MSI introduced on Friday the S100, a 3-in-1 Windows 8.1 hybrid device packed with a keyboard and a protective cover. This 3-in-1 device can be used as a small laptop, a tablet and as an all-in-one "desktop."
The specifications show that the new S100 features a 10.1-inch IPS screen with a 1280 x 800 resolution and 10-point touch input. Backing this screen is an Intel Atom Z3740D quad-core SoC, 2 GB of DDR3L RAM, and a 7500 mAh Lithium Polymer battery.
The specifications also list 64 GB of internal storage and a microSD card for even more storage. Both the front and back cameras are 2MP and there's Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and a 1 watt speaker. A miniHDMI 1.4a port allows users to turn their HDTV into a portable "desktop."
Acer launched something similar back in March -- the Acer Aspire Switch 10. This 3-in-1 device has a starting price of $379.99 and uses the Atom Z3745 or the Atom Z3735F, depending on the configuration (there are five). The 64 GB models cost $429.99, so there's a good chance MSI's solution has a price tag in the same ballpark.
As a comparison, the Aspire Switch 10 SW5-011-13GQ consists of a 10.1-inch LED-lit screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution and 5-point touch input. Under the hood, the tablet uses Intel's quad-core Z3745 clocked at 1.33 GHz, 2 GB of LPDDR3, 64 GB of internal storage and a microSD card reader.
The specifications also list Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, microHDMI output, a 2-cell Lithium Polymer battery promising up to eight hours on a single charge, integrated Intel graphics, a built-in webcam and microphone, and a 32-bit version of Windows 8.1.
As for the MSI solution, this product should be ideal for consumers who are looking for a "hybrid" solution that doesn't break the bank. The company did not provide a release date or price.
Follow Kevin Parrish @exfileme. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
