MSI AE2220-25SUS 21.6-Inch Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)

by MSI

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 2.4 x 15.9 inches ; 25 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 27.6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002R5ARVI
• Item model number: AE2220-25SUS
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,310 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 18, 2009

Product Description

MSI Wind Top AE2220-25SUS All-in-One Desktop AE2220-25SUS 1102

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I love the AE2220 25SUS, BUT..., January 20, 2010

By 

Walt Bujaryn (Edwards, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MSI AE2220-25SUS 21.6-Inch Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium) (Personal Computers)

This review is being updated as of late March 2010 to maintain accuracy. MSI has added models to their already long lineup. The TV tuner in my first 25SUS failed, the keyboard was DOA, and Amazon replaced the entire unit. More on that below, but I have to give Amazon 5 stars for their outstanding customer service. As always, be sure of your warranty and return policies. Plus: Lots of good user comments at the bottom of this review.

This review is about MSI's Wind Top "Multi Touch" (touch screen) AE2220 25SUS. The 2220 Series now apparently has seven models, the 25, 26, 27, 66, and 69SUS, and now the 236 and 237US. You can also find the 1900, the 2010, the 2020 and the 2200 series in MSI's ALL-In-One line of PC's. The here reviewed AE2220 25SUS probably qualifies as the top model of the entire line as of this date (now see AE2220 237US also). If you do a search for this specific model you will find a very good (and very positive) review at Benchmark Reviews, one which also links to an exhaustive Lavalys EVEREST configuration report. And as noted below, check YouTube.

Not to confuse the issue, but there is also an "AE 2220 Hi Fi" glowingly reviewed on the web, although the model is NOT listed on MSI's U.S. website as of this date and does NOT appear to be available in the states. "Hi Fi" elements may be built into the 25SUS. A highly configurable and more expensive AE 2240 model is supposed to appear in the second quarter of 2010. MSI has also shown concept 3D and hybrid projector machines. MSI breeds computers like rabbits. There are 21 models in the Wind Top line on MSI's US site (msicomputer) right now, and it ain't gonna get any simpler unless they start shooting some of them.

Be aware that as of the date of this review the AE2220 pictures on Amazon are outdated, including those of the rear panel. I have posted some user pictures which should be of some help. If you do a search for this unit you will find pictures of a black rectangle mounted in clear plexiglass, and that seems to be what is shipping. It is what I received. Further, the specifications listed on Amazon (and elsewhere) are sometimes incomplete and incorrect. Go to msicomputer (the U.S. site, not the Global) to very carefully check the specifications of the All-In-One model you are considering. Some have touch screens and some do not; some are XP, some Vista, some Win 7, now there are three 64 bit models; there is a variety of processors, hard drives and on-board memory in the Wind Top line, and I have found no way to do a side-by-side comparison. The 25SUS and the 2220-237US may be the only ones with a built-in hi definition capable TV tuner.

What is it? This is an "All-In-One" (AIO) PC, that new generation of computer which combines all of its components--save for the keyboard, mouse and power supply--into the same space occupied by (in this case) a 21.5" diagonal monitor. It really is a hybrid: It is a quite powerful "multi" touch screen PC running Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit; it is a computer monitor, because it has inputs; it is a high definition capable television with a built-in tuner; it is a high definition video playback device with a built in Blue Ray DVD player and it is also an advanced audio playback device with incredible on board sound. Wireless 802.11b/g/n integrates it seamlessly into your network.

AE2220 25SUS: Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit, Intel® Core 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz), NVIDIA® GeForce 9300 Integrated Graphics (256MB VRAM), 21.5" Multi-Touch Widescreen (16:9), 1920 x 1080, 1080p, 4GB DDRII 800MHz SDRAM, 500GB SATA2 Hard Disk Drive, Blu-Ray Disc(tm) playback, CD/DVD playback/burning (no Light Scribe mentioned), 802.11b/g/n (Wireless), HD Audio, 2.0 Speakers with SRS Premium Sound, 1 x S/PDIF-OUT, 1 x Microphone-IN, 1 x Headphone-OUT, 1.3MP Webcam with Microphone, 4-in-1 Card Reader, 6 x USB 2.0, 1 x eSATA IN, 1 x VGA Monitor-IN, 1 x HDMI Monitor-IN, 1 x LAN jack (RJ45). Dimensions 21.81" W x 15.89" H x 2.42 D", about 26 pounds.

