In order to achieve their diminutive size, weight, and price, most mini-notebooks come with compromises: the screen or keyboard is too small, the processor is too slow, or the battery life is too short. That’s why the MSI Wind U100 is a breath of fresh air. This 2.6-pound system boasts a relatively large 10-inch screen and a full-size keyboard and Intel’s zippy new 1.6-GHz Atom processor (overclockable with a touch of a button). Plus, the MSI Wind NB lasts more than 5 hours on a charge.
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Simple, Easy-to-Tote Design
The Wind NB sports a minimalist white design (also available in black and pink) with rounded edges. Similar to the white ASUS Eee PC, this system’s lid features a low-luster finish that we are happy to report is resistant to fingerprint smudges. Measuring 10.2 x 7.1 x 0.7 inches and weighing just under 3 pounds, the Wind NB’s footprint is a tad bulkier than the ASUS Eee PC 900 as a result of its larger 10-inch screen. On the other hand, when we set it next to the very sleek Lenovo IdeaPad U110 ($1,899), the Wind NB looked just a hair smaller, which really puts the size-to-price ratio in perspective. The system easily fit in an oversized handbag and slim briefcase. At 3.4 pounds with the AC adapter (2.6 without), it was hardly noticeable.
The right side of the Wind NB houses one USB port, a 4-in-1 memory card reader, mic and headphone jacks, a VGA port, and an Ethernet jack. Two additional USB ports and the power jack line the left side. Unlike the HP Mini-Note, the Wind NB lacks an ExpressCard slot for adding a mobile broadband modem card, but you can always use a compact USB modem.
