Review: MSI Wind 12 U230: AMD Congo takes the fight to Intel CULV

Final thoughts, rating and HEXUS.right2reply

AMD's Congo platform is what Yukon should have been. Offering dual-core CPU performance that's better matched against Intel's ultra-low-voltage Core 2 Duo parts, the platform makes for an interesting argument when priced between Intel's Atom-powered netbooks and CULV-powered notebooks.

GPU performance is good thanks to the introduction of ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3200-series graphics. Though, good is a relative term, as 3D gaming remains suited to just basic, casual use.

The major disadvantage, we feel, is battery life. Given the lack of longevity, AMD's Congo may be better suited to desktop systems - perhaps finding its place in low-cost all-in-ones or low-power HTPCs.

Yet, despite its drawbacks, Congo could become a popular choice in the sub-£400 market, where dual-core Intel CULV systems are a rarity. In order to make an impact, AMD needs to ensure a wide variety of Congo-based systems are available in the marketplace - what we have here is a decent start.

MSI's Wind 12 U230, one of the first mainstream Congo notebooks, is perfectly priced at £399 and worthy of consideration for your next ultra-thin portable. Build quality is generally good, and performance at the £399 mark doesn't get much better.

The Good

Dual-core CPU ensures snappy system performance
Thin and light form factor
Pleasant keyboard
Compelling price

The Bad

Noisy in use
Crude trackpad buttons
Mediocre battery life

HEXUS Rating

We consider any product score above '50%' as a safe buy. The higher the score, the higher the recommendation from HEXUS to buy. Simple, straightforward buying advice.

The rating is given in relation to the category the component competes in, therefore the MSI Wind 12 U230 netbook is evaluated with respect to our 'high-end' criteria.

MSI Wind 12 U230

HEXUS Where2Buy

The MSI Wind 12 U230 netbook is expected to become available in January, with an MSRP of £399.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!

For fairness the comparison system should have been the similarly priced and sized acer timeline 1810tz, with an inferior processor to the 3810tz. This article just makes the AMD processor look unfairly bad: the SU9400 is only in premium ultra-portables that sell for far more, such as the Dell E4200, XT2 and Toshiba R600

Agreed, you really should be more aiming to compare things of a similar price.
That said, thanks for the review, good to be aware of systems like this.

Can you provide more info on the CPU? I'm curious what process its using, along with the p-states and voltages. I would assume it's griffin based?

Thanks!

As mentioned above, the closest competitor on the Intel side is the Acer 1810 - and as an AMD fan it saddens me to say the Acer system would seem to be far superior.

To be competitive I think Congo needs to hit £350, then it comes off positively to the Atom, rather than negatively to Pentium ULV

Champman99
As mentioned above, the closest competitor on the Intel side is the Acer 1810 - and as an AMD fan it saddens me to say the Acer system would seem to be far superior.

To be competitive I think Congo needs to hit £350, then it comes off positively to the Atom, rather than negatively to Pentium ULV

Interesting opinion, BUT at 400 GBP it is 100 quid more expensive than the Atom system, and 200 less than the CULV system. How can you then say that it (Vision system) competes with a (CULV) product 1.5 times its price? It still delivers some punches, yeah, it falls short, but you can at least play a semi-decent game on it.