Ships with the All-In-One CPU, wireless keyboard and mouse, external power supply, remote control, HD TV antenna, antenna to coax adapter, documents, NO OS media.

You can put it on your desk, which is really cool, but this thing is just begging to be placed on your kitchen counter or hung on a wall. It's being sold as a piece of interactive art, and it's an attractive idea. You must disassemble and remove the support stand to install a standard VESA wall mount. I will send you a link to this information if you ask in the comments below. In the kitchen or den it becomes a touch screen source for news, weather, sports or whatever, be it on TV or the Internet; a beautiful display for digital photographs; an Internet radio, with superb on board sound; a complete media center with high definition DVD playback and, well, on and on. Further, among competing models by other manufacturers the MSI Wind Top line offers exceptional value.

This is not really a gaming machine, although it will run up to mid-level games quite well. True gaming machines generate a lot of heat and therefore need lots of cooling, and the All-In-One configuration is not yet where serious gamers should be looking. This low power consumption PC--something like 90 watts under full load--was NOT built with gamers in mind, and criticizing the 25SUS on this basis is not only silly but a waste of time. One can, however, theoretically hook up a gaming console to this machine through the HDMI port (I have not personally done so) and use it as a 1080p gaming monitor.

Unfortunately I both love this machine and am shaking my head. It should be a 5 star product, but I am docking it 1 star for documentation and 1 for hardware issues to give it a 3.

I started my search for a new desktop with several criteria in mind: I wanted a reasonably powerful Windows 7 64 bit machine (the 25SUS is 32 bit) and I really wanted a built-in TV tuner. I looked at everything in the all-in-one genre, particularly Sony and HP; I liked the Sony, and then came across this one. It seemed to have everything I wanted in a compact design and at an incredible price point for what was offered, particularly the port configuration where HP was lacking. Plus, it was cutting edge, sort of. I know MSI components very well, MSI has a terrific reputation and this one was getting very good ink.

Now for the problems. The first lies in MSI's documentation, which is absolutely abysmal ("Yeah, we hear that all the time" an MSI tech told me on one of my calls). When you are looking to buy a product of this caliber you want very good, highly accurate and detailed pre-purchase information, and preferably a simple way to do comparisons among models. You CAN get what appear to be accurate technical details on specific models at MSI's U.S. site (msicomputer), NOT the Global--this is another source of confusion--and I strongly suggest that you do. Still, much of the information on the web is generic, lacking in critical detail, sometimes conflicting and occasionally written in poor English.

Take the operating system. It is listed almost everywhere as "Windows 7 Home Premium", with no reference online or in the manual as to whether it is 32 or 64 bit. You may see the CPU listed as "64 bit capable" but this is irrelevant. Most new computers in this league, including laptops, are today shipping with 64 bit systems. This is not a minor detail. The 25SUS is shipping with a 32 bit system (now three AE 2220 64 bit models at msicomputer, see below), and the only way you can ascertain this is to go into the machine's functions and directly check the specification. I ran the the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor on my machine and it states that the system is 64 bit compatible. Why MSI chose to ship a 32 bit system is anyone's guess, although they may have had reasons for so doing. Further clouding the issue, MSI lists 64 bit drivers on its website alongside the x86 drivers for this machine. So, don't be surprised if 64 bit systems suddenly and spontaneously appear in the Wind Top line...

UPDATE: Apparently in "MSI Speak" if the system spec doesn't specifically state "64 bit" you can assume it's 32 bit. MSI is now listing three "Windows® 7 64 bit Home Premium" models at msicomputer, the AE 2020-098US, the AE2220-236US, and the AE2220-237US. The 237US appears to most closely match the 25SUS in hardware specs, but may now be the top of the line unit given a slightly larger hard drive and the 64 bit operationg system.

A 64 bit bump on the 25SUS would not be for the faint of heart, given the MSI support mess, although we'd like to hear from any of you who are so brave.

OK, so you go to the manual and download it in advance, right? The "manual" for this unit, if it can be called that (Revision V1.1), is for the AE 2220 "series" and is an absolute disaster. It makes no distinction among five models, even though there are significant differences among them. Worse, the "information" therein is incomplete, conflicting and downright inaccurate. Update: MSI now lists a manual Revision 1.2 downloadable for the AE2220 series at msicomputer. The manual is a definite improvement, but is still sorely lacking.

