MSI Laptop Showdown: Wind Vs. X-Slim

The MacBook Air no longer runs the show when it comes to thin, light and stylish. At CTIA, we were introduced to the MSI X-Slim series which will seriously threaten to dethrone the Air when it hits the market. MSI is also making waves in the netbook arena. The imminent arrival of the MSI Wind U123 is putting the hurt on all the big players, from the Asus Eee to the Dell Mini. But which MSI is right for you, the Wind or the X-Slim? We're going to take a quick look at the pros and cons of each.



We already brought some pics and video the MSI Wind U123 and MSI X-Slim from the CTIA showroom floor. Now we're going to take a look at the two computers side-by-side:

Model	MSI Wind U123	MSI X-Slim X340
Expected Price	$300-$500	$1000
Screen Size	10.2-inches LED	13.4-inches LCD
Weight	2.98 pounds	2.8 pounds
Processor	1.66 GHz Atom N280	1.3GHz Intel ULV
Operating System	XP Home	Vista Home Premium
Memory	1 GB (expandable)	Up to 4GB
Hard Drive	160 GB	320 GB
Video Card	Intel 945GSE	Intel GMA4500MHD
Max Resolution	1024x600	1366 x 768
Wireless Networking	3G/WiMAX	Bluetooth; 802.11b/g/n
Additional Features	TV Tuner	HDMI out

Deciding on the X-Slim or the U123 brings us back to that recurring question: to netbook or to laptop?

Ultimately, form factor, price and media are the deciding factors in the battle between the Wind and the X-Slim. For those that live a mobile lifestyle with a need for a constant internet connection, the Wind U123 netbook will probably be a better option.

The multimedia enthusiast with a love of luxury will be enamored with the MSI X-Slim.

As far as netbooks go, the Wind U123 offers one feature new to the category, namely: the TV tuner. With its sizeable hard drive, you can record TV and bring it on the road with you.

In the feather light, wafer thin, ultra-ultraportable laptop arena, the MSI X-Slim X340 is a clear counterpunch to the MacBook Air. A knockout, counter uppercut might be a better way to put it. The MSI X-Slim offers an ultra energy efficient processor and 1080p video play back for a full $800 bucks less than the starter MacBook Air.

For more on netbooks, laptops and ultraportables, be sure to vist our computer review site. We've also got tech news, fresh ideas, and the latest from CTIA 2009 on our blog:

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