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Ever since Asus introduced the EeePC last year, they have been an instant hit among tech savvy users across the globe. What made it a real winner was its size. Small, compact and light-weight ... these mini notebooks are ideal for users on the go, who don't need all that power. Things like checking emails, IM, web surfuring and the occasional editing of office documents. For this reason, these mini notebooks are less powerful than traditional notebooks, and are now classed by many, as "Netbooks".

When it comes to consumer brand awareness, MSI have always been listed by many consumers, as one of the top brand names out there. And this is quite evident when you see MSI introducing new products that are not only innovative, but also ECO and consumer friendly. With this in mind, MSI have been concentrating heavily on their consumer and digital home products. These include notebooks both mainstream and gaming, as well as mini-PCs, multimedia desktop PCs, and of course MSI's latest "Netbooks".

In this review, we'll be taking a look at the MSI's Wind - Model: U100 Netbook. It's a direct competitor to Asus EeePC 1000, which is also very similar in spec and size. Under the bonnet you'll find one of Intel's latest and world's smallest microprocessor ... the ATOM. It's based on Intel's industry leading 45nm technology and runs at a nippy 1.6Ghz. Our review model features 1Gb of DDR2 ram, a massive 120Gb 2.5" SATA hard drive, and a 10" anti-glare widescreen LCD montior capable of 1024x600 resolution.

What's more it has built-in 802.11b/g WiFi, 10/100 ethernet port, 1.3 megapixel webcam, 4-in-1 multicard reader, D-Sub for external VGA, 3 x USB ports, and comes with Windows XP Home Edition! All-in-all, a well equipped little unit with plenty of features and connectivity

The build quality from the outset seems to be very good. It does look neat and tidy, and it does feel strong and sturdy. It weighs in at around 1Kg including the 3-Cell battery. Not bad at all ... though I would have prefered a 6-Cell battery for extra battery life.

The keys on the keyboard feels good to the touch and is larger than I expected for a Netbook of this size. This great news for anyone with large fingers ... but more importantly, it's very comfortable to use and very ergonomic. The quality and responsiveness of the touchpad and buttons is pretty much as expected. No problems there ... and so far so good.

Now, the market share for these type of products is very small ... and Asus with their EeePC have taken a lead, and owns as much 70% or more of this market. Can MSI create a storm with its WIND and capture some of that market share? So far the MSI Wind looks good ... and I can see a lot of manufacturers using the MSI Wind and rebranding them to their own. In fact, it's already happening ... we've just been told that PC maker Advent are selling their own "Netbooks" which is basically a MSI Wind (re-badged).

So, there is a chance for MSI to compete in this market ... even if its not their own MSI branded Wind being sold. We could be seeing a lot of "undressed" MSI Winds out there.

OK, let's not waste any more time and take a closer look at the specificature and features of the MSI Wind Model: U100 Netbook ...