I think that completes my hands-on with almost every netbook out there (*1) and I’ve decided which one is the best for the average customer. Its the MSI Wind with XP and 80GB drive.
Over the last week I used it (in Medion Akoya form) alongside a Kohjinsha SC3 costing twice as much and its been a superb portable all-rounder. So much so that on the third day of IDF, I left the SC3 in my room. The SC3 works well most of the time but after a number of Bluetooth failures, Vista lock-ups, drive thrashing and a lack of processing power for Skype operations, it became too risky to rely on it. The Wind took over and performed flawlessly.
While I was at IDF I also got the chance to test out the Aspire one, G10L and Eee 901 and neither of them really seemed to offer anything special over the MSI Wind. The Aspire One, a previous favorite of mine, seemed to have a lower build quality and have a lower quality keyboard, the 901 has an even worse keyboard. The G10L isn’t available! Don’t get me wrong, none of these devices are bad and I doubt that any of them would actually disappoint. For all-round table-top use though, I can’t find any faults with the MSI Wind.
Many of you will cry ‘battery life’ of course and yes, that is a consideration if you’re 2-hours away from a power socket but the reality is that in the table-top usage mode, there’s nearly always a power socket nearby. Be careful to remember I’m not talking about ultra mobile computing here and I’m also talking objectively. The MSI Wind is not the best device for my usage scenarios but it’s likely to be the best for most people. I’ll talk about my own requirements again soon (In short I think I’m going to go for a Gigabyte M912M + Gigabyte M528 until I can test a Raon Everun Note and Viliv S7 that may replace both early in 2009.) but for most of you out there, if you’re thinking about a no-fuss do-it-all netbook, the MSI Wind with XP and HDD is the one that should be at the top of your list.
More information, images, links to reviews and news articles on the MSI Wind.
(*1) I haven’t personally tested the HP 2133 but I know from other peoples testing that its not the best device out there. There are processing limitations that cause problems with some higher-end apps like Skype. The keyboard and design is good but it needs a processor boost before it becomes a flawless device in my opinion.
I would say the Eee PC 1000H is the best Netbook so far.
I got one with the 6 cell battery for 699 Swiss Francs or about 610$ (tax included).
It’s basically the same as the Wind but with more battery power for (at least here) the same price.
G10IL with 3G has to be a contender – if only it would arrive!
One of the situations I use my UMPC in is when I’m on a train (which in the UK _sometimes_ have plug sockets) or coach, or having to hang around somewhere like a station. So plug accessibility is important for me. However, I guess the Wind doesn’t consume much more power than an Acer One or EEE Pc, so I guess it’s just a matter of waiting for extended batteries to be produced.
The only downside to the msi wind is how much msi has started cutting corners. If you get an msi wind now, you’ll get the cheaper battery and a non synaptics touchpad! not the worst thing in the world, but what else could they have started decreasing the quality on!
Personally, I’m going with the Aspire One XP and 160GB which has just been introduced at $400 at J&R. The other 2 models have been further reduced as well.
That should do well by me until one of my “dream devices” materializes in the US.
I do agree that the MSI is one of the bests choices. I just wonder how come the UMPCportal does not talk about the Asus Eee PC 1000H!!! A good comparison between these two should be done!!
Hi.
We decided (I decided) that the easiest way to draw the line on ultra mobile computers was at 10″ and 1KG. Some devices cross-over because of size. Some cross over because of capability but at nearly 1.5KG, the 1000H is definitely out of the picture as far as Ultra Mobile computing is concerned. Its a real shame we can’t cover everything but we just don[‘t have the time and prefer to really focus down on the pro-mo sector. What I am working on is trying to get someonoe to own the product portal for netbook devices so that at least all the 10″ devices are in there.
Steve
So maybe the dell E4200 steals a mention because of the 1kg barrier? I understand your restrictions, but with so many hybrids coming on line is tough call. Is form factor the only criteria for UMPC? For me weight is crucial, I mean a 7inch that weighs so much that my pants fall down really is not cool.
Sorry Chippy, but I don’t get the arbitrary cutoff at 1KG.
