REVIEW: MSI Wind U100-420US Netbook

I've had my Wind for about 3 months now and I use it every day. I have a desktop PC, and I wanted something portable that I could bring to classes and type of my notes, eliminating the need to rewrite them later. A full-featured laptop was out of my budget, so I turned to a new category of computers: the Netbook. I looked at all of the different models on the market, and ultimately settled on the MSI Wind. It met my price goal ($200-$350), and it had very positive reviews online. Now that I have it, I'm happy with my purchase. I have had a couple technical headaches with my Wind (see below), but they don't outweigh the benefits.

So, what can you run on an MSI Wind? It has a 1.6ghz Intel Atom processor, can that really run anything good? Well, that depends. Do you like emulators? Old dos games? They look amazing on the Wind. Movies do too, anything up to 720p plays without a problem. If you want to run CDs, you'll need to learn how to make iso's on another PC and run Daemon Tools or a similar app on your Wind. This netbook won't be able to play newer games, but that's not what it's designed to do.

Pros
- Cost. The Wind U100 cost me $330 from Best Buy

- Size. This netbook is so small that I can put it in my backpack and you hardly know it's there. I bought a $10 case that fits it like a glove and prevents scratches.

- Convenience. If you're a student, and you feel that you can probably type notes faster than you can possible write them, a netbook like this is for you. My class notes have never been more organized (or easy to read!).

- Storage space. This unit sports a 120gb hard drive. I hear all the fuss about solid state hard drives like those found in the Dell Mini 9, but until they are available in larger capacities, I don't see the advantage. I filled up 50+ gigs of my Wind within a week of purchase.

- LED Screen. The LED-lit screen is beautiful, movies look fantastic and text is very easy to read.


Cons
- Defective webcam. Mine had a defective webcam that died after two week's use. The solution? I RMA's the unit to MSI (deal with them over the phone, their website is useless) and the webcam was replaced. Back in my hands in less than two weeks, and video chat through Skype is awesome.

- Mouse issues. Recently, the right and left click buttons have been swapping functions for no apparent reason, or ceasing to work altogether. I have been using a wireless USB mouse until I sum up the nerve to reinstall windows and all of my applications (which may or may not solve the issue).

In Short:
This is a great netbook. The issues that I have had with mine may be a complete fluke. I use this netbook every day, and it is a lifesaver for any college student. The price point is right too, and the new Wind model is just $319 at Best Buy.