MSI Wind12 U230 Packs AMD Congo CPU For Lengthy Runtimes
MSI's latest ultraportable has made its debut, based on AMD's second-gen ultrathin platform. The MSI Wind12 U230 has a 12.1-inch 1,366 x 768 HD-ready display (as well as an HDMI port), dual-core AMD Congo MV40 processor and up to 4GB of DDR2 memory; it measures a slimline 297 x 190 x 24-31 mm and tips the scales at 1.3kg.
Inside, MSI have squeezed up to 320GB of storage, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics and a 1.3-megapixel webcam. Connectivity includes WiFI b/g/n, gigabit ethernet and optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; there's also a VGA port, three USB 2.0 ports, audio in/out and a 4-in-1 memory card reader.
Both 3-cell and 6-cell batteries are available, though MSI are being cagey on runtime estimates: they'll only say that the Wind12 U230 should last around twice as long as a regular 12-inch ultraportable. Still, there'll likely find plenty of people interested in the promise of DirectX 10 support and a larger keyboard than usual, just as long as they can bring the Wind12 U230 in at a reasonable price.
Press Release:
The MSI Wind12 U230The New Standard in Shrewd & Expansive Performance
Taipei】MSI has officially released this year's showpiece, the 12.1" Wind12 U230, which features AMD's 2nd Generation Ultrathin Platform, a dual-core processor, and Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 7, all driven by the most progressive mobile operating software available. MSI Notebook Marketing Director Sam Chern stated that the U230 maintains the distinguishing features of the Wind12 U Series, with superior ultra-thin mobility and a 12.1" display for an expansive viewing experience. The ultra thin, power-saving dual core processor architecture further provides consumers with a performance experience on par with standard notebook computers.
Dual Breakthroughs in Processing and Display Exceed Expectations
HD support and double the processing performance: The MSI Wind12 U230 notebook has a cinematic 16:9 LED backlit display, a footprint smaller than a sheet of A4 paper (297×190mm), a total weight of 1.3kg including battery, and an exterior that resembles the portability and elegance of a netbook. With AMD's 2nd Generation Ultrathin Platform with a dual-core processor, processing performance is more than double compared to traditional lightweight notebooks. Compared to the previous generation model, display performance has increased more than 3-fold while fully supporting HD video output!
60% less power consumption than standard notebooks: More importantly, the Wind12 U230 offers equally low power consumption and energy saving characteristics, with around 60% less power consumption than standard notebooks. MSI's refined craftsmanship has optimized energy efficiency and mobility to provide consumers with the high performance of standard notebooks and expansive field of vision at the same time, all with the slimness and portability of a netbook.
Twofold Ultra-Long Battery Life*
MSI's exclusive ECO Engine technology: The MSI Wind12 U230 integrates the characteristics of netbooks and standard notebook computers to provide a large display, high performance in a lightweight 1.3kg frame. MSI's ECO Engine technology, an LED backlit display, and AMD's 2nd Generation Ultrathin Platform give the U230's amazing battery performance—over twice the battery endurance of traditional 12" notebooks!
Extended mobile experience: MSI's exclusive ECO Engine technology lets users select power management modes based on specific power requirements. The five modes, Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Document, and Turbo Battery, offer flexible battery use to extend battery endurance to the greatest extent possible. Testing proves that the Wind12 U230, using a power-saving mode setting, can be used for up to 4 hours so you can enjoy an extended, high performance mobile experience.
*Actual battery performance depends on operating conditions and user preferences
The Ease and Comfort of Absolute Fashionable Tactility
MSI's Color Film Print Technology: The MSI Wind12 U230 notebook exterior features soft, flowing lines and a smart gracefulness. The outer casing and keyboard contact areas are specially coated using the most stylish and advanced Color Film Print Technology, which not only gives the entire notebook a glossy, crystal-like appearance, but also gives it a laid-back and stylish tactility that can be enjoyed anywhere. Further, the keyboard contact area's use of Color Film Print Technology makes it even more resistant to scratches and dust, keeping your Wind12 U230 looking new with a noticeable sheen.
Ergonomic De-Stress (EDS) Keyboard: In addition, the U230's special application of MSI's exclusive EDS keyboard features a 51% increase in the surface area of every key. The keyboard also features improved finger contact range and the optimal ergonomic curvature for unhindered and comfortable typing that effectively reduces the burden created by finger and wrist movement and allows you to enjoy a fluid, flowing style of typing!
A Feast of Stunning Audio & Video Entertainment
HD & DirectX 10 technology: The U230 uses the AMD RS780MN and SB710 chipsets that both support HD and DirectX 10 technologies. With a 16:9 LED backlit display featuring an HD-ready 1366×768 resolution, full presentation of HD's distinct and abundant colors let images display with increased authenticity and detail.
Built-in HDMI output ports: The U230's built-in HDMI output ports provide up to 5GB of transmission bandwidth so your notebook can easily be connected to a large-screen TV or other multimedia display device. Easily expand the vivid and lifelike high resolution images on a large display by using the small U230 to realize the big dream of having a hi-fi home theater system.