1. According to your very own site database, the MSI Wind is 1.2KG, which apparently would eliminate it as well?
2. 1.2KG versus 1.5KG for the eeePC 1000H, yet the 1000H has a real battery capacity. Add a 6-cell battery to the MSI wind, wouldn’t you be in that neighborhood?
3. The hard drive in the 1000H is a speedy SATA-2 5400RPM drive. Quite snappy.
4. The hardware buttons for screen resolution and under/overclocking are quite useful.
5. Multitouch on the 1000H trackpad is great for browsing (yes I know you can simulate this in Firefox with an add-on, but in the event you have to use IE for a certain application/intranet functionality, you have this functionality).
6. Asus really embraced upgradeability by the end user in the 1000H. Everything is SOOOOOOO easy to get to. I dropped in 2GB and a 64GB SSD, and it could not have been simpler.
I mentioned it in the forums, that after auditioning several UMPCs and netbooks, the 1000H *finally* gives me what I need.
1. According to your very own site database, the MSI Wind is 1.2KG, which apparently would eliminate it as well?
but I thought it weighed less now with the new (read: crap) battery ?
(might squeeze under the bar?)
Eee 1000 (HDD+6cell) rocks too :)
Atm here in Canada, Wind with 6-cell seems available only in pink :(
Probably will never see a UMPC review, but I think the new Dell E4200 12 inch needs to be seriously assesed. Ok, you say it’s not a true UMPC because of the form, but don’t forget its LIGHTER than an eee and packs lots of portability features like battery life (19 h) and 3g Heck will this new product roller coaster ever stop for us poor consumers to catch up!
The Dell E4200 is on my short list too…just a notch up from the MSI despite fact that I expect that particular Dell to price higher (and is really not a direct and fair comparison as a result).
However, the new Lenovo S10 is VERY CLOSE on spec and price to the MSI Wind and yet you get a much more solid brand name and likely better quality parts and battery. Please compare MSI Wind to the S10 as soon as possible. Thanks,
Agreed Brian, I was getting pushy with the DEll, but the Lenovo S10 is a beut especially given the reputation with design and build. Maybe we can drag Chippy into a ‘compare’ with these two?
>>>which has just been introduced at $400 at J&R
See, Chippy? Other people know about J&R too!
And no, that’s not me under a different name! Ha!
Now, if only SOMEONE would get the frikkin Wind *in* so I can fondle it!
@Mike Cane… The new Acer Aspire One with the 160GB drive has the new 6 cell battery as well, for $400.
I’m thinking of picking it up at the week-end.
I do agree, HP would of had the reigning title of the best Netbook out there if they had a processor to justify its price/performance…
But the Raon Digital Everrun Note looks ever tempting, I’m praying that the keyboard is at least better than the Eee PC 701
From reviews I’ve read so far, the Wind is the coldest netbook, a sign of not a lousy design.
I am definitely in between the S10 and the Dell. Just depends on dell pricing and such. I feel both are better than the wind. I have really been turned off of it due to availability
My daughter has been using the EEE1000H (upgraded to 2GB RAM)for a few weeks as an alternative to her Vaio 1XP/C 13.3″ to see if it can replace the much-loved larger laptop. The answer so far is YES! It is much more practicable for taking around (perhaps only 30% lighter than the Vaio) but she loves everything about the EEE. It’s faster loading and runs quicker. OK the screen display quality is not as good as the Vaio (which has always been superb) and I wouldn’t want to be using the latest Paintshop Pro to touch-up images which needed intricate care however, for surfing, wp, email etc it’s excellent. She has decided she doesn’t want her Vaio back (which cost over 1400 quid 2 years ago) and is off to UNI with it in September. I wonder how reliable it will be. The Vaio had to be returned for repairs- (all electronic failures) 4 times in 2 years!
Agree with your daughter. After looking around, I decided on the Asus 1000H and souped up to 2GB RAM. With the exception of a DVD/CD drive which is common in all netbooks, the 1000H for my use (esp mobility) is the perfect substitute for my latop.Its one hellava machine for its price. I got the white coloured one and its terribly sexy.
