The MSI Wind Top AE2400 will appeal to a growing family who want a central machine within a living room or bedroom environment. The image and sound quality is in the upper echelons for this price sector and the fact that it is an ‘All In One' means that it is relatively easy to carry from room to room.
Unfortunately, as this is one of the older computers in MSI's range, the hardware is based around last generation Intel processors. During synthetic testing the performance differentials are easy to see, however under most real world situations you would be hard pressed to notice the difference, unless you are buying this for rendering or video duties. Even so, with encoding or transcoding you can call upon the extra power of the AMD discrete graphics to reduce the time taken …. with up to a 65 percent performance increase.
The screen quality is higher than we initially expected. The 23.6 inch panel is very capable of displaying vibrant colours and rendering a fine level of detail with 1080p high definition video content. The inclusion of a BluRay player adds value to the overall package.
Unfortunately, the biggest issues faced are from leading competitors such as Dell. Their Inspiron One 23 for instance offers a Core i3 configuration at the same price point.
So what does the MSI system offer that Dell doesn't? The MSI screen quality is better, offering much richer colours and slightly less backlight bleed. The sound system is also superior, although if you push it hard it will distort. MSI really did need to limit the volume level from these speakers because they can be driven too high, to the point of clipping with some material.
As such, we feel the MSI Wind Top AE2400 deserves a recommendation, but a somewhat cautious one. Short term we expect MSI to update this model with Core i3 or Core i5 technology which will significantly enhance performance levels. When this happens then it could very well earn our top award. You can buy it from Scan, for £910 inc vat.
KitGuru says: A capable system, but on a hardware level it is also a little dated.
I wish some of these would use phenom 6 core cpus 🙁
Those videos are really helpful. the sound is brilliant, even via a camera ! Shame they have yet to move to core i3. that would make it a much better purchase. still, i quite like it.
I really like this, id much prefer it to an imac. urghh. I dont need much processing power, and I have a E5400 in another machine. more than enough for me. I might talk the missus into one of these in the new year, if it hits the sales 🙂
I think it is a little expensive, even factoring in the additional cost for the bluray drive. If it was core i3 then makes more sense. unusual for MSI to be behind Dell on one of these systems.
The reviews here are really detailed, found it recently on google after reading a trusted reviews article. Exceptional site. This product is pretty good, but I agree, its dated in dec 2010.
too expensive. I dont mind paying extra for the good screen, speakers and bluray player, but I dont think its offering enough. That said, i wouldnt buy that dell machine either.
You need to look at this from the perspective of a family or parents, who want a nice, slimline all in one machine for a living room or study. something everyone can sit around and enjoy together. its not really geared for the hard core enthusiast gamer. Its a common problem when people comment on these systems.
This looks great for kids. I love the touchscreen idea. my mother also hates computers but like the Ipad. this would work for her perfectly.