The MSI Wind U160 doesn’t stray too far away from the original idea of a netbook. However, the finish and style of this machine is pretty special.The MSI Wind U160 won the 2010 iF Product Design Award, marking this out as one of the most appealing and striking netbooks on the market. For any product to win an iF award, it must pass heap of tests which includes review of design quality, materials quality, functionality, usability, innovativeness, safety, brand value and many more.
When it comes to performance you’ll find the latest Intel Atom N450 on-board, along with 1024MB of memory and features the GMA 3150 chipset. The Wind U160 features an LED-backlit, 10.1in screen that has a response time of 8ms giving the performance needed for any display application. Even fast-moving dynamic video is rendered with smooth, fluid motion and no ghosting or other artifacts for a beautifully realistic viewing experience.
MSI has stuck to the traditional connectivity options, so you’ll find three USB ports and a VGA-out connector but no HDMI port. Wi-Fi and fixed Ethernet are present, as is Bluetooth. There is a hatch on the base that gives easy access to the memory module so adding a further 1GB of RAM should be easy.
The stylish chiclet keyboard design expands the area of contact between fingers and keys when compared to regular keyboards, reducing typing errors and increasing comfort. However, the keys themselves are quite small, making the keyboard feel a little more cramped. In addition, the chiclet keyboard is designed to damp key-press sounds. Whether typing or gaming, the chiclet keyboard means you no longer have to fret about disturbing those around you with keyboard clicks and clatter.
The extra-wide touchpad built into the MSI WInd U160 merges seamlessly into the surrounding area of the chassis, allowing your fingers to move around more freely. The touchpad comprises a grid of raised dots that enhance both the tactile effect and aesthetic attraction, and make it both fun and easy to use. However, the touchpad doesn’t offer multi-gesture support though, so no rotating of images or zooming into documents but it responsive and the mouse button practical.
Users can switch between different power modes at the press of a button to conserve battery life. MSI is claiming that you will be able to get around 15 hours of juice on a single charge while utilizing the MSI-exlusive ECO mode. So while running in this mode, you’ll be safe going outside, and away from a plug to power your gadget.
However, there is one problem with the design: the battery. Sure, the six-cell battery helps to deliver long battery life and you could argue that it’s been neatly designed to raise the back of the MSI Wind U160 up to deliver a more ergonomic typing position. However, it does protrude from the chassis and detracts from the overall glamor of the MSI Wind U160.
MSI Wind U160 Key Features
- Compact and sleek design – An iF award winner
- Chiclet Keyboard and Seamless Touch Pad
- Long Battery Life for all-day Computing
- Built-in High-Performance 2 Channel Stereo Speakers, and Microphone
- 802.11b / g / draft n Wireless Lan
- Comprehensive Multi-Media Application Interface
- 8ms Response Time for Superb Image
- Built-in High 1.3M Webcam
MSI Wind U160 Specification
- Operating System : Windows 7 Starter 32-bit
- Display : 10.1″ at 1024×600 pixels
- Processor : Intel Atom N450(1.66GHz, 512KB)
- Chipset : Mobile Intel NM10 Express chipset
- Graphics : Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics
- Memory : 1GB DDR2 667 MHz on 1 slot (easily self upgrade RAM to 2GB)
- Storage : 250GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive
- Wireless Data Network: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
- Optional mobile broadband connectivity
- Input/Output: Ethernet LAN (RJ-45), VGA, 3 x USB 2.0 Ports
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- Memory card reader:4-1 Card Read (XD/SD/MMC/ MS)
- Webcam : 1.3 MP Webcam
- Optical Drive : No Optical Drive (optional external optical drive can be connected via one of the USB ports)
- Battery : 6 Cell Battery (15 Hours of Battery Life)
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 10.2 x 0.7 inches
- Weight:2.4 pounds
Upgrading MSI Wind U160 Netbook Memory from 1GB to 2GB
Take note of the following;
- The netbook comes with only 1 slot and it is populated by a 1GB memory module
- That means you have to remove the 1GB RAM module to insert the new 2GB RAM module
- Make sure you purchase the right memory module – a 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM notebook memory module (667MHz or 800MHz)
- Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover. Once unscrewed slide the door towards the screw and lift up gently. Pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up (Follow the steps outlined in easily self upgrade RAM)
Color Options
The laptop’s casing features MSI’s color-film-print (CFP) technology, which MSI claims is scratch-resistant and is available in Fancy Gold or Jet Black colors.
- Black – MSI Wind U160-006US
- Brown – MSI Wind U160-007US
Software Included with MSI Wind U160 Netbook
The following are included;
- EasyFace facial recognition security software
- System Control Manager
- Microsoft Works 9.0
- MS Office Home & Student Edition 2007 – 60 Day Trial
User Reviews
Aesthetically, the MSI U160 has a lot of improvements and it is a great looking netbook that works as well as it looks. Overall quite please with the performance on this netbook, just a few quirks and sensitivity issues mosly on keyboard but it should be ok if your hands are not as big as mine. MSI Wind U160 has a good battery life, this is another breakthrough in battery technology. Slighly above on the medium quality side as fas as processor speed. Overall this netbook is set to become a winner.
Pros
- Among lightest netbooks
- Stylish design
- Bright screen
- Great battery life
Cons
- Keys quite small
- Six-cell battery protrudes from the back
- 1 memory slot instead of two
Where to Buy MSI Wind U160 Netbook
We found Amazon.com to have the best prices on all netbook computers including the MSI Wind U160. Click on the links below to visit the product website for additional information and special offers. You can also compare prices from the numerous retailers by clicking on the More Prices link.
MSI Wind U160-007US 10-Inch Gold Brown Netbook
 |
| ||||||||||
MSI Wind U160-472US 10-Inch Black Netbook
 |
| ||||||||||
MSI Wind U160-006US 10-Inch Black Netbook
 |
| ||||||||||
Optional Upgrades
Crucial CT25664AC667 2GB 667MHz 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 Memory Module
 |
| ||||||||||
Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Starter to Home Premium]
 |
| ||||||||||
Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 [Disc Version]
 |
| ||||||||||
MSI Wind U160 Netbook Video Review
Related Posts
MSI Wind U135 10-Inch Netbook Review
MSI Wind U130 10-Inch Netbook Review
MSI Wind U123 Netbook – now with Windows 7 and 9-cell battery
(104)
(369)
(7)
(52)
