MSI Wind U100 PLUS Netbook: N280 & New Colors

MSI have announced an updated version of its Wind U100 netbook, complete with new color options and up to 7hrs battery life.  The MSI Wind U100 PLUS now comes in "Rose Champagne" and "Metallic Blue" (the original three colors are still available) and uses the Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz processor, but still has the 10-inch 1024 x 600 display of its predecessor.

Other specs include WiFi b/g/n, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and a 160GB hard-drive.  MSI have picked the Intel GMA950 graphics chipset, rather than the HD-capable GD40, and if you want that 7hrs runtime you'll likely need to replace the standard 3-cell battery with the optional 6-cell pack (despite MSI claiming it's the "standard battery package" that they're quoting for).

Elsewhere there's Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, up to 2GB of RAM, a 4-in-1 memory card reader and Windows XP Home.  No word on pricing for the new model, though considering MSI's budget tags for the existing Wind series, this should be an affordable netbook.

Press Release:

Color of the Wind! MSI Wind U100 PLUS Brand New Debut

MSI today presents a brand new début of its new colorful Wind U100 PLUS.

Ready to enjoy a mobile life that is as easy as a breeze? MSI Wind, best seller of the year 2008, now launches its new Wind U100 PLUS to extend the fever! Two brand new colors rose champagne and metallic blue together with three colors that never go out of style -Imperial Black, Angelic White and Regal Red- will definitely be your must-buy electronic gadgets of the year!

Retaining the handy and practical design concept of Wind U100, MSI U100 PLUS is powered by the latest Intel® Atom™ N280 processor, which not only enables better computing efficiency but also achieves lower power consumption. What's more, the lightweight of Wind U100 PLUS (only 1kg), 10" LED backlight display, 802.11n WLAN and 1.3M built-in webcam make it the perfect companion of your work, travel and on the go. Why not get a U100 PLUS to capture every single moment of your life?

In addition to Imperial Black, Angelic White and Regal Red, two brand new colors, including Rose Champagne and Metallic Blue, are added to Wind U100 PLUS product line. More colors of the Wind bring more fun to your life!

MSI Wind U100 PLUS provides you the following benefits:

To Freely Watch

- 10" Wide LCD Display

Wind U100 PLUS uses a 10" wide LCD display as oppose to the typical smaller sizes to provide better comfort while viewing or reading. In addition, the 1024x 600 resolution can relief concerns of the full display of WebPages while browsing, giving you the freedom when exploring the internet.

- The Latest in LED Power-Saving Backlight Technology

Wind U100 PLUS is embedded with the LED power-saving backlight technology to provide better color fullness and brightness to elevate the total quality of imagery. Furthermore, the lower power consumption can offer a longer operating time.

To Freely Go

- Lightness in Design

The frame is approximately 26 cm in length and 18 cm in width. Its thinnest part measures only 1.9cm. The total weight with battery is only about 1 kg, making Wind U100 PLUS very ideal for taking it on the move.

To Freely Operate

- Ergonomic Big-Size Keyboard and Touch Pad

MSI has the same persistence on proper ergonomically design even on the keyboards of our smaller notebook computers. The keyboard of Wind U100 PLUS not only has great texture, it also increases the space between the keys to 17.5mm, allowing you to be as comfortable as you can. Furthermore, with the ingeniously designed spacebar and touchpad, your fingers can move smoothly to avoid strain.

- Hard Drive with Massive Capacity

Unlike its other competitors that have compromised the storage capacity to decrease in size, Wind U100 PLUS is equipped with the 2.5" standard hard disk of 160G*.It can operate just as any other regular notebook computers; without worrying not having enough memory capacity to save the greatest moments of your life.

*The Actual Capacity of the hard drive is based on the actual model.

- The Newest Intel® Atom™ N280 Processor

Intel® Atom™ Processor uses a brand new design structure as basis adding in as much as 47 million transistors into one single chip, and the size is smaller than 25 (mm)². This is the smallest CPU and it uses the least energy (the power is around 2.5 watts). Moreover, Atom processor has excellent mobility and outstanding functions to let the users explore and enjoy the entertainment on the website.

To Freely Play

- The Excitement of Instant Communication

Equipped with high resolution webcam, high-performance 2 channel stereo speakers, and microphone, all fitted perfectly within the framework design, expressing the slickness of technology and the elegance of modern fashion. Web-chats can be broadcasted instantly not missing one exciting moment. The photos taken is very sharp in resolution and brilliant in colors, capturing precise imagery both indoor or out, adding more fun to instant messaging.

- Wireless Internet Connection

Wind U100 PLUS has the 802.11b/g/n wireless all region internet connection and Bluetooth transmission interface, so you can enjoy the convenience of accessing the internet at home or out. There will be absolutely no obstacles getting around your daily life.

- Comprehensive Multi-Media Application Interface

Wind U100 PLUS offers a complete entertainment interface, which includes the 4-in-1 Card Reader (supports SD. MMC, MS, and MS Pro), so it is compatible to most of the mainstream memory cards, making it easy to upload digital files into the notebook computer. Moreover, U100 PLUS focuses on the common products in the market to make your life easier; therefore, you may connect to your peripherals such as PDAs, digital cameras, digital video cameras, digital MP3 Players, Global GPS Systems and so on. Besides, you can link these devices to U100 PLUS through USB 2.0 Port. An external DVD burner may be added (optional) to play and burn important files at will.

- Long Lasting Batter Life

Wind U100 PLUS can operate up to 7 hours with the standard battery package.* The last battery life can escalate the mobility and the functionality of Wind U100 PLUS, which can also make your daily lives much more convenient. * The Actual battery life varies according to operating conditions and settings.