Screen.
In the first few weeks of using the device I was annoyed with an occasional screen flicker but it turned out that a quick and easy BIOS upgrade was needed. I doubt you’ll find this problem in new models as the BIOS fix was issued within days of people reporting the problem. Apart from that I find the screen fantastic. Bright and easy to read. 10.2" and 1024×600 is an extremely comfortable size to work with over extended periods. The backlight can be adjust easily from the function key shortcuts. The screen is held closed by a magnetic catch.
Processing power.
In the past when we’ve tested UMPCs with ‘Ghz class’ processors we’ve always had to highlight important limitations. Intel’s Atom at 1.6Ghz has limitations too but they sit just above the requirements of the average consumer. Web browsing is fast. You can use Skype video perfectly. Itunes and Google earth don’t leave you waiting, most videos up to 720p play smoothly and if you have a little patience you can even edit video on the device. I’ve even done live video broadcasts with it and have built up a confidence that it’s not going to choke with my regular activities. Don’t expect super gaming performance or the ability to run 10’s of applications at a time but do expect to be doing normal duties without having to worry. Note that the version I have here is running XP. While Vista is said to work (and even Mac OS hacks) XP is the best tool for everyday tasks.
Battery life.
Again, battery life seems to be just enough. You’ll be carrying the power brick around with you as with a normal laptop (I carry an external power pack rather than a power brick) and you’ll be seeing 2-2.5hrs surfing time. If that’s not enough, there’s a double capacity battery available for around 100 Euros which sits snugly in place of the three-cell pack and doesn’t look ugly or bulky.
What’s missing?
You get 80GB of fast hard drive on most versions (some come with a huge 160GB) which is more than enough for most people, 1GB of RAM which again, is enough for most working scenarios, a good keyboard, nice mouse pad (note, some versions differ. I have the Synaptics version here which is said to be better than other versions) a good webcam, bright, comfortable screen and a stylish package. What more could you want?
Its a short list, but here’s some of the things you might want to think about.
- Bluetooth. This Akoya Mini doesn’t have Bluetooth. There are versions with Bluetooth
- 3G. I’m not aware of any versions that come with 3G built-in so you’ll have to invest in a USB stick.
- 802.11n. This version comes with draft-n support for faster Wifi with compatible equipment. Other versions don’t.
- Upgradeability. The MSI pretty much a sealed unit. Its possible to take it apart but if that’s what you need to be able to do, look at the ASUS Eee models and the Dell Mini which have access ports for disk, PCI-Express Mini and hard drive.
- Smaller power brick. The power brick is standard sized but could be a lot smaller.
- ExpressCard/34 slot. If you need this capability, this one isn’t for you.
- More CPU, more graphics power. Yes, there are situations where you would need more power but in that case, you’ll have to look at the much bigger Core 2-based laptops.
- Audio quality. The built in speakers are the only low-point on the device. Good enough for an email notification but that’s about it. Headphones required!
Take a writing class. It will really help you. Your grammar is awful.
Mum. Is that you?
Shut up you grammar queen douche. The review is great.
bob you are a nob!
the review is great, always some donkey trying to put someone down, how is this not of a help to anyone who wants to buy… thanks again, great review
I’ve had the 6-cell (with Bluetooth) Wind since it arrived in Australia July 28 and I have to say its the best netbook on the market at the moment. Appears that UMPC agrees! However I feel it is a very upgradeable machine – refer here for info http://www.electricvagabond.com/2008/09/running-out-of-space-upgrading-wind-and.html
However, Audio Quality is shocking and 3G/draft-n would be nice (hopefully in the Wind 2). One thing you could have added to your review is that those with a 6-cell are often subject to a sub-standard touchpad. I suspect your 3-cell machine has the superior Synaptics device whereas a lot of people with a 6-cell have the tap-to-scroll Sentelic touchpad. Refer rants on msiwind.net forums.
Nice overview though.
Bob,
Why is it that people such as yourself feel the need to degrade seemingly nice people over their slightly imperfect grammar? While it is important, I don’t think that you have the right to blatantly insult someone over such a trivial matter! Especially considering that he did something as amiable as review a device for us! Please refrain from this in the future, it’s simply uncalled for.
D.
Dylan,
You also need a grammar class. Your comma between “future” and “it’s” should be a semicolon.
M.
The “What’s missing?” section explicits that other variants do not have the same configurations. For instance the Akoay Mini doesn’t have BT but have Wifi N.
You also say that the power brick could be much smaller. In that case, too, it depends on the variant. The Akoya Mini does have a pretty big power brick for a netbook. But the MSI Wind, for instance, does have a smaller power brick, kind of the same than for EEE PC and others.
