If you've been holding out for a go-anywhere netbook, the next few months look like being exciting times.
We've already raved about several standouts, including the Eee PC 901, 1000H and the recently launched (though pricey) MSI U120H.
The latest to grab our attention is the new MSI Wind U100 PLUS (also called the 100+), which is priced at $699 - not exactly cheap, but then again, it's far more affordable than many of its rivals pushing the $1,000 mark.
The standout features are the thin LED 10in screen, and the sub-1Kg weight. There's also a nicely spaced keyboard, 160GB HDD and 802.11n wireless.
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| Super light netbook: MSI's Wind U100 PLUS weighs in at under 1Kg with a 3 cell battery |
Compared to the ASUS EeePC 901, the big advantage here is the weight - 1Kg for the 3 cell version, verse 1.45Kg for the 901. By comparison, you'll find the Eee PC 901 online for cheaper - anywhere from $500 or less.
The next few months look like being interesting times, if you're after a cutting edge mini laptop. MSI flagged the arrival of 8 and 10 cell battery netbooks by the end of the year. By that stage we should also have seen Intel's PineView netbook platform.
MSI also caught our eye with the new X340, a super thin 13.4in portable that weighs in at only 1.3Kg. The killer is the price - $1499, which is not bad considering this is an Intel Core 2 Solo low voltage chip.
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| So sharp it hurts: The MSI X340 reminds us of a certain Apple laptop |