Monday, December 29th 2008

The World's First Hybrid Storage Netbook - MSI U115 Hybrid

MSI today announces U115 Hybrid. The very first notebook computer in the world that is capable of operating both SSD and HDD hard drives simultaneously, combining all the features of SSD and HDD in the U115 Hybrid for your enjoyment.

With MSI Exclusive Hybrid Storage Technology, in the "ECO on" mode, the battery life of U115 Hybrid is super long. This amazing battery life can escalate the mobility and the productiveness of the U115 Hybrid, which can also make your daily lives much more convenient.

To Freely Operate
- The World's First Hybrid Storage Netbook
The U115 Hybrid functions primarily with the SSD system, offering a reliable, shock-absorbent, and speedy operating environment. You have the option of choosing the SSD system while operating with Windows, and selecting the HDD hard drive for file storage. The SSD system is much faster than HDD when retrieving files and it takes up less power. It is also much more shock-absorbent while riding on the train or the MRT.

Furthermore, because of the MSI Exclusive Hybrid Storage Technology, the U115 Hybrid will temporarily disconnect the HDD system while operating in "ECO on Mode". Retrieving and storing files will all be done with the SSD system, the battery life of U115 Hybrid is super long. The HDD system can also be activated with a few simple functions for the large storage space.

- New Intel Menlow Platform with Atom Processor
It's easy to bring the Internet to more places with the Intel Menlow Platform with Atom Processor. Maximize your U115 Hybrid's potential by staying connected whether you're watching a movie at home, emailing from a café or chatting on a social networking site while on vacation. Also, you'll be able to stream video and enjoy all your favorite online entertainment.

On the other hand, the power-efficient design enables extended battery life so you can keep on surfing, blogging, listening to music, watching video and communicating with the world as you move through your day.

- Big-Size Keyboard and Touch Pad
MSI has the same persistence for proper ergonomically design even on the keyboards of our smaller notebook computers. The keyboard of the U115 Hybrid not only has great texture, it also increased the space between the keys to 17.5mm, allowing you to be as comfortable as you can. Plus, the ingeniously designed spacebar and touchpad allow your fingers to move smoothly while avoiding strain.

To Freely Watch
- 10" Wide LCD Display
The U115 Hybrid has selected a 10" wide LCD display as oppose to the typical smaller sizes to provide better comfort while viewing or reading. In addition, the 1024x 600 resolution can relieve concerns for the full display of web pages while browsing, giving you the freedom when exploring the internet.


- The Latest in LED Power-Saving Backlight Technology
The U115 Hybrid is embedded with the LED power-saving backlight technology in providing better fullness and brightness in color, elevating the total quality of imagery. Furthermore, the lower usage of power can offer a longer operating time.

To Freely Go
- Lightness in Design
The frame is approximately 26 centimeters in length and 18 centimeters in width. It is only 19-31.5 mm in thickness making it extremely thin. The total weight added with the battery is about 1 kilogram, making the U115 Hybrid very ideal for taking it on the go.

To Freely Play
- Super Long Lasting Battery Life*
With MSI Exclusive Hybrid Storage Technology, in the "ECO on" mode, the battery life of U115 Hybrid is super long. This amazing battery life can escalate the mobility and the productiveness of the U115 Hybrid, which can also make your daily lives much more convenient.

* The Actual battery life varies according to operating conditions and settings.

- The Excitement of Instant Communication
Equipped with a high resolution webcam, high-performance 2 channel stereo speakers and microphone, all fitted perfectly within the framework design, expressing the slickness of technology and the elegance of modern fashion. Web-chats can be broadcasted instantly not missing one exciting moment. The photos taken are very sharp in resolution and brilliant in colors, capturing precise imagery both indoor or out, adding more fun to instant messaging.

- Wireless Internet Connection
The U115 Hybrid has the 802.11 b/g/n wireless all region internet connection and Bluetooth transmission interface, so you can enjoy the convenience of accessing the internet at home or out. There will be absolutely no obstacles getting around your daily life.

- Comprehensive Multi-Media Application Interface
U115 Hybrid offers a complete entertainment interface, which includes the 4 in 1 Card Reader (XD/SD/MMC/Memory Stick), so it may meet the standards of the mainstream memory cards, making it easy to upload digital files into the notebook computer. Our focus was on the common products in the market, such as PDA's, digital cameras, digital video cameras, digital MP3 Players, Global GPS Systems and such, also connecting to the U115 Hybrid through USB 2.0 Port. An external DVD burner may be added (optional) to play and burn important files at will.

