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This is a really nice netbook. I saw in some website, you can even install Apple Mac OSX inside it too (not legally of course) and have double boot with the installed Windows XP. Fit for purpose since I'll be using it a lot during traveling (and left my bigger laptop at home). It's light weight and the 6 cell battery gives around 4 hours autonomy (browsing with WiFi or watching movie). Somebody even had quadruple boot with XP, OSX, Unix and Windows 7.It's a powerful little machine. Overall I'm very satisfied.The minor drawback I had with my unit, sometimes the cooling fan makes a bit of a noise, but doesn't bother me too much.
I just recently traveled with it for the first time and was able to pick up other wireless signals as well as public WiFi with no problems. Don't forget, Fn-F11 to turn ON the wireless, which is not automatically on when you first take it out of the box. And so cute. The screen is wide enough to display the full width of a web page, but shorter than a standard monitors view. Pressing Fn-F11 again engages the Bluetooth. Adding 1GB of RAM cost me $15 (from a local store). I don't care for IE so I installed Firefox, no problems.
It's not quite as convenient to require the desktop for installing software from a CD, but its cheaper (free) and one less thing to haul with me on a plane. If you want to upgrade to Vista, you'll NEED to upgrade the RAM first in order to run it. Make sure you visit the MSI website and update your drivers. Yet another reason I chose this one was because it's white. That's what I did, works perfectly and cost me $0. I purchased a small (Rocketfish - Best Buy product) laser mouse with a nano USB adapter for what I thought was a decent price. A trial version of Office 2007 comes preloaded, but I downloaded Open Office (free office suite) to use instead and that's also working fine. I pick up an 'excellent' signal from my router all over the house and outside.
Maybe there is a way to make the touchpad work to it's full ability along with my wireless mouse installed, but I was not able to figure that out.I really like the matte screen, great color and clarity with no glare. I knew that before purchasing it though. Even the "manual" (pdf format) contained very little information. You will need to puncture a sticker over one of the screws to remove the back cover which states your warranty will be void, but MSI says they will still honor the warranty as long as you don't modify anything else inside. I searched YouTube and followed along with a simple, informative video.
I've read many times that they're needed especially for the touchpad, wireless and Bluetooth functions. My headphones work and sound fine with it. Otherwise, in regards to functionality, this machine is great. No pesky finger prints, looks nice and clean all the time.
The smaller size period and comma haven't been much of an issue so far. Yeah, the speakers stink. I researched Netbooks for a few weeks (read until my eyes burned). I definitely recommend it.
I also cleaned out some of the unnecessary programs from the start-up to make it boot up and run even faster. before making a decision on one. I prefer Windows XP, so I wont be installing Vista any time soon. I'm always surprised to read when others are shocked to find no CD/DVD drive in these netbooks, and therefore give the unit a lower rating for this reason. The touchpad IS super sensitive but can be turned off (Fn-F3) when you are doing a lot of typing or while using a mouse.
Not everyone buying one of these is tech-savvy (myself included). Another reason I chose this model was for the keyboard. Love It. My battery is lasting 4-5 hours with regular use, there is an Eco setting to get more life out of your battery (Fn F10 while unplugged, power LED turns green). The boot up is so quick compared to my desktop. It's larger than other brands and I'm able to type on it just fine.
One of the reasons I chose this model is because the RAM can be upgraded, which I did (took 5 mins). Right side corner-tap functions works fine though, for engaging the scroll feature. However, thereafter it does stay on unless you turn it back off OR remove the battery pack. It's exactly what I wanted, very portable and plenty efficient for my needs. Well, I like my wireless mouse, so I'll forgo the extra functions (left side corner options) on the touchpad. What I wanted was something inexpensive, super portable and simple to use, especially when traveling.
Do they not read the specs or research at all before buying. You can purchase an external optical drive if you must have one, but another option is to network your netbook and your desktop, then share the desktop's CD drive with the network. Their resolution was to uninstall the secondary device. However, when I downloaded the Synaptics touchpad driver, I was unable to utilize the advanced functions of the touchpad. I read in the FAQs on the Synaptics website that if a secondary mouse is installed, the advanced functions on the touchpad would be disabled. With the extra RAM, I'm running Norton Internet Security just fine.
My only complaint with MSI and their product in general is the lack of comprehensive, written instruction. There are 4 options here, keep pressing the Fn-F11 keys until you get the combination of wireless and Bluetooth that you want, as indicated by the LEDs. The USB adapter is nice and small, sticks out the side of the unit only 1/4" as opposed to the other ones that stick out probably 1.5" - 2". You can also use a flash drive to move files.I'm extremely pleased with my Wind U100-279. The good thing is, the information IS out there on the net if you look for it.
My only criticism is the touchpad. I read every review I could get my hands on and decided that this was the best machine for travel and as a supplement to my desktop at home and at work. I wish it had a little trackball in the middle of the keyboard like the old IBM portables or the Toshiba Protege. I think it ideal--at least one month out. It's relatively fast, light, well-lit, quiet, connects well to the internet, and the keyboard is not too cramped and good to the touch. Instead, I have to plug in and rely on a mouse. Still, given the price of this item and assuming it lasts, I recommend it most highly.
Thank goodness it finally does stop. Love the MSI win has the best screen on a netbook that I have seen. Only drawback is that the curser arrow has a tendency to juggle for a time and then it stops when it is jiggling you have almost no control over it. (or at least it has in the past). I went to the MSI website and upgraded both the bios and the firmware, but that doesn't solve the problem.
Not sure if the 3 cell is like that; its no problem though- just an observation. I did alot of online research about netbooks and according to the specs and all of the reviews of other netbooks and the MSI Wind I decided to go with the U100. Battery life is great-I get about 5 hrs of continued use, but if it goes into hibernation part of the day while I do other things then I can use it all day (I usually turn down the screen brightness to save battery life). Just one note: with the 6 cell battery its a little unstable when you sit it down and open the cover. MSI is the way to go. The keyboard is surprisingly usable for extended typing with both hands.
Use headphones for better stereo sound. Although the U120 was available I decided to go with the U100 because the memory can be expanded to 2GB. Has stable OS, good graphics (not great- 1024x600), and OK sound. I really like the pearl white color, built in webcam, BT, Wi-Fi, card reader, 3USB's,etc. Try finding another netbook with all that and also a 6 cell battery. I use it mainly for real estate and office related work and it is perfectly suited for that; clients are amazed when I show up with this little thing and my portable printer to write up contracts.
I am very happy and would get another if I needed one.
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