And now let's move on to the hardware problems, which are exemplified in Revision 1.1...

...like MEMORY. The manual specifically states that "2 DDR2 667/ 800 SO-DIMM slots (200 pins/ 1.8V)...Supports the maximum of 8 GB". BUT, online specifications for the 2220 series state that the amount is fixed and CANNOT be changed. In fact there is a removable cover on the back of the machine concealing two 2 GB (4 GB total) chips and no open slots. Whether these can be bumped to 2 x 4 = 8 GB is anyone's guess; as of today Crucial's scanner comes up blank and support is quoting... Read more ›

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 1st impression is Wow!, February 9, 2010

By 

EagleRock Dude (LOS ANGELES, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MSI AE2220-25SUS 21.6-Inch Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium) (Personal Computers)

If you are reading this you probably are shopping for an "all in One" or AIO. You can't decided between a new or refurb, and the HP Touchsmart, Asus, Averatec, Sony and maybe the MSI. You are looking for a screen around 22" or so. Not too big and not too small. You want to improve your desk space(above and under)and upgrade to newer hardware. You don't mind paying a premium for quality..but just cannot get yourself to buy an Apple because of the price and all your software and external hardware are windows based and tested working already.

I wanted to do a quick review because there is only one here for this machine. Thanks Walt. Your review helped me decided to buy this computer. I needed to replace an old ibuypower gaming machine that I am tired of upgrading. Not worth it anymore. I am pretty loyal to my computers and I keep upgrading them rather than retiring them as long as I can.

Why I chose the MSI. I liked the reviews(benchmark one), I am a little familiar with MSI having used their motherboards before in my gamer, and I like the style of the computer...It was one of the thinnest compared to the others I mentioned. For the price here I got the built in TV tuner(which i was looking for) and a blue-ray player which I guess I might use. And I figured why not get a new one instead of a refurb for the same money. I am not a gamer(I use xbox for that) so I don't care if a computer does that well, but I want enough power and memory to handle my family videos and pics. 500G hard drive is way more than I need but its nice to have. I store my stuff on a network drive anyway.

when it came...it was bigger(the screen) than I had imagined..but nice. Setup was pretty easy and fast. I had to resync the wireless keyboard but other than that smooth. I LIKE the small keyboard although it does feel a little cheap..no biggy I will use it till if and when it goes. Desktop looks clean.

Like the other reviewer said..the picture/monitor is fantastic. There is a HD sample to play..and its just incredible to see. I hooked up my BOSE Companion 5's (another upgrade) and i gotta tell ya...the system together with the speakers...both the sound and the overall looks...I am just smiling ear to ear. I never had an Apple, but this must be what it feels like :>)

The speed is great as I spent several hours installing my software I needed..email, visual studio, vuse..etc...browsing the .net is great..but again...the computer I am replacing is 7 years old..so of course I expected that pretty much. I created the recovery DVD's using the burner. I did not bother to wire up the ethernet wire..I just went wireless like a laptop to my network..no problem. Performance is good. As I am typing this I can hardly hear the machine..very quiet..another thing I wanted after the jet engine sound of my gamer.

First time I have seen windows 7 on a large screen(my daughter has it on her Netbook(Asus by the way..chose over the MSI!)..but it looks really good. Now that I have been thru control panel and a few things..better than Vista. Another reason I chose the MSI..I wanted windows 7 installed..not an upgrade coupon.

What really blew me away...the TV tuner..and the software that downloads with it...it has a channel guide..and you can watch dozens and dozens of recorded shows via internet TV, or watch live TV with HD reception...all for free. Thats what I was looking for. A desktop type computer that could also function as a bedroom TV as well as the music part..really...I have no regrets at all so far...of course as time goes buy and i have issues I will update my review.

If you are on the fence about this computer...believe me...I don't think you can go wrong with this one. It just has everything you might need. If the ASUS would have had the TV tuner and blueray...I might have gone with that one...it was that close...I am sure the others are good too...but for me..this one fits the bill. You won't be disappointed IMO.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Computer, February 15, 2010

By 

Joseph Lombardi "Fizban" (NY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MSI AE2220-25SUS 21.6-Inch Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium) (Personal Computers)

This is my review of the MSI AE2220-25SUS. I ordered this through Amazon, but it was shipped by[...]. The computer arrived in 3 days, which is pretty good. Packaging was excellent, as the screen was really stable in the box. Inside the box is the screen/cpu, USB wireless keyboard and mouse, a stylus, an antenna connection {to use with the computer's built in tuner}, a useless manual, a cleaning cloth for the screen, a mini adapter for hooking up your cable directly to the computer, a utilities disc, and a remote control. Connections on this computer are pretty good: 6 USB ports, HDMI in port, VGA in, digital optical audio out, mini card reader, Esata port, RJ-45 Lan jack, microphone and headphone jack, TV tuner antenna connector, built in webcam w/ microphone, and of course a blu-ray drive {which also plays/copies DVD's and cd's}.

