Get an MSI Wind Netbook for only

The has been around a long time by Netbook computer standards and generally gets good reviews. Laptop magazine, for example. Back in July, out of 5.

The model CNET reviewed was, at the time, $479. It ran Windows XP, came with an 80GB hard disk and included Bluetooth networking. If you can live without Bluetooth, you can now buy a very similar model, the Wind U100-420US, with a 120GB hard disk for only $349. For that price you get a gigabyte of RAM, an Intel Atom processor, a 10-inch matte finish screen, Windows XP Home Edition, and a reasonable keyboard (all Netbook keyboards involve trade-offs).

This is a great price for a well-received 10-inch Netbook. Less than a month ago. Laptop magazine referred to the price as "amazing" but, as did CNET, about the 3-cell battery. As Netbooks go, a 3-cell battery is bottom-of-the-line and generally doesn't offer much more than 2 hours of run time. That said, the Wind is able to toggle between a high performance mode and a slower mode designed to extend the run time.

(Credit: MSI)

In comparing the cheaper U100-420US with the more expensive U100-016US model, Liliputing.com also that the cheaper model doesn't offer gigabyte Ethernet. I think it's a great trade-off.

Both Liliputing and Laptop magazine blogged about the machine being available at Best Buy. However, my local Best Buy didn't have it on display on Sunday, and thecurrently shows the machine as being back-ordered.

The Wind U100-420US is also available, for the same price. It must be new there too as there aren't yet any customer reviews. However, the very similar has 23 reviews.

The is very similar to the Asus Eee PC 1000H. Last month Liliputing ran of the two machines. If you're in the market for a Netbook, it's a worthwhile read.