The MSI Wind U135 (~US$315) is a netbook that features Intel's Pine Trail platform. This platform updates the aging Atom N270/N280 CPU in favor of the newer Atom N450 processor.
Features:
- Intel Atom N450 processor (1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB; 512K Cache)
- Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics
- 1GB of DDR2 RAM
- 10-inch 1024x600 LCD with LED backlight
- 160GB (5400RPM) WD Scorpio Blue Hard Drive
- 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
- 1.3 megapixel webcam
- USB 2.0 x 3 ports
- SD / MMC / MSPro Multimedia Card Reader
- Stereo Speakers
- Removable 3-Cell (or 6-Cell) Li-ion Battery
- MS Windows 7 Starter
- Dimensions: 10.23" x 7.08" x 0.74"-1.24"
- Weight: 2.4 lbs.
HotHardware.com likes the overall design of the MSI Wind U135, and gives it its “Recommended” rating:
“If you're just now starting to look for a netbook, however, the U135 will serve your needs well. It won't blow away any expectations, but it probably won't let you down, either. The real questions are whether you should wait for a netbook with USB 3.0 and / or Bluetooth 3.0, or whether you should look into getting into another class of device entirely. The tablet is poised to take off this year according to some, and while an on-screen keyboard definitely isn't ideal, neither is a cramped one that's shoved into the frame of a 10" netbook. Smartphones are also becoming more capable of handling basic web needs, though they'll leave you wanting more when it comes using an application like Microsoft Word, for example. In summary, the Wind U135 is a fine step forward in the slowly progressing netbook space, but it doesn't set a new standard for all future netbooks to follow.” [HotHardware | MSI Wind U135]
If you can live without an optical drive, USB 3.0 ports, or a multi-touch trackpad, the MSI Wind U135 netbook would be a nice choice. If you’ve been holding off the purchase of a netbook, and don’t have plans for the iPad (or other tablets), I’d say go for this one.
