MSI introduces Macbook Air killer, X-Slim 340
![nusca-techonomy2013-640x465.jpg](https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/resize/52a64e267d32d4f162587ff80ba156c09d021b17/2013/01/22/87a6db64-1175-11e4-9732-00505685119a/nusca-techonomy2013-640x465.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&frame=1&height=192&width=192)
Taiwanese-based MSI launched yesterday an ultra-thin laptop to rival Apple's MacBook Air in the U.S., the 13-in. X-Slim 340.
It also has an optional external Blu-ray disc drive or DVD SuperMulti drive.
While the X-Slim 340 isn't intended to "kill" the premium Macbook Air outright, it is intended to siphon off users who need featherweight laptops but aren't ready to pony up $2,000 for the Air. Likewise, the X-Slim 340 is intended to steal netbook users who like the portability and cost of a netbook but think they're a little to chunky and a little too underpowered (note the use of Vista and HDMI port in specs below).
It's also very light: 2.866 lbs., versus the Air's 3.0 lbs.
The X-Slim 340 comes with a 4-cell battery as standard and the potential for 7 hours of life, according to MSI. (An 8-cell battery is also available.) Connections include USB, HDMI, headphone, microphone, D-Sub Video Out and LAN port, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n. Bluetooth and WiMax modules can be added.
No pricing info available.
Full specs:
- Intel Core 2 Solo Processor
- Intel GS45 + ICH9M-SFF
- Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
- 2GB max of DDR2 667/800
- 13 in. TFT-LCD Display, 16:9 widescreen
- 2.5 in. 250GB/320GB/500GB SATA
- 1.3 megapixel webcam
- 2-in1 Card Reader (SD/SDHC/MMC)
- Built-in Gigabit Ethernet LAN and Modem Module
- Built-in 802.11b/g/n WLAN Card, Bluetooth is optional
- Ports: 1 D-Sub; 2 USB 2.0; 1 Mic-in; 1 Headphone Out; 1 HDMI Por; 1 LAN
- Weight: 1.3 kg, or about 2.866 lbs.