MSI on Monday has topped off its PC lineup with the X-Slim 320, a new crossover between netbooks and full-size notebooks. The system is based on the familiar Intel Atom chip but uses a 13.4-inch, 16:9 ratio LCD that simultaneously provides a more comfortable view but also lets MSI slim the system down to extremely thin levels: the computer uses a tapered design patterned closely after the MacBook Air that measures just below 0.8 inches at its thickest point and weighs 2.9 pounds. Despite this, MSI finds room for Ethernet, three USB ports, an SD card reader and VGA output.

The comparatively large surface area but low-power processor also let the vendor offer extremely long battery life, with an extended eight-cell battery pack running for up to 10 hours. A stock model also has more battery capacity than usual for netbooks with a four-cell unit versus the more typical three-cell capacity.

MSI plans to showcase the X-Slim at CES and will launch the notebook internationally in black, gold and white colors, though US plans if any are currently unmentioned. [via Crave]