Source: MSI
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16 Comments on The World's First Hybrid Storage Netbook - MSI U115 Hybrid

#1
Wozzer
Looks pretty slow. But its a start.

Any ideas on the price tag?
Posted on Reply
#2
Triprift
It is a start just a tad mega underpowered. =/
Posted on Reply
#3
alexp999
Staff
TripriftIt is a start just a tad mega underpowered. =/
One of my relatives just got the U100 for christmas with similar specs (minus the hybrid storage), its incredibly quick considering. Faster than my Lappy with a 2ghz Turion X2 and 2GB Ram. Mind you XP has always been easier on hardware than Vista.
Posted on Reply
#4
Exavier
I'd like to request manufacturers do not use 'super long' as a means of measuring battery life :laugh:
Posted on Reply
#5
FreedomEclipse
~Technological Technocrat~
"To Freely Play"
to freely play what exactly??? online space invaders????

I dont think a laptop like that will be 'playing' much of anything asside from the crappy yahoo/msn messenger games etc etc
Posted on Reply
#6
lemonadesoda
Warning

Please be aware that a "Z" in Intel is BAD NEWS. It means feature limited. Under chipsets, a Z usually means reduced memory map. I remember having a 440 chipset. The "Z" meant is was missing some address busses and was limited to 256MB memory map, whereas the full 440 chipset could address 1GB or 2GB. That really sucked. Because a "productivity" laptop for email and MS office doesnt need to have a very powerful CPU, but memory is important if you want to run Windows 2000/XP/2003 etc. With 256MB, anything more than Win98 and you are diskswapping the whole time.

HERE, the Atom "Z" has lost all 64-bit instructions.

Be warned.
Posted on Reply
#7
mdm-adph
No 64-bit instructions? How am I going to work with my CAD files that need 8GB of RAM now? :p

Yeah, it sucks that Intel chopped the chipset, but I honestly don't think it makes a difference, as long as there's an appropriate chopping of price, as well.
Posted on Reply
#8
lemonadesoda
^Fair enough, but each to thier own. It's a warning to people, incl. myself, that expect any new CPU to be 64bit compatible. They arent. Personally, I dont like running multiple OS codebases. One set of drivers, one set of updates, one "build" of application software, etc. So if you are running a 64bit environment, you cant with the Atom Z series. (You can with the Atom 230/330)

Atom summary
230 = 64bit, Virtualisation, SSE3, No execute, Hyperthreading
330 = dual core 230
27x = sans 64bit, sans Virtualisation
5xx = sans 64bit, sans Virtualisation

Atom Chipset
UL11L = 1GB max
US15L = 1GB max
945GSE = 2GB max

Lert me also add that for a 10" screen 1024x600 is very disappointing.

Here is a 9" screen with 1280x768 www.kohjinsha.com.sg/products/outline-sx.htm
Posted on Reply
#10
Triprift
alexp999One of my relatives just got the U100 for christmas with similar specs (minus the hybrid storage), its incredibly quick considering. Faster than my Lappy with a 2ghz Turion X2 and 2GB Ram. Mind you XP has always been easier on hardware than Vista.
Yep lets see that with vista and see how zippy it is. :p
Posted on Reply
#11
crazy pyro
Honestly though, who'd run vista on a netbook? Also, any ideas on the battery life or the price tag?
Will this have an effect on the price tag of the U100? Yes, I am after a netbook and need to buy one soon (case is falling off my laptop, it needs some gaffa tape surgery.
Posted on Reply
#12
mullered07
Why is everyone moaning about how underpowered this "laptop" is, for starters its a netbook its not meant to be able to play all the latest games and run cad software with 8gb ram. For its use, why would you want anything more? The specs seem fine to me for web browsing office work and instant messaging/flash games etc

tbh as far as the hybrid storage it boasts i dont see the point in it myself, complete waste of money cause ill bet that has a big factor on its price which isnt offset by the benefits. Either put in an ssd or if you want more storage put in a hdd. And i agree with Exavier on the "Superlong" battery life, how long is superlong lol ?
Posted on Reply
#13
Triprift
It should be superlong its not like it has a power sucking gpu and i wasnt moaning just giving my assesment thats all. :toast:
Posted on Reply
#14
crazy pyro
Samsung NC10 manages 8 hours and honestly if a netbook doesn't go over 5 hours battery life it seems kinda pointless to me.
Posted on Reply
#15
mdm-adph
crazy pyroSamsung NC10 manages 8 hours and honestly if a netbook doesn't go over 5 hours battery life it seems kinda pointless to me.
Sure about that? Even their website only says 6 hours, and that's usually at the high, high end of the spectrum of possibilities. :p
Posted on Reply
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