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This year Intel released a new 45nm single-core, ultra low voltage CPU referred to as the CULV.
By comparison, the earlier Atom 512K's low CPU performance limited it to basic word processing tasks.
Intel had also insisted that the Atom processor only be used on NetBook products under 11.6".
Ordinary notebooks are usually between 12~13.3".
Compact models that weigh 1.3~1.7kg or less are often very expensive.
The introduction of the new CULV architecture has brought about a significant price drop in the notebook market.
The CULV has also put a lot of pressure on high-end compact notebooks for business users.
Although the new CULV CPU lacks the performance of a dual core CPU in a high-end business notebook
it has turned the tables on the conventional notebook market view that a lighter weight means a higher price.
Right now, CULV notebooks cost between US$700 ~ 900, or about half the price of a business notebook.
They are a lot lighter than US$1500 ~ 2000 business notebooks or even the average US$700 ~ 900 for a dual-core notebook.
The X-Slim series launched by MSI this year is based on CULV architecture.
The X-Slim is available in three models: X340 (13.3"), X400 (14.1") and X600 (15.6").
MSI has kept the price under US$900 for all three models and the version with the CM 723 CPU can be had for less than US$700.
In this hands-on review, we take a look at the MSI X-Slim X400.
What really makes this model stand out is its official weight of 1.5kg.
This is a lot lighter than your standard dual-core 14" Notebook weighing around 2.2 ~ 2.6kg.
It's also lighter than 14" CULV notebooks of other brands that weigh in at around 1.9kg.
When it comes to weight loss, the MSI X-Slim series really does it better than any other.
X400's product box
Included accessories
Windows Vista Home Premium, product warranty, driver CD and user manuals
The MSI X-Slim X400 itself
The carry bag bundled with the X400 has a leather-like texture on the outside and the MSI logo is inside.
It feels really nice and is quite thin so it doesn't take up space.
The transformer is the usual small form-factor version.
This is good, because it's easier to carry around.
However, it is my experience, with some other brands of Netbooks, that small transformers tend to heat up a bit in use.
In a trial of the MSI X-Slim charger, I found it did not heat up too much but took longer to give a full charge.
DELTA is a well-established brand so you can count on the quality.
The included mouse is the compact type with internal cabling and is the same pearl white color as the machine.
The 4-cell battery is rated at 2150mAh 32Wh
Opening the cover shows the inside is fully protected.
The screen and keyboard are all covered in transparent plastic film.
There is also a protective cotton pad in the middle with the MSI logo.
By comparison, the earlier Atom 512K's low CPU performance limited it to basic word processing tasks.
Intel had also insisted that the Atom processor only be used on NetBook products under 11.6".
Ordinary notebooks are usually between 12~13.3".
Compact models that weigh 1.3~1.7kg or less are often very expensive.
The introduction of the new CULV architecture has brought about a significant price drop in the notebook market.
The CULV has also put a lot of pressure on high-end compact notebooks for business users.
Although the new CULV CPU lacks the performance of a dual core CPU in a high-end business notebook
it has turned the tables on the conventional notebook market view that a lighter weight means a higher price.
Right now, CULV notebooks cost between US$700 ~ 900, or about half the price of a business notebook.
They are a lot lighter than US$1500 ~ 2000 business notebooks or even the average US$700 ~ 900 for a dual-core notebook.
The X-Slim series launched by MSI this year is based on CULV architecture.
The X-Slim is available in three models: X340 (13.3"), X400 (14.1") and X600 (15.6").
MSI has kept the price under US$900 for all three models and the version with the CM 723 CPU can be had for less than US$700.
In this hands-on review, we take a look at the MSI X-Slim X400.
What really makes this model stand out is its official weight of 1.5kg.
This is a lot lighter than your standard dual-core 14" Notebook weighing around 2.2 ~ 2.6kg.
It's also lighter than 14" CULV notebooks of other brands that weigh in at around 1.9kg.
When it comes to weight loss, the MSI X-Slim series really does it better than any other.
X400's product box
Included accessories
Windows Vista Home Premium, product warranty, driver CD and user manuals
The MSI X-Slim X400 itself
The carry bag bundled with the X400 has a leather-like texture on the outside and the MSI logo is inside.
It feels really nice and is quite thin so it doesn't take up space.
The transformer is the usual small form-factor version.
This is good, because it's easier to carry around.
However, it is my experience, with some other brands of Netbooks, that small transformers tend to heat up a bit in use.
In a trial of the MSI X-Slim charger, I found it did not heat up too much but took longer to give a full charge.
DELTA is a well-established brand so you can count on the quality.
The included mouse is the compact type with internal cabling and is the same pearl white color as the machine.
The 4-cell battery is rated at 2150mAh 32Wh
Opening the cover shows the inside is fully protected.
The screen and keyboard are all covered in transparent plastic film.
There is also a protective cotton pad in the middle with the MSI logo.
