The U230 12.1″ netbook from MSI which combines a NV-40 AMD processor with ATI HD3200 graphics.  This combination allows you to play games, watch online HD video as well as surf the web.

While there are many netbooks which have the same processor and video card as the U230, it has some very special features.

First of all, it packs gigabit ethernet.  This means that when it’s attached to a LAN it’s able to transfer data at 1,000 Mbps.  It also provides bluetooth which is helpful is you want to tether your computer, pair it with some wireless headphones, or use a mouse without wasting a USB port.  Lastly, it’s packing 802.11n Wifi versus 802.11g and a keyboard which is better than the one used in other netbooks.

MSI is one of the biggest names in the netbook space so it’s no surprise to see them take over where netbooks like the X100e from Lenovo and T115 from Toshiba leave off.

Newegg.com is currently selling the single core version of the U230 (U230-033US) for $429.  The dual core version of the U230 (U230-040US) is available for $509 at eCost, and is available for preorder from Amazon for $479.

Here are the specs from MSI’s website:

• The Latest AMD Athlon™ Neo X2 Dual-Core Processor for Ultrathin Notebooks
•Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
• 12.1” 16:9 LED Backlit Widescreen Display
• 1366*768 HD Ready Display for clearer and sharper images
• 1.3kg ultra lightweight and ultraportable design
• 4 hrs battery life
• HDMI Output
• Brand new msi Ergonomic De-stress Keyboard

The manual for the MSI Wind U230 can be found here:  http://download2.msi.com/files/downloads/mnu_exe/01_MS_1243_v1.0_English.zip

[Source:  Crunchgear]

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