Hands-On with the MSI U200
June 1st, 2009 by Joanna Stern 
We can’t say it too many times – 12-inches could very well be the new 10-inches. Joining Lenovo, Samsung and Dell with its first 12-inch netbook / notebook is MSI. While it was at last year’s Computex that MSI introduced the first 10-inch netbook, this year it is rolling out a 12-inch laptop that could be as big of a hit.
The U200is extremely compact for a 12-inch notebook and, to the eye, appeared thinner and smaller than its closest competitor the Samsung NC20 ($411.16). The chassis is reminiscent of the MSI Wind U100 with its rounded edges (it will be available in black and white in the U.S.).
Under the lid is a glossy (maybe too glossy), edge-to-edge glass 12-inch display. The screen gives the system a more premium look than any of the other Winds we have seen. Underneath is a full size keyboard which was void of any flex and below it was a good-sized touchpad with dedicated right and left mouse buttons.
Rather than use an Intel Atom processor inside the U200 or a Via Nano chip like the Samsung NC20 uses, MSI is using Intel’s ULV platform. Most likely it will use the 1.2-GHz Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor and be coupled with 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive. It will run Windows Vista at first, but MSI tells us Windows 7 ($77.49) will be available on it as soon as October. MSI also anticipates that it will get over five hours of battery life with its Lithium Polymer battery.
The MSI U200 should hit the U.S. market in the next month or two. Pricing is still being determined but will be between $499 and $699. Check out our video and pictures below.
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2 Responses to “Hands-On with the MSI U200”
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June 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
What graphics card is this running and what is the actually dimensions of this device so we can compare it to other 12in and 11in devices? Thanks.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Just bought the MSI U200. It came with Vista Basic, yet still ran surprisingly fast. Due to its single core processor, the new Intel ULV 723, its battery life is remarkably long lasting for a Vista machine. I managed over 4 hours on wifi with MSN on, web browsing and word processing. With 3 USB sockets available are great, and the fact that they are appropriately separated, wider USB sticks do not get in the way of another USB socket. I had mine upgraded to 4Gb RAM and everything ran real smooth. All in all is a great little machine.
The bad points: (1) The notebook is not that well balanced. The large capacity battery which came with the machine (due to its elevated profile) causes the notebook to tilt backwards if you open up the LCD monitor too far back. (2) The functionality of the mouse pad is some what basic, having no ability/function to scroll by sliding your finger on the side, which is a pain.