Review of the MSI Wind U120

The month of September typically hails the return of students back to school campuses.  With this return, comes a bevy of new computers to “help” students with their academic endeavors.  I use the term “help” loosely, since my PC in college was mostly used to teach me how to fly X-wings and write the occasional last minute term paper.  The back to school season is a geeks dream come true with tech being priced to move off the shelves.  This back to school season has seen a newer family of computer hit consumers, known as the “netbook“.  For today’s mobile student, a netbook is a great option that won’t break the bank.  That is if you’re willing to have some limitations versus the traditional desktop or laptop. Such as forgoing a CD/DVD drive built into the computer.

Right now I’m writing this review on my netbook, the MSI Wind U120.  During my research, I looked at the Dell Mini 10/10v, Acer Aspire One and the HP Mini 1137NR.  Each of the three “big name” companies were lacking in one area or another versus the MSI netbook.  Some of them only had a 3-cell Li-ion battery.  Others had smaller hard drives or lacked a couple of USB ports.  All three of the large company netbooks also came in at a higher retail price.

So, what comes in the MSI Wind U120?  Like most netbooks, it’s powered by Intel’s Atom N270 1.6 GHz processor.  (Newer netbooks are now using the N280, but with a higher price.)  A 10″ LCD screen capable of 1024×600 resolution.  1 GB of RAM (not upgradeable as the RAM is mounted to the motherboard).  160 GB hard drive, 3x USB 2.0 ports, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, built-in 802.11 b/g wireless card and ethernet port and a 4-in-1 card reader.  All for the lightweight of 2.6 lbs and initial retail of $329. Other than the price I really enjoy the portability aspect versus a traditional laptop.  It doesn’t take up as much space on a coffee table at Starbucks and has a decent sized screen that won’t institute eye fatigue.  The keyboard is of an adequate size and I don’t run into many instances of key mashing.  Video streaming from Hulu on my home wireless network is great.  In fact, it plays video better than my Dell Inspiron 8200 laptop.

Now, this wouldn’t be a review, if I didn’t go over some of the cons.  My first one is that this bad boy gets hot.  Kinda like a Macbook.  I typically use my netbook when I’m sitting on the couch and want to surf the web during commercials or when I’m half invested in an episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8.  But the amount of heat this thing generates is definitely uncomfortable.  I highly suggest you invest in a lap desk.

My wifes gripe with the Wind is the built in touchpad.  She thinks it’s too sensitive and the buttons aren’t as responsive as they could be.  I feel that you just have to have some finesse and/or practice to get used to the touchpad sensitivity.

Sound is another small problem with any netbook.  The speakers for the Wind seemed to be a tertiary consideration in the design.  There is a distinct lack of bass and it can be hard to hear some Hulu shows unless it’s cranked up to 75% volume.  I would just recommend a set of headphones as an acceptable workaround.

Battery power is pretty much middle of the road.  I’m able to squeeze about 4.5 hours before I need to get it charged up.

Overall, I would recommend any of the MSI series netbooks since they provide a large amount of options for a reasonable price compared to most of the major manufacturers.

4/5 - Nearly classic!

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