLIED WITH THE MSI NETBOOK WERE SO GENERAL THAT THEY WAS NO…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Netbook
Hadn’t thought about something this small until a friend bought one. Decided this was what we needed to save our marriage (wife was always on my laptop).
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works as expected
I really enjoy this machine! Have had it for a month.
1. Bright Screen.
2. Fast boot up.
3. Comfortable keyboard size.
4.