MSI WindPad 110W Tablet Computer Lands at $599

[jdog]

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=22101

MSI has gone official with its new WindPad 110W tablet computer. This isn't another Android tablet to throw to the masses in hopes of beating the iPad 2 at its own game. The WindPad 110W is a tablet aimed at the user looking for a portable device that can run Windows and its accompanying applications.

The tablet runs on the AMD Z-01 APU and packs in 4GB of RAM. Storage is handled by a 32GB SSD and the machine has a 10-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800. The 110W also has a USB port for connecting peripherals and a mini-HDMI port as well.

“Bringing Windows 7 and AMD’s newest generation processor together is a significant step forward for MSI’s tablet line,” noted Andy Tung, vice president of North American sales for MSI. “Our business customers want portability and multimedia entertainment on the go, and the new hardware and latest software gives us the ability to deliver that experience in a tablet form factor.”

The machine will work for corporate users thanks to the Trusted Platform Module that automatically encrypts files and data using BitLocker. The machine has Easy Face software for logging in without typing a password. The tablet also has multi-control navigation that allows you to grip the tablet on both sides and use small finger movements to get around.

“The MSI WindPad 110W tablet featuring the AMD Z-Series APU with unmatched AMD Radeon™ graphics is an exciting new product and a perfect fit for end users that want DirectX® 11 capability and vivid HD media experiences,” said John Byrne, corporate vice president and general manager for Americas Mega Region, AMD. “In addition to its integration with operating systems like Microsoft Windows 7, the AMD 2011 HD Tablet Platform enables enterprise-level security and offers support for HTML 5 and external monitors, enabling crisp graphics for enhanced productivity, streaming video, gaming and other multimedia.”

The tablet also features AMD Radeon HD 6250 graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 2-cell battery. The 110W measures 10.66-inches x 7.20-inches x 0.61-inches and weighs 3.3 pounds. A GPS receiver is also integrated.

Although running Windows 7 gives it a lot of options, not sure if I'd use Windows 7 with a touch-screen only based environment. The specs are impressive though this is also quite a thick and heavy tablet.

[Sir Jig-A-Lot]

Not sure I'd dig on the 7 OS either. The hardware itself sounds nice. My current netbook is an MSI. Am loving the hell out of it's sturdy construction, long battery life (I roughly get 8-14 hours out of it before needing to charge) & other specs. I think tablet & netbook retailers need to go back to offering Linux as an OS the way early Asus netbooks did.

[jdog]

Not sure I'd dig on the 7 OS either. The hardware itself sounds nice. My current netbook is an MSI. Am loving the hell out of it's sturdy construction, long battery life (I roughly get 8-14 hours out of it before needing to charge) & other specs. I think tablet & netbook retailers need to go back to offering Linux as an OS the way early Asus netbooks did.

Android is Linux. You just don't have the option of putting your own distro on it. Also doubt Linux would perform well with touch screen.

[Sir Jig-A-Lot]

So what OS would you say is most apt for touch,J?

[jdog]

So what OS would you say is most apt for touch,J?

I just tried a couple tablets at Micro Center today.

I tried that Dell Inspiron Duo, which is a netbook with a flip touchscreen...sort of an old style tablet. It had an Intel Atom N550 (dual core), 2GB DDR3 and ran Windows 7. I can say it was a pain in the rear. Trying to use your finger on such a small screen to press a small Internet Explorer icon proved difficult. I didn't test any ability to drag files on the desktop, etc. I just didn't like it.

I tried out an Asus Transformer and was quite impressed. That has a dual core nVIDIA Tegra 2 processor and 1GB memory. It runs Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Everything was quite responsive and it was really easy to use. You can buy the dock for it which has a keyboard, touchpad, additional batter and USB ports.

http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad ... rmer_TF101

Also tried the Samsung Galaxy, which is basically the same thing but more expensive.

I think I am going to pull the purchase trigger on the Asus Transformer soon.

[Sir Jig-A-Lot]

So Honeycomb huh? Keep us abreast of how you go once you buy your Transformer. I am quite enamoured with the whole Eee Slate line. Still not sure if it's the Slider, Eee Pad or Transformer I want.

[jdog]

So Honeycomb huh? Keep us abreast of how you go once you buy your Transformer. I am quite enamoured with the whole Eee Slate line. Still not sure if it's the Slider, Eee Pad or Transformer I want.

Go to any local store like Best Buy and try out the Transformer. Unfortunately with everyone that gets to touch it, all the settings and widgets were all crazy. Not my cup of tea.

I'm also debating on waiting for Windows 8 to come out on a tablet. That might be next year though.

Decisions...decisions.

[Sir Jig-A-Lot]

Go to any local store like Best Buy and try out the Transformer. Unfortunately with everyone that gets to touch it, all the settings and widgets were all crazy. Not my cup of tea.

I tried to check the Transformer a month ago & there were too many idiots in line to play with it.

I'm also debating on waiting for Windows 8 to come out on a tablet.

I had the same thought. Hey, You don't think Joli would be good for touchscreen action do ya?

[jdog]

I tried to check the Transformer a month ago & there were too many idiots in line to play with it.

I had the same thought. Hey, You don't think Joli would be good for touchscreen action do ya?

Yeah, there wasn't anyone there at the tablet section when I first got there but then there were several people behind me. Sort of hindered my testing ability. Some guy even showed off the one he had. I guess a customer carried his with him 24/7.

Joli is Ubuntu so not sure.

[AYHJA]

That Transformer looks phuggin secsi..! I think I'm in love...

You just don't have the option of putting your own distro on it.

I bet there are ways you can manipulate it like the smartphones though...The ROMS they run on Android devices are limitless...I run a rooted stock version of Gingergread on my EVO, but there are so many other ROM's its not even funny...I bet for a thing like this, devs will be all over it...