MSI U123-003US 10.2 Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life

by MSI

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches ; 2.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00295RAMU
• Item model number: U123-003US
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,568 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2009

Product Description

? Intel® AtomTM N280 Processor ? Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition ? 10.2" Wide Screen Display ? Exclusive MSI EasyFace( Face Identification software) Inside ? Big-Size Keyboard and Touch Pad ? Hard Drive with Massive Capacity ? Built-in 1.3 Mega Pixels Webcam ? Built-in High-Performance 2 Channel Stereo Speakers, and Microphone ? Built-in 802.11b/g/n Wireless Lan with Bluetooth ? Comprehensive Multi-Media Application Interface ? 9 Cell Battery

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So far so good, through fall 2009., June 5, 2009

By 

DJS "Dave" (Maine USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MSI U123-003US 10.2 Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life (Personal Computers)

ADDITIONAL UPDATES: Oct. 2009, Jul. 2009

First off, I would like to raise my rating to 5 STARS, however that does not seem possible when updating a review? Rather than write a whole new review, I will just update as I believe it represents a more complete overview of the process of using the item being reviewed.

Recv'd my MSI U123-003US, three days earlier than expected, nice surprise. Unpacked it, plugged it in and left it alone for the day. Later in the day, fired it up (the first time turning it on, it takes some time to set itself up), so far impressive.

I ordered the additional 2 gig of ram, after emailing MSI regarding the potential warranty issue. They were very responsive and assured me that upgrading the ram would not void the warranty. Getting the back off and on takes some time, is a little bit of a trick, but not bad. After turning the unit back on it was all recognized.

Downloaded itunes, safari, quicktime and skype, no issues all went well and fairly quick. Will add other programs in the near future. Have added OpenOffice ([...]), looking forward to see how this works. Have added other open source programs from SUN Microsystems, web-browser and email.

There is an issue I addressed w/my question about the RAM. The sleeve that comes w/this unit (9 cell battery) does not fit. i.e. the netbook slides in just fine, but the bulk of the battery prohibits the abbility to close the sleeve/pouch. UPDATE: the person that responded to the ram questions asked for pictures of the problem, they have been sent. FURTHER UPDATE: there was a little up and back, bottom line, with some force you can get the netbook to fit in the sleeve. MSI suggests putting the battery end in first, this does not solve the problem, however it does seem to streach out the sleeve if you leave it in over-nite and then slide the netbook in up-side-down (battery facing up and toward the opening) the space created by the thickness of the battery allows for the charger and cords in the pocket. It does work, w/effort, suggestion, when not using the netbook leave it in the sleeve for a while to allow it to streach.

Keyboards seem to be an issue in netbook reviews, this one seems fine and the additional bulk of the battery sets the unit at a comfortable angle. Typing/keying is very quite, track pad is responsive, some have written about possible issue w/the trackpad buttons, I can see their concern, something you may have to be mindful of. UPDATE: trackpad buttons do not seem to be an issue. UPDATE: I suppose if you have a heavy hand this may be an issue, remember this netbook has Bluetooth allowing the use of a Bluetooth mouse.

All in all, so fare, impressive unit. Have provided one update so far and I am increasing the satisfaction. When I have some more info and time I will try to update this review. Hope this is helpful.

FURTHER UPDATES: I have provided some above, again, this has earned a 5 STAR product rating. The unit travels well, boots quickly, and is comfortable to work with. Family members liked it and requested information about the company and it's link to the Amazon sale page. This was a worthy investment, good for traveling and utilizing around the house when you just want to sit down in an easy chair and do some work, (wireless) surf the net, email, etc. Personal issue; the casing attracks finger prints. The extra thickness of the battery kind of creates a sort of handle for carrying around when not in the sleeve. I am curious about the Apple OS being installed, I have seen some writings on the internet but nothing absolute. Again an impressive unit to date, 12 July 2009 and I have not utilized all it's features yet. Just as I shared w/the family members that were interested in the unit, the value and quality is worth the asking price that Amazon was charging ([...]), pretty good deal for a netbook w/some life to it. Another thing, a charge seems to last a lot longer than 9 hours under regular use, I only have to charge it every couple days or so.

