Delight ware: Netbook stages a comeback with dual storage

Established in 1986 as a hardware supplier, Micro Star International (MSI), initially offered a product line of motherboards, graphics accelerator cards, notebook computer, server/work stations, industrial PCs, barebone systems, communications devices, consumer electronics, and automobile electronics and has rapidly emerged as an important IT manufacturer in Taiwan. To expand its global presence, MSI has employed a multi-product strategy, making inroads into the brand-name product market. Its netbook line, for example, has accumulated enough shipment volume and brand-name publicity to compete with products made by top-tier international assemblers. That’s why the MSI’s netbook currently takes much of the focus of the market. .

With the 10-inch netbook being the most popular item in the market, netbook makers are scrambling to come up with their own 10-inchers. Having successfully launched a 10-inch WIND U100 netbook in 2008, MSI plans on following that up this year with a new 10-inch WIND U115 Hybrid, due to hit the market at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009. WIND U115 Hybrid comes with a 10-inch wide-screen panel, Intel Menlow platform, memory expandable up to 2GB, built-in XD/SD/MMC/Memory Stick four-in-one card reader, 1.3mn-pixel web cam, three USB 2.0 portals, and supports 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN and Bluetooth connection.

For storage, WIND U115 Hybrid is equipped with both state-of-the-art solid-state drive (SSD) and the conventional SATA HDD, for a brilliant division of labor. That is, the operating system (OS) is installed on the SSD, which effectively speeds boot-up and enhances operating efficiency, while the SATA HDD offers ample space for the user’s documents, music, and clutter. Working under MSI’s exclusive ECO power-saving mode, WIND U115 Hybrid will shut off SATA hard drive upon boot-up and run solely on SSD until further notice. Coupling this power-saving mode and a 6-cell battery, WIND U115 Hybrid can work as long as 12 hours straight, taking users to a new level of mobility.