MSI Wind Top AE2280-008SUS 21.5-inch All-In-One PC

Jan 27 2011 - Those looking for a strong performing all-in-one system for roughly $1000 would be smart to take a look at the MSI Wind Top AE2280-008SUS. With its Core i5 processor, it has a definite edge over most the competition. The touchscreen is also one of the more responsive on the market but the included software is a bit on the thin side. Still, if you need high performance, it will be tough to find a more affordable option with this level of CPU.

Jan 27 2011 - Desktop processor aren't that uncommon in the all-in-one market segment but the selection of an Intel Core i5-650 dual core processor for the MSI Wind Top AE2280-008SUS is definitely atypical of a $1000 PC. This is certainly much faster than the Core i3 models typically found in all-in-ones. This combined with the 4GB of DDR3 memory provides it with one of the fastest overall performances in this price segment.

While the processor is above average for this price segment, the storage features are a bit below. Many companies have moved to larger one terabyte hard drives but MSI equips the Wind Top AE2280-008SUS with a smaller 640GB drive. This is certainly acceptable for most users but could become problematic for users who want to store a lot of media files including high definition video. At least the system has an eSATA port for use with high speed external drives making external expansion fairly easy. A standard dual-layer DVD burner handles playback and recording of CDs and DVDs. It would have been nice to see it include a Blu-ray compatible drive.

Like most new all-in-one systems, the Wind Top AE2280 comes equipped with a multitouch enabled 21.5-inch display. The touch interface is quite response which is very nice but the touch enabled software that comes with the system is a bit thin especially compared to HP's TouchSmart suite. The display features a 1920x1080 resolution for supporting full 1080p high definition video. The system does not really have any built-in multimedia features such as Blu-ray or a TV tuner but they do include an HDMI input that allows for it to be connected to an external cable or satellite TV receiver or a Blu-ray player.

The graphics system is handled by the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 graphics processor with 1GB of memory. This is a mobile solution but handles tasks such as high definition media playback with no problems. The 3D graphics capabilities are very mixed. It may be possible to use the system for some casual PC gaming at lower resolutions and detail levels but it certain isn't going to be used for full fledged gaming by any means.

Probably the most disappointing aspect of the MSI Wind Top AE2280 is the mouse and keyboard. They both are constructed of plastic and have a very flimsy and cheap feel to them. The keyboard is also smaller than the average keyboard and is more typical in size and layout to a laptop keyboard. It does include a numeric keypad on it but everything feels cramped. They are functional but anyone using this as a primary system will probably want to look into an aftermarket unit.