Filed under: Laptops

We already knew that MSI’s Wind U120 was coming this quarter. Now DigiTimes has pegged the launch to November. Available in white or black, DigiTimes’ sources claim that the U120 should launch for roughly $552 with a built-in 3.5G data module, Atom N270 proc, 1GB memory, and a 120GB hard disk loaded with Windows XP. For its part, MSI did say that it will not be introducing a netbook with touchscreen due to the high cost (eh hem, hear that ASUS?). MSI does, however, plan to launch its second generation Wind netbook with “new innovations” at the beginning of March at CeBIT 2009. We’re hoping for thought-control enabled by a quantum processor but expecting something more akin to a race to the bottom.

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Filed under: Laptops

Considering that MSI’s Wind U120 is on track for release this quarter, it follows logic that we’d see a few press shots as the run-up to launch continues. Once again, we’re told that this bugger will sport a 120GB HDD (or a 20GB / 40GB SSD), 802.11n WiFi and built-in 3.5G WWAN. As you can easily see, the U120 isn’t too much different (style wise) from the U100, and unfortunately, it’s not a whole lot thinner either. Still, the unit does look a bit more edgy, and hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot more (read: in the wild) shots as December comes closer. Speaking of, check the read link for a whole load of press images.

[Thanks, TheLostSwede]

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Filed under: Laptops

Slowly but surely, MSI is following in the laughable footsteps of ASUS. At first, the Wind was simply the Wind. Now, we’ve a smattering of variants to keep up with, and according to a recent interview with director of US sales Andy Tung, that trend isn’t about to stop. Starting next week, the Wind U100 will be available at an undisclosed “large national retailer,” with the 3-cell / WinXP version going for $399. Additionally, Tung gave us all a reason to hold off on making that very purchase by revealing that the business-minded Wind U120 (or Wind 2, as he called it) will be landing on US soil in late November or early December. Said machine will boast “a whole new look,” new HDD / SSD options and inbuilt 3.5G WWAN connectivity for under $600. Also of note, MSI’s internal research has found that Linux-infused netbooks get returned four times as often as units with Windows XP; we can’t say we’re shocked that people don’t feel like learning a new OS, but we’re deeply, deeply saddened that reading comprehension levels (particularly on specification labels) in this nation are so obviously low.

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