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Cebit 2009, Hannover: Day Two
Yesterday we caught up with Asus, so today we went to see the latest products from one of its biggest rivals: MSI. MSI's Wind range of netbooks compete directly against the Asus Eee portables, but the focus at MSI's stand seems a little different: rather than the dozens of netbooks Asus is showing, MSI seems to be focusing on fewer models with more unusual features. Here, for example, is its forthcoming "hybrid" Wind U115:
It may look unremarkable, but there's some interesting technology inside. It uses both a solid state disk (SSD) and a hard disk, but the hard disk can be disabled at the push of a button. This gives you loads of cheap storage space when you want it, but allows you to save battery power when on the move. MSI claims a battery life of nine hours, and we expect it to cost around £400.
More unusual still is the X-Slim series notebook, which looks a little like a white plastic Macbook Air. We got our hands on an engineering sample to take some photos:
And here it is from the side (note the two USB ports - one more than the Air):
This new "X-Slim" range will initially include two models. The X340 pictured here will use an Intel Core Solo ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor and include an HDMI output, and is expected to cost around £800. The X320, however, will use an Atom processor and should come in at between £500 to £600, making it a potentially interesting choice for those who want a really thin and light notebook on a budget. The notebooks will be on shelves in May.
Like Asus, MSI is also creating low cost desktop PCs. Here's the Wind Top AE1900, with a 19" touch screen display, DVD writer and an Atom processor:
It should cost around £600 and will be available by the end of March. Several other models are in the works, including one without the touch screen (the AP1900) as well as 20" and 22" models. A 24" version could appear later this year. Slightly more unusual is this model, the Wind Box DE200:
It has a Blu-Ray drive, HD video output and runs Windows Vista Home Premium - making it an interesting Media Center PC. Expect it in May, but prices are not yet confirmed.
And there are many other interesting products tucked away around the show. Icy Box, makers of hard disk enclosures, was showing a few new media player products that support H.264 video:
This model, the IB-MP309-HW, should appear in March, while one with a slot that accepts a 2.5" hard disk caddy will follow in May. Over in another hall, Zotac have what must be one of the smallest PCs at the whole show:
It may look unremarkable, but there's some interesting technology inside. It uses both a solid state disk (SSD) and a hard disk, but the hard disk can be disabled at the push of a button. This gives you loads of cheap storage space when you want it, but allows you to save battery power when on the move. MSI claims a battery life of nine hours, and we expect it to cost around £400.
More unusual still is the X-Slim series notebook, which looks a little like a white plastic Macbook Air. We got our hands on an engineering sample to take some photos:
And here it is from the side (note the two USB ports - one more than the Air):
This new "X-Slim" range will initially include two models. The X340 pictured here will use an Intel Core Solo ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor and include an HDMI output, and is expected to cost around £800. The X320, however, will use an Atom processor and should come in at between £500 to £600, making it a potentially interesting choice for those who want a really thin and light notebook on a budget. The notebooks will be on shelves in May.
Like Asus, MSI is also creating low cost desktop PCs. Here's the Wind Top AE1900, with a 19" touch screen display, DVD writer and an Atom processor:
It should cost around £600 and will be available by the end of March. Several other models are in the works, including one without the touch screen (the AP1900) as well as 20" and 22" models. A 24" version could appear later this year. Slightly more unusual is this model, the Wind Box DE200:
It has a Blu-Ray drive, HD video output and runs Windows Vista Home Premium - making it an interesting Media Center PC. Expect it in May, but prices are not yet confirmed.
And there are many other interesting products tucked away around the show. Icy Box, makers of hard disk enclosures, was showing a few new media player products that support H.264 video:
This model, the IB-MP309-HW, should appear in March, while one with a slot that accepts a 2.5" hard disk caddy will follow in May. Over in another hall, Zotac have what must be one of the smallest PCs at the whole show:
This "Remote PC" is really a kind of thin client - the PC itself is hidden away and connected via Gigabit ethernet, and this device gives access to the screen, keyboard, mouse and USB. The technology isn't new, but this concept system is the first time we've seen it set up in a way designed for home users - sadly there's no word yet on if it'll go forward to become a product available for sale.
We'll bring you more of the latest products from the show tomorrow.
We'll bring you more of the latest products from the show tomorrow.
To be honest, I didn't love MSI computers, because I didn't really trust them, but now I got one and it's awesome! I really recommend it to everyone!
posted-by Online Roulette Systems | March 6, 2009 10:51 AM
That remote PC is remarkable.
Online Roulette Systems said he doesn't trust MSI computers. I'd like to know why... I have never had any problems with those
Technology these days is getting crazy!
posted-by Andrew Zona | March 6, 2009 7:37 PM
I am not a big fan of MSI either but I have to say I like what they are doing! They are implementing cool technology and the machine looks good.
posted-by mtb | March 7, 2009 3:43 PM
Ok here is a fact, I have been a big fan of MSI because of their motherboards and video cards. Why? Their motherboards are so powerful when it comes to overclocking and I should mention that their video card (ATI 4800 series) are excellent. Just to be fair, MSI has a great contribution when it comes to hardware peripherals. I love the remote PC! LOL looks yummy!
posted-by watch lost episode | December 7, 2009 4:42 PM