MSI's Wind will blow into Australia on July 3, one month after its official release in the US, with no pricing or specifications being confirmed as yet.
Update: We've just received specifications and pricing from Altech, who will be officially distributing the Wind for the first few months of release.
Altech will be bringing in the version with 1.6GHz Atom processor, 80GB HDD, 1GB DDR2, 10-inch (1024x600) screen with initial shipments having a 3-cell battery and a 6-cell available shortly after. MSI Australia has confirmed that the Wind will have a one year international pick up and return warranty with them, just as long as you have proof of purchase.
The MSI Wind will be available in white, black and pink for an RRP of $699. Most importantly, Altech's stock is due to arrive in the 3rd week of June, with stock to hit computer stores shortly after. So not long to go yet!
It looks as if the Wind will be the first sub-notebook we see featuring the eagerly anticipated Intel Atom processor running at 1.6GHz, which is a big improvement on what's currently available on the market.
If MSI Australia decides to stick with the same specs as the US version, we can expect SUSE Linux and Windows XP Home versions, which follows the current trend in sub-notebooks (like the ASUS Eee PC) having models with Windows or Linux options available.
Other specs of the US version includes a 10-inch TFT LCD screen with LED backlight and 1024x600 resolution, integrated Intel graphics, 80GB hard drive, 512MB (Linux) or 1GB (Windows XP Home) of RAM, 1.3 megapixel webcam, 802.11a/b/g wireless connectivity and three USB ports. The Windows XP version is also set to feature Bluetooth.
Battery life for the Linux version is rated at a disappointing 2.5 hours with its three cell battery, while the Windows XP version is rated at a much better 5.5 hours with its six cell battery. The Linux version weighs in at 1.18kg while the Windows version comes in at the slightly heavier 1.27kg.
MSI have also manufactured a version of the Wind that features an 8.9-inch TFT LCD. MSI Australia is yet to announce whether it will be the 10-inch or 8.9-inch version that will arrive here.
gadget zone will post more info on the MSI Wind as it comes to hand, so stay tuned!
