The MSI Wind U100 Plus is basically a modest upgrade to the classic MSI Wind U100. Both netbooks have the same keyboard, case design, and screen. But the Plus version has an ever-so-slightly faster processor. It replaces the Intel Atom N270 CPU with an N280 processor that runs at 1.66GHz and which has an FSB of 667MHz. The N270 chip runs at 1.6GHz and has a 533MHz FSB.

Last I heard, the Wind U100 Plus was set to begin shipping in Europe soon, but as Netbook News discovered recently, the netbook has already hit the streets of Taiwan.

It’s selling for the equivalent of about $400. Since it looks pretty much identical to the U100, there’s not really that much to see, but if you’re curious, you can check out a video after the break. Bear in mind, Sascha says the netbook has an Intel Atom N270 CPU, but I think that he misspoke. You just get so used to saying that number over and over, it’s hard to force the words “N280″ out of your mouth sometimes.

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MSI first started showing off the Wind U100 Plus netbook ages ago. Since then, the company has begun selling the updated Wind U123 netbook, but the U100 Plus has been a no show. But now Fudzilla is reporting that the Wind U100 Plus is set to go on sale in Europe within the next few weeks.

The MSi Wind U100 Plus features the same case design as the original MSI Wind U100. But it has a faster 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 CPU with a FSB speed of 667MHz (as opposed to the 533MHz FSB on the 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor).

The netbook also has a 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, and 10.2 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display. It runs Windows XP and comes in a variety of colors.

The MSI Wind U100 Plus looks almost exactly like the MSI Wind U100, the first netbook from MSI. But the updated model, which was first spotted at CeBIT and officially unveiled today, sports a faster 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 CPU and up to 7 hours of battery life. It’s not entirely clear from the press release whether that 7 hour figure comes with the standard 3 cell or extended 6 cell battery — but my money is on the latter.

The rest of the specs are pretty standard netbook fare: 10.2 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, integrated flash card reader, 1.3MP webcam, and Bluetooth 2.1.

MSI is expected to launch the Wind U123 netbook in Japan on April 11th. The latest netbook from MSI looks a lot like the MSI Wind U120, but it comes with the newer Intel Atom N280 CPU running at 1.66GHz. Like the U120 the MSI Wind U123 ships with 1GB of RAM, but unlike it’s predecessor, it can be upgraded to 2GB.

MSI has also added a product page for the U123 to its web site, along with pages for two variations of this model. The Wind U123T will have a built in TV-Tuner, while the U123H will have an HSDPA 3.5G modem.

Here’s a full rundown of the MSI Wind U123’s specs:

• CPU: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280
• Display: 10.2″ 1024 x 600 pixels
• RAM: 1GB
• HDD: 80G/120GB/160GB
• Wireless: 802.11b/g or 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth option
• I/O: 3 USB ports, mic, headphone, Ethernet, 4-in-1 card reader
• Webcam: 1.3MP or optional 2MP
• Battery: 3 or 6 cell
• Dimensions: 10.2″ x 7.1″ x 1.3
• Weight: 2.2 pounds with 3 cell battery

There’s also a rumor floating around that MSI will release the Wind U100 Plus (with an Intel Atom N280 CPU) in Japan on April 11th as well.

via Netbook Choice

MSI is showing off at least two new netbook models at CeBIT, including an updated version of its popular MSI Wind U100. The Wind U100 Plus keeps the same case and 10 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display as its predecessor. But it packs a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 instead of the marginally slower Atom N270 chip used in the original.

The company has also added the word “Eco” to the upcoming MSI Wind U110, apparently to indicate improved battery life. The MSI Wind U110 ECO will have an Intel Atom Z530 CPU, integrated GMA500 graphics, and MSI says it will be able to run for 8-10 hours using a 6 cell battery.

via Notebook Italia (MSI Wind U100 Plus and MSI Wind U110 Eco) and Portable Monkey