MSI Releasing Cedar Trail-Based Netbook, the Wind U180

Apparently the netbook form factor isn't quite dead, and this one even sports an Intel Cedar Trail CPU.

As reported earlier, the netbook form factor isn't dead quite yet -- at least, not in 2012. To prove this point, motherboard manufacturer MSI is reportedly launching a netbook using a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom N2800 Cedar Trail processor along with Intel GMA 3650 graphics and up to 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. The netbook will initially be rolled out in Germany with a base price of under 350 Euros, but a few demo units is expected to make an appearance at CES 2012 next week.

Called the MSI Wind U180, the base netbook will sport a 10.1-inch WSVGA (1024 x 600) Slim-type LED-backlit display, a 320 GB 5400rpm HDD, 802.11 b/g/n connectivity, 10/100 Ethernet, a 0.3MP webcam, a 2-in-1 card reader, and Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition. Other features will include support for 1080p HD video, HDMI output on select models, a 6-cell battery and a Chiclet keyboard.

According to a pre-order listing, the new MSI netbook also provides a few extra options for consumers who want a little extra spunk. Storage options include a 750 GB SATA 5400rpm HDD and a 512 GB Kingston SSD among other storage solutions, USB-based DVD and Blu-ray burners, choices of Windows 7 Home and Windows 7 Premium, and more. Additional listings even indicate that users also have an option to upgrade to a 3-in-1 card reader.

Currently there's no indication of when of if this netbook will make it over to the States, but we'll likely know more about the device next week, so stay tuned.