MSI Unveils New Multitouch All-in-one

[J.R. Nelson]

Here it comes - with the launch of Windows 7 and its native support of multitouch inputs, we're going to see a lot of manufacturers take advantage in the run-up to the holiday season.  MSI is out of the gate early with the impressively specced all-in-one Wind Top AE2220.

The new desktop offers users a 21.5-inch, 1080p multitouch display.  While MSI didn't go into specifics, chances are that it uses the industry-standard optical two-finger multitouch technology.  Rather than sticking to the nettop form factor we've seen lately, the new Wind Top uses Intel Pentium Dual-core and Core 2 Duo processors as well as NVIDIA's GeForce 9300 integrated graphics.

Three different configurations are already up for pre-order on Amazon, ranging in price from $649 all the way up to $899.  Since the $649 price already includes multitouch functionality, there's little doubt that this aggressive pricing strategy is aiming to put the hurt on competitors such as HP and Dell, who charge several hundred dollars more for their multitouch all-in-ones, built with essentially the same components.

Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Pentium Dual-core or Core 2 Duo
• Memory: 3 to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard drive: 320 to 500GB SATA
• Optical drive: SuperMulti DVD+/-RW or Blu-ray ROM
• Display: 21.5-inch, 1920x1080 multitouch
• Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9300 integrated
• Dimensions: 21.81 x 2.42 x 25.89 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 25 pounds

 

Be sure to check out the Amazon pre-order links for more information

[cy007]

Great looking machine! Wait a minute, I can swear saw a config with Radeon HD4650 graphics. Maybe that's exclusive to the Asian market? Nevertheless, great price for an AIO with HDMI-in.

edit: I wonder what's faster: An integrated 9300 w/ 256MB dedicated VRAM or integrated 9400 that relies on system RAM?

edit #2: Sorry, I was thinking about the AE2200 Pro. I wonder if they're planning to release a AE2220 "Pro" model soon. I'm really liking the new MSI AIO. Looks like an apple iMac at an affordable pricepoint.

[J.R. Nelson]

Originally Posted by cy007

Great looking machine! Wait a minute, I can swear saw a config with Radeon HD4650 graphics. Maybe that's exclusive to the Asian market? Nevertheless, great price for an AIO with HDMI-in.

edit: I wonder what's faster: An integrated 9300 w/ 256MB dedicated VRAM or integrated 9400 that relies on system RAM?

edit #2: Sorry, I was thinking about the AE2200 Pro. I wonder if they're planning to release a AE2220 "Pro" model soon. I'm really liking the new MSI AIO. Looks like an apple iMac at an affordable pricepoint.

The 9400 should be faster, but not noticeably unless you're actually gaming with it. Regarding style, I'd say it looks much more like the HP TouchSmarts, not even counting the touchscreen interface, than the Apple iMacs. Still, it's a great price for the technology.

[cy007]

Originally Posted by J.R. Nelson

The 9400 should be faster, but not noticeably unless you're actually gaming with it. Regarding style, I'd say it looks much more like the HP TouchSmarts, not even counting the touchscreen interface, than the Apple iMacs. Still, it's a great price for the technology.

Tell me it doesn't at least remind you of this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Imac17pouces.png

The only gripe I have with the machine is the limited 32-bit OS. I know I can't ask for too much considering the cheapest model only sells for $649, but still.. why would anyone in their right minds upgrade to 8GB RAM if the operating system is only capable of utilizing 3GB?

[J.R. Nelson]

Do we know what OS version it'll be using, yet? I don't recall seeing it listed anywhere, and it would be slightly surprising since it comes with 4GB of RAM (though, more's the pity, not unheard of).

[cy007]

Originally Posted by J.R. Nelson

Do we know what OS version it'll be using, yet? I don't recall seeing it listed anywhere, and it would be slightly surprising since it comes with 4GB of RAM (though, more's the pity, not unheard of).

I'm not entirely sure, but the Chinese comp magazine I read stated Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit.