MicroStar International, a leading manufacturer of computer components, plans to release its long-awaited MSI Wind laptop in June, right after Computex Taipei trade-show in Taiwan. The laptop will compete against Asustek Computer’s Eee PC, but will boast with larger screen, larger storage, upgradeability as well as Intel Atom processor amid relatively affordable price.

“We will launch the product at Computex on June 3. The 10-inch Linux version will be $399. The 10-inch Windows version will be $549,” said Any Lung, director of U.S. sales at MSI, in an interview with Laptopmag web-site.

MSI Wind laptop will come with either 8.9” or 10” (U.S. only) screen and will be based on Intel Atom N270 (1.60GHz) processor as well as Intel 945GMS and ICH7-M core-logic set with built-in graphics core. The notebooks will be equipped with 512MB or 1GB (Windows XP version only) of PC2-5300 (DDR2 667MHz) memory, 80GB hard disk drive, memory card reader, 1.3MP webcam, Ethernet controller, Wi-Fi controller, Bluetooth controller (Windows XP version only) audio outputs, USB ports and so on. Weight of MSI Wind with 10” display will vary from 2.6lbs to 2.8lbs (1.17Kg – 1.27Kg) depending on battery configuration.

MSI claims that many Asus Eee PC owners do not feel comfortable with 4GB – 8GB storage of the model 701, thus, MSI decided to equip its low-cost machines with hard drives, despite of the fact that they consume more energy and add weight.

“Right now we are using regular hard drives. […] For lot of customers [storage space] is a big issue. In a lot of the testing, solid state drives don’t always outperform regular hard drives. We have decided to go with an 80GB hard drive, but customers will have the ability to upgrade the drive all the way to 320GB,” Mr. Lung said, adding that end-users may also install more memory thanks to additional SO-DIMM slot.

MSI Wind with Linux operating system with 3-cell battery and 2.5 hours battery time will cost $399 in the USA, whereas the version with Windows XP with 6-cell battery and 5.5 hours battery time will cost $549, according to MSI. Systems will be available in black, pearl white, pink and silver colours initially.