I tried an Medion Akoya E1210 for a week or two and liked it. I would have kept it but I then saw the info on the Gigabyte M912M that I have now set my heart on. However, as Expansys won’t be stocking that model, it will make it harder to get it in the UK, so I may be tempted to look at the MSI Wind clones again, especially as there is an updated Medion model out soon , the E1211 which has 160Gb HD and bluetooth – see http://www.eeejournal.com/2008/09/medion-akoya-e1211-vs-e1210-vs-msi-wind.html
There are also two new Advent models from PC World/Dixons:
Advent 4212 which is a 4211 with 2Gb RAM
Advent 4213 with HSPDA support (may not be a MSI Wind clone) – see http://www.w00tw00t.co.uk/support/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4958&sid=a22ed834200e624bce5cd0ec10792eaf
Robert
Right Robert, the Advent 4213 with HSPDA support won’t be a MSI Wind clone but an ECS G10L clone. :-)
HOW BAD IS THE AUDIO QUALITY?
I HATE WEARING HEADPHONES.
ALSO DOES IT HAVE A BUILT-IN-MIC? AND IS IT ANY GOOD?
Most commentators say the same thing. Sounds like AM radio to me.
Take it from an audiophile – its pretty terrible. all high-mids and highs nothing even resembling the hint of oomph! Headphones or speakers are a must apart from basic YouTube videos.
What netbook would you recommend with decent/good sounding speakers?
A quote from Laptop Mag’s review of the Asus 1000h –
“ASUS upped the ante by including Dolby Sound Room stereo speakers. The speakers, located on the bottom of the machine, delivered strong and solid sound. Streaming music from Pandora was loud enough to fill a small living room.”
You can get them cheap on Amazon at the moment and I think its a great netbook so if speakers are your thing then definitely go for a 1000h. Easy to upgrade RAM and HDD on them too. I use Logitech Z-10 USB speakers with my Wind but when I’m away from my desk the OEM speakers are agonizingly bad. They really are worse than even the speakers in the original Eee!!
Hey Zippy, thanks for the heads-up to my “mini-review”.
I have to confess, though, that the more I investigate about the EEE 1000H, the more I think it´s an even more polished product than the Medion…
Sorry, but I have to disagree with you.
I had a MSI Wind (2 to be correct, black and white) and I think that design-wise it’s the best netbook on the market (= that you can actually buy) yet.
BUT (and for me this is a big BUT):
– Touchpad (Sentilec) ist useless – scrolling is not possible with this hardware, also its too small.
– battery life (3cell) is 1,5 hours or less – useless.
– ctrl and fn keys are switched – this is really annoying.
Right now I am quite happy with a eee 1000H instead, so for me this is the winner. But it’s louder and un-prettier but keyboard is on par, 6cell battery nice and the manufactoring quality seems fo be slightly better.
Lets all wait for the Ideapad S10 – maybe thats the best of both worlds.
Nomax
1000h vs Wind IMHO
– Keyboards (about even, Wind with the slight advantage)
– Build Quality (Wind definitely better)
– Design (Personal preference but most prefer the professional looking Wind)
– Speakers (1000h hands down)
– Touchpad (1000h kicks the Sentelic Touchpad and even trumps the Synaptics Touchpad found on older Winds)
– Battery (6-cell version of the Wind is about even with the 1000h – try to avoid the 3-cell Wind)
– Performance (Very similar but latest unoffical Wind bios 1.08 allows for up to 24% one-button touch overclocking – I have this set up on my Wind currently – will blog on it shortly – this gives Wind an edge although 1000h is overclockable too with some added difficulty)
– Wi-Fi (Similar but 1000h has N if you use it)
– Weight (Wind is lighter and therefore more portable)
– GFX (Even but again Unofficial Bios 1.07 and up for the Wind increases GFX memory to 128 for 1GB ram and 256 for 2GB of RAM)
The two machines are very close, with the 6-cell Wind just trumping the 1000h by a hair in my opinion. The 1000h clearly trumps the 3-Cell Wind in overall value and usability.
My 2 cents.
1.08 BIOS Update Guide
http://www.electricvagabond.com/2008/09/bios-factor-overclock-msi-wind-with-one.html
UMPC Portal – feel free to remove this post if unsuitable.
Thanks for the review! You say its near the top of the netbook class…. Which device in your opinion is currently at the top?
Is it possible to add a 3g mini-PCI module?
MSI Wind 6-cell is now available under $500 ($479.99 to be exact). Much better deal then Eee PC…
does anybody have an idea where in singapore, US or Philippines a pink MSI wind is being sold? and if i happen to have a 3-cell wind, can i upgrade it to a 6-cell?
I hope medion releases overclock bios for akoya soon, for de rest I’am real happy with the mini labtop clone.