MSI launches hybrid netbook

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 5 Jan 2009 at 18:10

MSI claims to have launched the world's first hybrid netbook, sporting both a solid-state disk and conventional hard disk.

The MSI Wind U115 has the operating system installed on the SSD, leaving the hard disk for file storage.

The storage comes in two configurations: an 8GB SSD coupled with a 120GB 2.5 in HDD, or a 16GB SSD and a 160GB HDD.

The netbook also features an "Eco mode", which shuts down the hard disk in favour of the SSD to preserve battery life. MSI claims this gives the netbook a battery life of up to 12 hours, although that's rather mischievously based on a six-cell battery rather than the standard three-cell unit.

Storage aside, the rest of the spec remains near identical to the original MSI Wind U100.

MSI will announce full pricing details at this week's Consumer Electronics Show.

The company will also use the show to launch an ultraslim 13.4 in laptop that weighs only 1.3Kg and an all-in-one PC called the Wind NetOn.