I think we can all agree that, like it or
not, touch screens are the interface of the imminent future. In many ways it’s
simply the logical progression of interaction as portability and ergonomics
make it not only possible but perhaps necessary to embrace touch interfaces. However, there’s one area in
which logic gets tossed out the window: power consumption.
Moving from simple buttons presses and
scroll wheels to a full on, touch-sensitive screen not only threatens a
performance impact but it can increase the amount of power needed to function. This issue is inherent in the touch-screen model; in order to have an
accessible, easy to use interface the screen size must be maximized. By virtue
of this fact alone touch-based devices face a miniature energy crisis. Perhaps
this is what makes MSI’s Wind Top so fascinating; the nettop needs only 45W in
order to run. Not only is that a sixth of what traditional desktops require
it’s also less than most light bulbs!
The Atom 230 based-Wind Top AE1900 packs a
160 GB hard drive, up to 2 GB of RAM, a DVD burner, wireless n, webcam and a
4-in-1 card reader. The 18.5-inch WSXGA 16:9 LCD screen is touch-enabled with a
smooth 5ms response time. But despite that substantial touch-screen size the
AE1900 still relies on just 45W. In this it is helped in no small part by
Intel’s Atom processor that draws between just 1 and 1.25 watts. But let’s just
pause and think about this for a minute. Here we have a capable,
word-processing, internet surfing machine operating on a screen that is nearly
a foot and a half across and it requires less wattage than your common household
incandescent light bulb? Uh, wow.
What’s more, it don’t look to shabby
either. While others are comparing it to the old Apple Studio Display, the
AE1900 is pretty slick looking with its glass frame and white body.
It’s worth noting that there are other
Nettop solutions that draw even less power, such as ESUS’s Eee Box at 36W, but
MSI has accomplished nearly the same numbers in a widescreen, touch-sensitive
format. Thus, all things considered, Wind Top makes a pretty good case for itself,
that is depending on the price point and release date. Neither of which have
been released. But we’ll keep you posted.
