MSI Wind X-Slim Models Priced at $700, $1,000

MSI is showing their wares at CTIA and tonight at the MobileFocus event, I’ll be seeking them out to get another peep at the X-Slim line. We saw the MacBook Air-like netbook at CES, but today we get an official starting price, so I want some more playtime to see if it’s worth the premium. The company is officially sharing details on three different netbooks today: the MSI Wind U123 and the X320/X340 in the X-Slim line. The U123 is your basic refresh of the earlier U1xx devices, so let’s dig into the X-Slims.

These two devices are expected to start at $700 and $1,000, respectively, and both feature the small dimensions of 8.8″x 12.9″x 0.7″ with a 13.4-inch screen at 1366×768 resolution. Each is 2.8 pounds with the standard 4-cell battery, although you can use an optional 8-cell battery as well. The main reason for the $300 price differential between the X320 and the X340 is that one is built around traditional netbook components while the other is closer to a standard notebook build. Here’s a rundown of a few examples; the first spec is for the $700 X320 while the second is for the $1,000 X340:

  • Processor = 1.6GHz Intel Atom / Intel ULV SU3500 (speed not specified)
  • Graphics: Intel GMA500 / Intel GMA4500MHD
  • Memory: DDR2-667 up to 2GB / DDR2-800 up to 4GB

Both devices will run on Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium and each offers ample storage and connectivity. Oddly enough, the less expensive device offers optional integrated 3G or WiMAX. I would have expected that on either both machines or on the more expensive one. MSI says we should see all three of these computers on sale in the U.S. come May.

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