I decided to play with it some more and install some OS’s on it…..

OSX:

First I played with OSX on the wind.  First, I did the boot-132 method and installed a fresh copy of OSX.  This went well.  After the initial install, I needed to install some kexts to get the keyboard and mouse working.  I used OSX86Tools to install them.  I then did a full update from the Apple Software Update.  This went well.  I had some intermittent issues with the wifi and the webcam.  All in all it was not so bad.

I next tried the MSIWindOS86.iso. (this is the pre-built ISO for the wind that’s available out there)  It installed smoothly and everything but wifi was working immediately.  I installed this with the kernel option unchecked and was able to again update the system to 10.5.6 from the apple update.

This was the extent of my getting OSX on the MSI Wind for now.  I plan to attempt a more extensive install and get everything working soon.  I will post a write up on this when I get to it.

Crunchbang Linux:

On a recommendation from Jed, I next installed Crunchbang Linux.  This is a lightweight spin of Ubuntu that seems to work well with netbook systems.  Everything went well with the install.   Someone has compiled an Ubuntu/Debian package for the wifi adapter in the MSI Wind and this downloaded and installed beautifully. Well, slightly…

At first the wifi did not come up properly in the network manager.  After some reading, I figured out I had to turn the bugger on.  LOL  Fn+F11 does this.  When successful, a light with a wifi symbol will light up on the front of the MSI Wind.  Another note, Fn+F6 controls the webcam on/off.

Another technochubby moment occured when I plugged in my USBConnect881 from AT&T (cellular internet usb device).  Crunchbang immediately detected it and asked if I wanted it configured for use.  I clicked yes and it set it all up for me.  I tested it and it worked beautifully.

Again, this is the extent of what I did to get Crunchbang Linux on the device.  I may go back to trying it again, if I do, I will post an extensive write up on this.

Windows 7:

I have a copy of the upcoming Windows 7 release.  I decided to give this a go.  This was by far the most painless of the 3 installs.  Basically did the default install, then did the windows update.  Everything worked, no issues with any device drivers.  There was some issues with the AT&T dongle…

To test out the AT&T dongle, I first downloaded and installed the AT&T Communications manager from the AT&T website directly.  I launched it with the USBConnect881 plugged in and Windows 7 complained about being unable to install the device driver for it.  The Communications Manager program timed out and could not initialize the device.

I then went directly to the sierra wireless site and downloaded the generic 3G watcher.  I uninstalled the AT&T Communications Manager and installed the 3G Watcher.  I launched the application and plugged in the USBConnect881 dongle.  The dongle then loaded the install for the Communications Manager and the 3G Watcher did not see the modem.  In the 3G Watcher’s menu under tools, there is a mode setting, I set this to modem.  Windows 7 then loaded the appropriate driver and the 3G Watcher initialized.  After hitting ‘connect’ I was able to surf the web with the dongle.  Good stuff.

So that’s about it for now.  I really want to get Mac OSX running well on this thing, so I will be playing with this over the next couple of days.

Let me start by talking about what I want a “netbook” or a smaller form factor portable computer. My main computer is a Macbook Pro 17″ and while for the size of it, it’s fairly light and quick to turn on and set up, at times, I don’t like pulling out such a beast for quick and dirty things I want to do. I am looking for a device that I can take with me almost anywhere, be fairly non-obtrusive, and be my quick window to the net. The MSI Wind was to be this device for me, NOT!

Again, spec wise it’s fair, I would go so far to say even better than fair. However, for me, it’s missing two key elements, touch screen capabilities and at least 1280×720 (or 800) resolution. For the technology we have today, these two elements MUST be in a small form factor PC or “netbook” for me.

The MSI Wind has a decent screen with 1024×600 resolution. I thought I could deal with this. With so many laptops with 1280×800+ screen resolutions, I do not believe GUI designers have set things up to accommodate the 600 pixel high space. It gets really frustrating when you can’t hit a dialog in something you are trying to do quickly. (remember, one of the purposes of having the machine)

The second thing is touch screen. It lacks one. It should have one. All “netbooks” should have some sort of touch capability on the screen. Again, for speed and ease of use. If there are kits showing up on e-bay for touch screen kits for these devices from $50 to $150, it should not be difficult to include one in the manufacturing process.

Sure, I know I can tweak the device to work with the resolution and add a touch screen. My point is, we have the technology and the ability to make devices at low cost that we don’t have to settle for. With my myriad of life projects going on and other hobbies, I don’t have time to mess with a machine to get these things in it. I want to buy an off the shelf product and just go. (well, maybe some minor mods, like putting OSX on it LOL)

The deal breaker on the Wind and most “netbooks” for me at the moment is the screen resolution. If this thing just had 1280×720/800 minimum, I’d be all over it.

