CES 2009: MSI announces X-Slim series laptops

MSI, the Taiwanese manufacturer behind the popular Wind U100 netbook, has announced a new range of larger machines called the X-Slim series.

As with its netbooks, the machines will be powered by Intel's Atom chip. The first of these machines will be the X-Slim X320 featuring a 13.4in display with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

MSI is highlighting the X-Slim's thin dimensions at 1.98cm at its thickest part as well as being quite proud of its 1.3Kg weight. The larger size also enables it to carry a larger eight cell battery, which it claims will deliver up to 10 hours battery life.

The company is also adding three new models to its Wind netbooks series, the U110, U115 and U120 - each featuring 10in displays. MSI says these will incorporate integrated 3G, WiMax touch screen and digital TV.

MSI also announced its Wind NetOn all-in-one PCs at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). It says that these will be aimed at homes and offices that care about the aesthetics of a product and will be 'super-thin' and designed to be wall hung. The Wind NetOn PCs will feature touch screen interfaces in addition to wireless and will come in 16in, 19in and 22in sizes.

Rival Asus announced an all-in-one touch screen PC late last year with its Eee Top range.

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.