I have an MSI Wind for 2 weeks now and I’m happy with it. But I don’t use it as an Ultra-Portable device, more to travel and when I have place: put it on a table and use a wifi hotspot to surf around.
So for me it’s a very small laptop which is useful because my big one was to annoying to take with me everywhere… ;)
Its interesting that you compare the Wind to the 901 and Acer one when I regard these as in a different class of Netbook the real rival to the Wind is surely eee1000. I regard the Wind and 1000H as mini laptops not Netbooks since they offer a more mainstream laptop like experience i.e.(big keys, large HD).
Its a shame that Acer havent really been clear
in distinguishing between the 901 and 1000 pricewise I guess this is the legacy of having the budget end of the market to themselves for so long. They really need to agressivly market the 901 at the same price as the Apsire One or cheaper. Now the big boys
(IBM,HP and Dell) are looking into this area its gonna get very crowded and cutthroat.
Ok so call this a tad OFF TOPIC just didn’t want to post in a week old post :)
I wish we could get MIDs or/and UMPCs in the size and design as Korea keeps pumping out the PMP and electronic dictionaries!
The latest one:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/26/udea-expert-300w-electronic-dictionary-boasts-fm-radio-and-mo/
I had the wind (the love edition with 6 cell)
I was aiming to get the eee 901 but I cannot get hold of it.
Then after I used for couple of week, I now like it.
especially now I can overclock to 2Gz 8)
Let’s see:
1. 6-cell Black or White MSI Wind: unavailable in USA. Plenty of Pink ones for $550 at Mwave.com
2. Lenovo S10 Black/White/Red: Ship date was Nov-03-2008 (on 8-26-08) in USA. You cannot even access the S10 ordering page at Lenovo.com today.
3. ASUS 1000H: In stock at a number of on-line places and in stores in USA from $519
4. Dell E4200: Still not available, will cost at least US$ 2000 with 64GB SSD (A D430 with the 64GB drive is about $1,800 today at Dell.com).
That seems a bit high to me Rich. My guess it will be lower, if it is to find its place in the market.
When taking pricing into account, does the MSI Wind still top competitors like the Acer Aspire One? It’s price point alone is making me want to make this one my Netbook of choice. At the price tag it is now, 400 or less, it seems to be the best DEAL by far, seeing as how you have to go over 500 dollars, almost even over 600, to get a “good spec” version of another computer. The specs aren’t what’s important in these netbooks: it’s the price!
Maybe I’ll drop my review of Wind: http://devplant.net/2008/07/28/msi-wind-here-it-comes/ :)
I too would definitely appreciate coverage of the 10″ eee PC’s. It almost feels conspiracy-ish that the MSI Wind is covered but not the 1000H which have almost identical specs.
MS Wind = Medion AKOYA Mini E121
Medion kündigt auf der IFA Nachfolger für Oktober an:
http://www.car-pc.info/RSSmanager/2008-09-02.2075341330
Congratulations to UMPC Portal for a quarter million visitors last month. The buzz centered around netbooks, the newest class of computers, has no doubt spurred a lot of traffic on sites such as this.
Consumers appreciate helpful information which is clearly interpreted and delivered in a meaningful way.
Thanks to UMPC Portal for its contributions.
Its Oct 08. Have surveyed the Aspire One, MSI Wind, HP, Asus Eee and Lennovo. In terms of value, battery life of use, ease of use, memory space, design a la look and feel etc, I will pick Asus Eee 1000H as the best netbook to-date. But do watch Lennovo when they introduce their 6-cell battery (currently only 3-cell ehich is its main disadvantage).
Chippy,
I know that this topic is rather old, but I would like your opinion about netbooks at this stage. I’m thinking about buying one for my wife. She would be using it mainly for internet, e-mail, outlook, word and SKYPE. Would you still say that the Wind is the best at the moment? I am also considering the Asus Eee PC 1000HA, which I do believe should be included in the comparison even though I understand your criteria.
hope you see this post
regards
André
Still waiting for a “more complete and up to date” point of view of the best Notebook out there? Weight up to 1.5kg should not be as a big issue compare to “Time lasting” i think.
Anyway still waiting :-)