MSI introduces Macbook Air killer, X-Slim 340

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.

The X-Slim 340 runs Windows Vista Home Premium and uses a low-power Intel Core 2 Solo processor (an Intel Atom processor was originally announced but scrapped), one of the first machines on the market to use Intel's new CULV, or "consumer ultra-low voltage," chips.

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).

The X-Slim 340 is very thin at just 6-millimeters at the thinnest point and 20mm at the thickest. By comparison, Apple's MacBook Air is 4mm thick at its thinnest point and 19mm at its thickest.

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.