Review: MSI Wind notebook computer

The MSI Wind, the latest small computer in the mini-notebook trend started by Asus, is around the same size as the Asus Eee PC 900 and has the same white pearlescent case, making us wonder if MSI, like Asus, seems to be pitching its mini-notebook a handy handbag companion for women.

However, the similarities between the Wind and its competitors end there. The most noticeable difference is the keyboard: unlike many other mini-notebooks, the Wind’s chassis is large enough to accommodate a larger keyboard. This makes it easier and more comfortable to type on and even those with large fingers shouldn’t have a problem here.

The keys are also nicely springy meaning that fingernails don’t get caught underneath them. The only flaw we found was the left Control button, which isn't at the bottom left of the keyboard, something that's confusing to those who like to use their keyboard shortcuts. The trackpad, however, is at the other extreme, being much smaller than average. Despite this it’s accurate and responsive, as are the small left and right mouse buttons on the bottom.

The Wind’s 10in matt LCD display (1,024x600 pixels) is clear and bright and hardly suffers from any reflections (many notebook screens are now gloss models, and so have problems in bright light). It is also wide enough that two people can sit side by side watching a film and still be able to see what's going on. However, to do so it is necessary to buy an external DVD reader as, in common with computers of this type, the Wind does not have one built-in.

MSI has also included a software feature that allows people to see a full display of web pages while browsing. This is something that has in the past been a problem with mini-notebooks, with the small screens making it hard to see full pages and difficult to navigate the web.

The screen is surrounded by a thick bezel, which houses a good-quality webcam and a microphone, so the Wind can be used easily for Skype video calls, for instance.

Powering up the computer took less time than an average PC, largely due to the fact that it doesn’t have a lot on it. It runs Windows XP (there is a Linux version available) but doesn't come with much else, software-wise. It uses Intel's new 1.6GHz Atom processor and has 1GB of main memory, so it zips along.

There's an 80GB hard disk as well, far ahead of what most mini-notebooks (including the Asus Eee) offer. The Atom is also power-efficient, so the battery will last around two and a half hours on a single charge (although using a wireless network will reduce that). It weighs only 1kg, making it ideal for travellers.

The notebook can connect to standard wired and wireless networks as well as Bluetooth devices, there are three USB ports, a memory card reader (which can be used to extend the Wind’s memory) and a monitor output, as well as headphone and microphone sockets.

We were extremely impressed by the MSI Wind, and for £329 it blows the other mini-notebook competition out of the water. The keyboard is a joy to use, the screen is fantastic and it certainly looks the part, making it an all-round excellent choice.

Vista compatible: No