| "Nettop" can boot from CompactFlash |
Aug. 21, 2008
 MSI has announced a "nettop" computer using Intel's Atom processor. The Wind MS-6496 includes a gigabit Ethernet port, VGA port, six USB ports, memory card reader, dual drive bays, 7:1 audio output, plus both Mini PCI Express and CompactFlash slots, says MSI.
(Click here for a larger view of MSI's Wind MS-6496)
"Nettop" computers using the Atom 230, plus the supporting 82945GC northbridge and 82801GB (ICH7) southbridge, are becoming common. Manufacturers and hobbyists alike can now build their own, thanks to products such as Intel's own D945GCLF motherboard and widely available Mini-ITX cases. MSI's new Wind MS-6946 appears to be the first with an internal CompactFlash slot, however -- which makes it suitable for use as a thin client or other embedded device, according to the company.
 The Wind MS-6496, more plainly styled than Asus' EEE Box and other competitors, uses the standard Intel parts mentioned above, but in some other respects marches to its own drummer. For example, instead of using a Mini-ITX format, MSI has devised a proprietary motherboard (pictured at right), which takes up approximately two-thirds of the device's 11.8 x 9.4 footprint.
Offered as a "bare bones" system, the Wind MS-6946 includes a 5.25-inch bay for an optical disk drive, plus a 3.5-inch bay for a hard disk drive. As mentioned earlier, it also includes a Compact Flash slot. The slot, which MSI says can be used to boot an embedded operating system, is only accessible via opening the device's case, which is either a hassle or a security feature, depending on your point of view.
Also internal, requiring a screwdriver and a little spare time to access, is the Wind MS-6946's Mini PCI Express slot, apparently intended mainly for an optional wireless LAN module. The motherboard has a single 200-pin SODIMM connector that accepts up to 2GB of 533/400MHz memory. The board also sports two SATA ports, though not an IDE connector.
 
MSI Wind MS-6496 ports
The Wind MS-6946 is likely to attract hobbyists building home media servers, since it offers a plethora of 3.5mm jacks for audio I/O. These include not only front-panel connectors for a microphone and stereo headphones, plus also rear-panel connectors that include a duplicate mic input, line input, and eight channels of audio output. Via the latter, the device is capable of being operated in 5:1 and 7:1 surround sound configurations, MSI says.
MSI adds that the computer complies with the "Azalia" specification for HD Audio. If there's any downside for audiophiles, it's the Wind MS-6946's apparent lack of an S/PDIF output, for sending audio digitally to an external receiver.
Other interfaces on the Wind MS-6946 include six USB ports (two front-panel, four rear-panel), a VGA output, and a gigabit Ethernet port. The device also includes a 4-in-1 memory card reader that accepts SD, XD, MMC, and Memory Stick formats, according to MSI.
MSI says the Wind MS-6946 consumes "less than 40 Watts at full-speed operation." Power is provided via a 65W AC adapter, which sends power to a DC input jack on the computer's rear panel.
Features and specifications listed by MSI for the Wind MS-6946 include:- Processor -- Intel Atom 230 clocked at 1.6GHz
- Memory -- up to 2GB of 533/400MHz DDR memory
- Storage -- bays for 5.25-inch optical drive and 3.5-inch hard disk drive, Compact Flash slot
- Display -- outputs to VGA, with unspecified resolutions
- Networking -- 1 x gigabit Ethernet port, with RJ45 connector
- Other I/O:
- 6 x USB 2.0 (two front, four rear)
- 2 x SATA
- Audio:
- 2 x stereo mic in (front and rear panels)
- 1 x stereo headphone out (front panel)
- 1 x stereo line input (rear panel)
- 4 x stereo line outputs (rear panel; configurable as normal stereo, 5:1 surround sound, or 7:1 surround)
- Expansion:
- Compact Flash slot
- Mini PCI Express slot
- 4-in-1 memory card reader (SD/XD/MC/MMS)
- Dimensions:
- 11.8 x 9.4 x 2.55 inches (case)
- 9.8 x 6.7 inches (motherboard)
- Power requirements -- 65W AC adapter; typical 40W consumption
According to MSI, the Wind MS-6496 is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Linux (Novell SUSE 10.0 SPI). The company did not release pricing or availability information; however, the barebones system appears to be on sale now for approximately $140 by online retailers such as Newegg.com.
Further information may be available at the MSI website, here, or the Newegg site, here.
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