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November 21, 2008 1:36 PM PST

MSI refreshes Wind Netbook

by Michelle Thatcher
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MSI on Friday announced the next iteration of its popular Wind Netbook, the 3-pound Wind U120. The updated model includes many of the same features as its predecessor, but sports a new look (white with black accents) and adds WiMax or HSDPA connectivity.

MSI Wind U120

Mobile broadband was one of the items we thought was missing from the Wind U100, so we're glad to see it's been included with this update, at least in theory. (At the moment, WiMax networks are pretty scarce in the U.S.) Also included is a six-cell battery, which is a necessity when you're talking about a device as mobile as a Netbook. In fact, our only wish that isn't granted with the Wind U120 has to do with storage: though the hard drive size has doubled to 160GB, there is still no solid-state drive option.

The Wind U120's other specs look similar to the previous version, including its 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, three USB ports, and 4-in-1 card reader. In a concession to those who hate the Netbook's tiny touch pad, it ships with an external mouse.

MSI did not specify pricing or availability for the Wind U120, but the announcement press release trumpeted that the minilaptop will be on display at CES in January 2009.

Michelle Thatcher has been reviewing technology products for nearly a decade. Her current focus is laptop reviews, with some kitchen gadgetry and Web 2.0 thrown in for good measure.
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by jabailo November 23, 2008 9:16 AM PST
Can I use this to connect to my current Clearwire wimax account?
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by pithenumber November 23, 2008 11:24 AM PST
include a SSD option plz!
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by TechnoMan475392 November 23, 2008 6:13 PM PST
That's not even a netbook anymore. 12" screen, 160 GB HHD, 1 GB, 1.6 GHz is still 1.6 GHz.
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by November 24, 2008 9:13 PM PST
It has a 10" screen, not 12".
by KevinXI November 24, 2008 12:02 AM PST
Looks pretty awesome.
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by dirty55409 November 24, 2008 9:53 AM PST
yeah jeez netbooks should be kept at 8.9" I have a 12.1" screen and my notebook crushes the netbook market. 4 hours of battery life, wifi, 160gb HDD AND a DVD burner. It did cost a grand 3 years ago but it still rocks.
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