Today, we’ll be taking a look at MSI’s new all-in-one desktop computer, the MSI Wind Top.
The AE1900 comes in two flavors. The first option ships with Windows XP and features a single-core Intel Atom 230 1.6 GHz processor, 1 GB of onboard SDRAM, and a 160 GB hard drive. The second option gets an upgrade to an Atom 330 1.6 GHz dual core processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a 250 GB hard drive running Windows Vista Home Basic.
The most prominent feature of the AE 1900 is the 18.5-inch 16:9 touch screen display. The touch screen itself is incredibly responsive and, while it lacks multi touch capability, it is still very pleasant to use.
The device doesn’t feature much in the way of touch-enabled software outside of an app launcher, but third-party add-ons such as BumpTop can give users a fresh tactile experience. The device does include some alternative input software applications—an on-screen keyboard and handwriting recognition app—but they aren’t practical for extended keyboarding. I didn’t notice any tablet PC features in the XP operating system our review unit shipped with and, as a veteran of tablet PCs (I’m writing this review on a Lenovo Thinkpad x60 Tablet), I greatly miss those features in the Wind Top system. Our source tells us they'll be developing a Windows 7 model in the future and I'm sure that product will blow me away.
That being said, the Wind Top is absolutely beautiful. It comes in two colors—black and white—and features a clear bezel around its edge. This is a machine I'd be proud to display in high-traffic areas of my home.
Included with both Wind Top models is a DVD Super Multi Rewriter, integrated 1.3 MP webcam with microphone, 4X multi card reader, and integrated 802.11b/g/n wireless and gigabit LAN. The device consumes just 65 watts of power (about the same as an average incandescent light bulb) thanks to its nettop internals and runs exceptionally quietly.
This product would be great for casual computer users—you’re not going to run Crysis on this PC—and students who are looking for a desktop for schoolwork and entertainment. Starting at $529, I could see the Wind Top being an attractive alternative to higher-end 20-inch LCD TVs for dorm or apartment use. With TV-on-demand websites like Hulu, I’ve pretty much eliminated broadcast television from my viewing habits.
The Wind Top’s DVD playback works just fine with no noticeable lag. Menus are easily navigated using touch, eliminating the need for a remote. Other entertainment options include a couple of mediocre (but surprisingly addictive) head-tracking webcam games.
The Wind Top may be slightly underpowered, but when all is said and done, the AE1900 represents a value you won’t find in any other all-in-one PC.
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