MSI Wind U100 Review
Pros:
One of the top netbook contenders out right now, Large keyboard for a 10' netbook, 3 and 6 cell options, Can be hacked to run Mac OS
Cons:
1 GB Max in pre-configured setting (you'll have to go in and replace if you want 2 GB's)
Bottom Line:
The MSI Wind U100 is one of the best netbooks available on the market now sporting some of the most desired configurations that other manufacturers haven't been able to match (*cough Lenovo 6 cell batteries*). Across the web it's been critically acclaimed. The only missing option is a solid state drive or WWAN.
Quick Product Specs:
Processor: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz), RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 RAM, Weight: 2.2 lbs (3 cell battery configuration), Screen Size: 10'', Battery: 3 and 6 Cell options
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Purchase Options:
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Full Review:
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| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Model name | U100 |
| CPU type | Intel Atom N270 |
| CPU speed | 1.6 GHz |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 950 |
| OS | Win XP |
| Display Size | 10" 1024 X 600 |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Hard Drive | 80 GB or 160 GB |
| Battery | 3 Cell or 6 Cell |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs |
| Size (w/h/d inches) | 10.2/7.1/1.3 |
| Interfaces |
|---|
| Ethernet 10/100 |
| USB2.0 (x3) |
| SD card slot |
| Line-out / Headphone |
| MIC-in |
| VGA |
| Webcam 1.3 MP |
| Network Capabilities |
|---|
| 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth 2.0 |
| No Wireless WAN (3G) |
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![MSI L1350D Netbook Intel Atom N455 MS N014 WebCam] style msi wind u100](http://www.netbookreviews.com/images/e/230742126040_0.jpg)
I have had this netbook for only about 2 weeks and bought it mainly for it’s portability. I wanted a lightweight alternative to my Dell Studio17. I am a stock photographer who goes to a local library to upload my images to online sales sites and take a laptop with me to store photos, process and then upload. This means lots of travel and weight was beginning to bother this old lady!
I love the Wind! It is small enough without being so small that I can’t function w/ it! It has 2 gigs of hard drive and 160 gigs of storage space. The keyboard is large enough to accommodate my hands and make typing doable!
I have been able to download all of the software I wanted to use. I have travelled with this and been able to store my images, process them and then upload them to sites. It has worked just fine!
My main complaint might be that it is just a bit smaller than is comfortable on my lap. The screen tends to tip it toward the rear when folded into a comfortable position to make it easily viewable. The keyboard is something I am adjusting to…the backspace key is in a different place from my standard laptop. So far, so good.
I have additional memory and storage space on external drives which will be my savior once I am able to figure out how to install software from a drive instead of from a cd. I still have few things to learn. I need also to learn how to use my wireless node to set up a home network. I would like to be able to print and download directly and understand that a network is my answer to this challenge!
If you’d like to visit my photos, go to http://www.pbase.com/cokdis/ or http://www.acclaimimages.com/0027.
To install software from a CD you can install a virtual CD/DVD drive on your Wind. You can download free from Slysoft.com. Then create an ISO image of your CD/DVD and copy ISO image to your wind. Open ISO image in your virtual drive and it will recognize it as a regular CD/DVD. Works great.
Update: My Wind U100 was knocked off my lap when my dog got tangled in teh wires. Be CAREFUL…these little machines are light enough to be easily upset from their perches. The screen was cracked, but the drive survived. I started to research replacements, but opted to replace the machine with an identical rather than moving to a new brand. That says SOMETHING about Wind, I think!!
Of course, having a 6-cell battery that I wanted to use was part of the decision. Anyway, I found a Wind with 2 megs of ram and a bit of software already installed on eBay, so jumped on it and am very happy!
This little machine continues to be all that I need though of course, I still have my Dell Studio 17 when I want/need a bigger screen.
I also have ‘discovered’ Picnik for my online photo processing. What a wonderful invention this little site/progam is!! Check it out at Picnik!!
I’m,
Beth