MSI gives Wind US launch window, full specs

MSI today has firmed up specs for its Wind mini-notebook, including its launch timeframe. The 10-inch system will closely follow ASUS' practices with the Eee PC and ship in both a low-cost Linux version (based on Novell's distribution) as well as a more expensive Windows XP edition. The basic Wind will ship with just 512MB of RAM and a three-cell battery good for 2.5 hours of battery life; in exchange for the higher price and demands of the Windows portable, the premium model will come with 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth, and a six-cell battery that runs for 5.5 hours.

Both systems build in 1.3-megapixel cameras, an 80GB hard drive, a trio of USB ports, and a four-in-one card reader. MSI doesn't name the processor but is known to be using a 1.6GHz Atom given specification leaks.

The company plans to ship both Wind models in early June, just after the Atom ships in volume. Prices will start at $400 for the core Linux system and climb higher for the Windows-equipped notebook.