- Features
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- Pictures
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- Likes
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- Dislikes
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- Where to Buy
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Basic netbook with slightly lighter weight and good battery times. If taking off that extra half a pound of netbook weight is important to you, this is a top contender. |
Top of the category for lighter weight and still getting netbook functionality with the PineTrail chipset improved battery life. Besides the currently standard Atom n450 processor, 10-inch 1024×600 LCD Display, and Windows 7 starter, there are a few features you can weigh against other netbooks:
| 1.3MP Webcam | At least one Pine Trail netbook has a 0.3MP webcam. 1.3MP gives you better video conferencing. |
| Facial recognition software built in |
Some people like this feature and others don’t but it certainly is something fun to try. |
| Wireless 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth connectivity |
Easy to tether to a cell phone, hook into wireless hotspots, and sync with your home computer. |
| Battery Rated Charge (normal use): 15.0 hours |
Users are reporting easily 8 hours of continuous use, which means plenty of time away from a socket for you. |
| 2.4 pounds (1.1 kilo) | Light weight means less back strain carrying your ultra-portable solution. |
- 1GB DDR2 667 Mhz SO-DIMM RAM (1 Slot) upgradable to 2 GB MAX
- 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA Hard Drive
- 4-1 Card Read (XD/SD/MMC/ MS)
- 3 x USB 2.0
- Headphone out; Microphone-in
- VGA output
- Chiclet keyboard
Recommended extras
- Upgrade to 2GB memory
- External DVD writer
Likes
What we really like about this netbook is the light weight. That means a lot after having found that 5 pound laptop can cause a lot of back pain. Other things that really appeal are the 4-1 Card Reader (we do have a camera using XD cards), the Bluetooth included, and that it arrives with 250 MB hard drive. All that with an easy 8 hours on battery makes this very appealing. After playing around with a Fn/F8 key on a Toshiba NB305 to turn off and on the WiFi, we think that the dedicated Wi-Fi switch on the left side of the netbook is a serious plus. That’s a stand out feature from other netbooks.
Dislikes
This is one of those “battery still sticking out the back” design netbooks. If you really insist on a clean design line, this isn’t for you. But you should know that many users find that this actually angles the keyboard nicely for use. Perhaps more of a concern are reports of feeling that the keyboard is cramped and the touchpad is small.
Pictures
— Amazon for the MSI U160
Summary
Benchmark tests rank this computer with its competitors, better in many things and less in some others. One benchmark it lagged in which might be significant is a lower speed further from a wireless source than the industry competition average. The mottled touchpad, textured similar to the Asus Eee PC 1005, gets generally good reviews for usability. The MSI logo engraved on the screen lid lights up when you turn on the netbook. The protruding battery is often touted as a positive feature due to the angle it creates for the keyboard. One feature that stands out on this netbook is the lighter weight. If that’s important for you, this is your top contender in the Pine Trail chipset models.
2 Comments
Hi
How many USB ports does the MS1 U160 have?
Thanks
Three USB ports. The Toshiba NB305 also has three USB ports.
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