1. I'll start with the screen. It is a very nice 21.5" full HD touch screen {1080P}. While the images are fantastic, whether it be web pages or a movie, it is highly reflective. I can literally use this as a mirror! And it is a finger print magnet. If you like to use the touch-screen features, I suggest you use the stylus. Fingerprints and reflections aside, the resolution is gorgeous. Also, the touch features just worked. I didn't need any calibration. Once the computer booted up, I just touched the internet icon and away I went.

2. The wireless keyboard and mouse are ok. Just plug in the USB {I plugged my USB in one of the USB connectors in the back of the monitor so that I don't have to look at it}. Make sure you turn on the mouse {there is an on/off button on the bottum of the mouse}. You may have to sync them by pressing the button on the USB connector and then the button on the mouse or keyboard. The keyboard is a little small for my tastes and I'm still getting used to it. If feels very cheap and plasticy. The mouse if your standard mouse. If it's not in use, the mouse will "fall asleep" to conserve the batteries. Just press the button underneath to wake it up. Odd, the keyboard doesn't have this battery saving function.

3. The Setup- Initial setup was a breeze. Just plug in the computer, turn it on and follow the on-screen instuctions. It couldn't be easier. I had my wiresless router already on, so when the initial set-up was underway, it noticed this and asked me to set up the wireless connection. If you do this, make sure you know your WEP key for your router and you're good to go. One thing I recommend is after your computer is setup, create your own system recovery discs. MSI does not include them for some reason. I needed just 2 blank recordable DVD's and it took a few minutes, but it is well worth it in case your computer crashes and you can't boot up.

4. WIFI connection is very strong. I have my router in an upstairs bedroom and I get full reception in a room downstairs!

5. Touchscreen is outstanding. I didn't purchase this for the touchscreen, but it is nice. Just make sure you use the stylus to avoid fingerprints.

6. Blu-ray movie playback is excellent. Colors are rich and vibrant and the built in speakers are good. Set the sound level via the screen first before you play the movie. This will set the parameters of how loud you can go. Then you could always turn it down or up during playback with the included remote. The remote controls all of the dvd functions, play, stop fast forward, sound etc.

7. The included antenna for TV reception is ok. You need to first set this up by hitting the windows icon on the remote control {while pointing the remote at the screen}. This will bring you to a windows media set-up. Just make sure you plug the included antenna in. While following the on-screen instuctions, windows will search for channels in your area. With the included antenna, it found like 30 digital channels in my area. Video looked ok. It was digital, but didn't look HD. Certainly not as nice as a dvd or blu-ray disc.

8. Do not use the manual. It is useless. The only thing the manual is good for is to see where all the ports are layed out and what the buttons on the right side of the monitor do. That's about it. It is one of the worst manuals I have ever seen. Because of this, you will have to find out a lot of stuff on your own. For example, the manual doesn't mention anything about a webcam. So, you will have to go into the programs file and see which program controls the webcam and open it up to see how the webcam works.

9. There are no outputs on this computer, only inputs. This is really strange as these AIO {all in one} computers have laptop like specs and every laptop I know has an HDMI out. The good thing is that you could hook up an HD cable box via HDMI and use this gorgeous screen as a TV. I haven't tried this yet but will test it very soon.

To wrap up this review, I gave it 4 stars. I wanted to give it 3 1/2 but it doesn't do halves...lol...I shaved off a star for the very useless manual that MSI provides and also for the fact that there are no outputs on the computer. Anyone who is in the market for an AIO computer should definitely give this model a shot. The hi-def screen is beautiful and I don't think you could do any better in terms of features for the price {under $1K}. This is my first review ever, so I hope this made sense to a lot of people, who like me, was unsure of this model. But after reading reviews {such as Walt's} and hopefully this one, people will get a sense of what a very good computer this is for the money.