NbC: MSI Wind U115 Hybrid Review
July 27, 2009 at 9:23 am
Bottom of unit
In terms of upgradeability, MSI don’t provide any access panels of any kind. Not for the hard-disk drive, RAM memory module or Wi-Fi. The only way of accessing these components is by removing all of the screws on the bottom of the unit and lifting it off entirely. However, the problem with this is that if you attempt to do this you’ll end up voiding your warranty. So if you want to stick with the rules, you’ll be stuck with those components for a year. We certainly can see no reason why MSI didn’t provide a small access panel for at least the RAM, especially as that can make a big difference to performance.
There are a number of vents on the bottom. The speakers are located to the very bottom left and right. Like many other netbooks, the 6-cell battery bulges out at the bottom and include two rubber feet.
MSI will know if you try and upgrade components by placing a sticker (“Warranty Sticker: Void if tampered”) over a screw needed to remove the bottom.
The battery slid in and out very easily. We would have preferred slightly larger locking buttons for the battery and we noticed at times that the battery would wobble ever so slightly making us check whether it was indeed locked properly.
This particular hand symbol has me perplexed. I’m not sure whether it refers to the side vent or points where the bottom needs to be lifted from when opening the bottom. If anyone knows for sure, we’d love to know!
The design of the U115 is as simple as they come. For example, there are no chrome effects on the hinges that you find on other models. A number of grey rubber feet makes sure the U115 sits comfortably on hard surfaces.
Dimensions
The MSI Wind U115 measures 26.0cm in width, which is pretty much your standard when it comes with 10-inch netbooks. To give you an idea for comparison, the Samsung N120 was 27.2cm wide and the Asus Eee PC 1000HE was 26.6cm in width.
The netbook has a depth of 18.0cm, smaller than both the Asus Eee PC 1000HE (19.1cm) and Samsung N120 (18.9cm). It certainly feels small in the hand, although the thickness ruins that illusion somewhat.
The Wind U115 varies in thickness. At the back where the battery sits, the netbook is at its thickest point at 31.5mm (1.24-inches). This compares to a thickness of (30mm) 1.17-inches for the Samsung N120 and is significantly thinner than the Eee PC 1000HE which is (38.1mm) 1.5-inches thick
When looking at these pictures, it is worth noting that the ruler does not start from zero. There is a small gap before the gradations start.
At its thinnest point, the U115 measures approximately 0.75-inches (19.0mm), which compares against 0.8-inches (20.33mm) for the Samsung N120 and 1.1-inches (28.5mm) for the Eee PC 1000HE.
We were pleased to see a relatively small power supply used in the U115. In fact the dimensions of 40mm (W) x 94mm(H) and 28mm (D) was near enough the same as the Samsung N120 [Dimensions: 92mm (W) x 40mm (H) x 27mm (D)]. The Asus Eee PC 1000HE power adaptor is still slightly smaller than both though.
Weight
The MSI Wind U115 weighed 1.302kg (2.87lbs) according to our measurements. This includes the 6-cell battery attached. This is very similar to the Samsung N120 (1.295kg) and around 150g lighter than the Asus Eee PC 1000HE.
The 6-cell 5200mAh battery (58Wh) of the U115 Hybrid weighed 325g. Once again, this is similar to the Samsung n120 (330g) and lighter than the Asus Eee PC 1000HE (400g).
The power adaptor and UK-spec plug alone weighed 390g. The UK plug alone is one of the biggest and heaviest in the world, so I would expect other regions to be slightly less weight.
Taking the whole bundle into account (netbook + battery + power cables) came to a total weight of 1.692kg (3.73lbs). This total weight is lower than both the Samsung N120 (1.717kg) and the Asus Eee PC 1000HE (1.75kg).
August 22nd, 2009 3:58 PM
I will appreciate to know where i can shop this amazing netbook.
I am writing from Nigeria and the good battery life will make huge business sense here.
Best regards.
Chidi