Where oh where can I get one of these: Gigabyte M912V

It was a bit larger than I expected.  However, it still is a pretty insane device.  I played around a bit with the “instant on” feature that brought up the PSP/PS3 like media bar, it was not “instant” but it was fast.  It’s definitely running a version of Linux in this mode.  When I brought up the web, it had the good ol’ x-windows X and then clearly an X version of FireFox.  One other note about the media bar, the interface was not as clean aesthetically and font wise as I have come to expect from Sony products.

It seemed slightly sluggish with Vista running on it.  I did not get the full specs of the one I was playing with.  It did not feel like it was running with the SSD drive.

All in all, it was a nice machine. I am not sure now if I am going to RUSH out and get one, we’ll have to see what the final product is like when it’s released.  It might be something worth waiting until the second generation for.

It’s thicker than a Macbook Air.  Just FYI.

I have not been huge on this whole “netbook” craze.  But, I have to admit this device looks insane!

The highlights:

• 1600 x 768, LED backlit 8-inch ultra-wide display (diagonal)
• weighs just 1.4 pounds and is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket
• built-in wireless WAN 3G Mobile Broadband, 802.11n wi-fi and Bluetooth
• real-time GPS functionality
• pricing starts at about $900
• available in February

Some of the Technical Specifications:

• Intel Processor @ 1.33 Ghz
• 2GB RAM
• 128 GB SSD
• 8″ XBRITE-ECO Display @ 1600×768
• Mobile Intel GMA500 Graphics
• 2 USB, 1 Memory Stick Duo, 1 SD
• Windows Vista Home Premium

It’s OS is Vista.  Not a big fan, but for the functionality, we can forgive them if it works well.  The screen resolution alone on this thing is incredible.

From the Press Release:

SONY UNVEILS WORLD’S LIGHTEST 8-INCH NOTEBOOK

Full-Featured VAIO PC Fuses Style, Mobility and Connectivity for Anytime, Anywhere Computing

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Sony today took the wraps off the world’s lightest 8-inch notebook— the new VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC.

About the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone, the VAIO Lifestyle PC weighs just 1.4 pounds and is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag while integrating full-PC features.

The model incorporates a high-resolution, 1600 x 768, LED backlit 8-inch ultra-wide display (diagonal), making it easy to view everything from entire spreadsheets to full web pages— no side-to-side scrolling necessary. It also incorporates Sony’s XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology, producing images in brilliant detail for razor-sharp viewing on-the-go.

Stylish enough to take anywhere, the unit is available in an array of eye-catching colors, including garnet red, emerald green, onyx black, crystal white and classic black. Matching carrying cases and Bluetooth® color-coordinated mice are available to complete the look.

“The VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC is your portal to the world, delivering entertainment and computing in a head-turning device that’s small enough to put in your pocket,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “Designed for the fashionista in all of us, it’s the ideal companion.”

Engineered to provide the feel of a larger notebook, the VAIO Lifestyle PC provides a convenient typing experience by extending the keyboard to the perimeters of the chassis maximizing the typing area. The spacing between keys has also been engineered to help reduce typing mistakes making it perfect for long fingernails.

The notebook incorporates built-in wireless WAN 3G Mobile Broadband, 802.11n wi-fi and Bluetooth technologies. Users can toggle among various wireless options for the most efficient connection – wi-fi for working at  a coffee shop; Bluetooth for peripherals; and Mobile Broadband service on the Verizon Wireless nationwide network when traveling outside the reach of hotspots (subscription required).

The unit features up to four hours of battery life with the included standard capacity battery and eight hours with the large capacity battery (sold separate).

It also incorporates real-time GPS functionality, making it easy to find restaurants, hotels or special sites of interest. Destinations can be found by simply typing in an address or keyword and then following the turn-by-turn directions. The Lifestyle PC even includes estimated drive times to let you know how far you are from a destination. No Internet connection is required in the United States or Canada.

The unit also has an instant-mode option that launches directly into Sony’s Xross Media Bar™ interface, so you can rapidly boot up and access music, video, photos and the Web. A built-in webcam lets you video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party service is required.

The PC comes with the Windows Vista® operating system, supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. A windows arrangement utility has been added to easily organize all open documents or websites with one touch, positioning them neatly along side each other on a single screen.

The VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC will retail for about $900. It will be available for pre-orders tomorrow online at www.sony.com/pr/pseries. It will also be sold at Sony Style® stores starting later this month and at other major retailers around the country beginning in February.

Thanks to CoderNeedsFood for pointing this out!