Yes, there are still new netbooks coming out, and yes, this latest one also features the Intel Atom at 1.6 GHz.
The MSI Wind set the standard for 10-inch netbooks, and latest in the line is the U110 ECO. We assume the ECO has something to do with economy, perhaps, as the main selling point behind this model is its 9-hour long battery life. Of course, MSI makes clear in its materials that “actual battery life varies according to operating conditions and settings.”
Even if the 9-hour rating is under ideal conditions, the U110 ECO’s battery will be the longest running of the MSI Winds, so we should conservatively expect 7 hours from the U110 ECO.
The rest of the netbook is standard fare with a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom, though the Z530 variant in place of the N270. Instead of the previous generation’s 945GSE, the U110 ECO uses the more efficient Poulsbo US15W with GMA 500 graphics. While this does translate to a more power-friendly system, it means this MSI Wind model won’t be as OS X-friendly as the older one.
The U110 ECO will be one to watch if battery life is a priority, but it’s not the only option. The Asus Eee PC 1000HE is already available on the market, which advertises a 9.5-hour battery life.
MSI has yet to announce a U.S. release date and pricing. Check out our review of Asus’ battery miser here if you need the extended life today.
