MSI XSlim X340 launched and priced

MSI Philippines officially launched the MSI XSlim X340 today, the thinnest notebook coming out of its XSeries line (or less often referred to as “the challenger to the Macbook Air”).

This 13.4″ notebook has a 16:9 aspect ratio and is 6mm at it’s thinnest edge and 20mm at it’s thickest base yet managed to weigh just 1.3kg (2.87 lbs). From afar, you’d easily mistake this notebook as a Mac Air.

MSI Product Manager Iris Chuang admitted that they chose an Intel ULV processor instead of an Atom to strike a balance between performance and battery life. The X340 runs on an Intel Core 2 Solo ULV SU3500 @ 1.4GHz. Official specs listed below:

MSI XSlim X340
Intel Core 2 Solo ULV SU3500 @ 1.4GHz
13.4″ TFT LCD (1366×768 pixels)
GMA 4500MDH
250GB/320GB/500GB SATA HDD
2GB DDR2 RAM
1.3MP webcam
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
2-in-1 card reader
Bluetooth 2.0
2 x USB 2.0 ports
1 D-Sub (VGA)
4 or 8 cell battery

There’s an optional WiMax 802.16e wireless module embedded into the system which is cool since we have  WiMax services already available in the country. 

MSI is also including an external DVD Super-Multi drive. The only worry here might be the pre-installed OS — MS Windows Vista Home Premium. It would be interesting to see how the lower-clocked 1.4GHz CULV fare against an Atom N280 1.66GHz if MSI is claiming they chose performance over battery life (5.5watts vs. 2 watts).

As earlier reported, the X340 will retail for Php49,999USD 852INR 72,229EUR 811CNY 6,205 when it comes out in stores.