MSI's New X340 Notebook Slim As They Come

MSI seems to be enjoying the benefits of the wild popularity of netbooks, their Wind series was one of the first, most critically acclaimed and least expensive line of netbooks out there, ranging from under $300 to $500. They've also marketed the Wind pretty heavily to schools, based on their presence at ed. tech conferences... though I haven't seen any news of large scale one to one implementations (like, say, the release I received yesterday, to be posted online later this week and I'll link to it ASAP, about just such a district rollout of the Asus Eee PC, for example).
This week, MSI released the X340, a super slim laptop that pushes the limits of what could be considered a netbook, though the company doesn't refer to it as such. At 13.4" across, with 2GB RAM and a 320GB hard drive and integrated webcam, some of the specs aren't too unusual. What really makes it stand out is the Intel Centrino 2 ULV processor, which uses 1/6th the power of a regular mobile CPU, and the physical proportions, weighing just 2.86 pounds and an amazing .78" thick at its widest point. That is ultra slim indeed. Starts at $899.

Comments

[Thomas G. Keeton]

When company’s name is Big Ass Fans, is there any wonder why kids are confused with appropriateness. Regardless of the product quality, it is hard enough trying to get children to understand right from wrong. In our school system, the word “ass” is blocked on the Internet and it is done for a reason. It is very unfortunate that DA is promoting a company that creates additional confusion. If a child uses the word ass in school, there is a high likelihood he or she will receive some form of penalty. Lets try to go forward in our country, not backward.

[Kurt]

Thomas, this is a successful company that just released a new product for school facilities. Their logo has a donkey on it. I'm afraid I don't understand your concern about "children understanding right from wrong," are children reading DA or this blog in the first place? Does this industrial fan company really "create additional confusion" about right and wrong? And are they really causing the entire country to go "backward?" I was not aware of their influence.

[Thomas G. Keeton]

Just because a company is making money, does not mean it must be promoted by educational support groups. Are the fans produced without their name on them? My issue is the company name. Sounds cute, looks cute, but does give the wrong impression for choice of words (my opinion). Many schools do not allow their students to wear “Big Johnson” shirts to school. Although the name is not considered profane, it does imply what the schools do not want to promote. I also realize that each part of the country has its own moral standards and they do vary. My view is that it is unfortunate that what is indicated as a successful company did choose a different name. I also think “Best Damn Sports Show” is another example of where were are headed in the wrong direction.