ADDITIONAL UPDATES: Oct. 2009: About 4 months have gone by since the purchase and this netbook still continues to impress, no questions, 5 STAR product rating, it is a trooper. Has handled all our needs and then some, it has integrated very well into our home network that includes both pc and MAC. ITUNES 9 has been a great addition w/sharing. Having the ability to place a small hardcover book on your lap and the netbook on top (the book is not necessary) while sitting in a comfortable chair or anywhere for that matter is a bonus. The portability is great whether in our home or out on the road, it travels extremely well. The wireless is strong and does well w/the internet. We still have not utilized all of it's capabilities but w/the addition of the MAC in our network, the on-board bluetooth along w/iSync should prove to be a handy enhancement as well as it's ability to sync with the Siemens TEK via bluetooth. Very good buy, w/recent price drops and rebates from the manufacturer, this is well worth the money, an even better deal. Additional ram, very much worth it and should be considered/done at purchase time, not worth the bother of second guessing. Hope the update(s) are useful.

Well worth the money, and I am sure the price will eventually drop and/or there will be a better version in the future!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MSI U123-003 is a great product for all., June 9, 2009

By 

Doubting Tree "Y124939" (Timbactu) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MSI U123-003US 10.2 Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life (Personal Computers)

I received the MSI U123-003 Wind Netbook one day ahead of time. The packaging was in excellent condition. Checked all accessories included and they were complete. Turned ON the netbook and everything loaded in two hours. Configured my WIFI and I am able to surf the internet and load the current updates. Tried the keyboard, mouse pad, sound, display brightness, Web Cam, and Blutooth. Everything works fine. The display was really nice. The keypads are just fine for people with average size of hands. The battery was excellent, with more than six hoours or power. The only add thing is when you insert the netbook inside the carrying case, the thing has a little bump shape because of the battery. For the price and all its feature, I would say it is a great deal. Drivers can be downloaded on line, support is pretty easy on MSI web site. This is a must see and must have for high schoolers. I owned a Clevo D901C, a gaming beast, and I would say the MSI is a GREAT PRODUCT to own. If you replace the wireless card with a half mini card MC8792, you're all set for the 3G connection with AT&T or Verizon.

Updated/08-28-09. Installed vista business. I was surprise that my drivers were not updated with vista install disc. At first I got worried because almost all my drivers were not functioning. The bad part, the drivers on the MSI web site is only for XP. It was good that my wireless was working and I updated my windows, and windows updated my drivers automatically. Everything is working now except for the easy face. I guess not all can be updated. I tried the other versions in MSI, but it didn't work. I bought an extra battery (6 cell) for light usage and it is giving me four hours of operation. I am upgrading my wifi card to include a wimax (intel 5350 half mini card). I'll update this review once I get the chance to play with it. Great toy. Got another one for my relative and she is enjoying it. Installed a plain transparency sheet on the display and it gives that glossy look (note: if you try putting one, be careful not to press the display too hard. Also, there's no need to disassemble the frame. Just slide the transparncy sheet on the sides and it will do the trick).

Updated/09-01-09. Intel 5350 half mini card worked fine. Wimax has very few coverage, make sure to check with the service provider to avoid misunderstandings. So far, the netbook is great with 2 giga bytes ram. Windows index is at 2.7.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very happy with this netbook, June 19, 2009

By 

A. Munro (Reading, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MSI U123-003US 10.2 Blue Netbook - 9.5 Hour Battery Life (Personal Computers)

Seems to be a great laptop
When upgrading the ram you have to remove all the screws from the bottom, there is one that is hidden under a white ("you will void the warranty") warning sticker that is the only screw that is hidden, but once the screws are removed the bottom comes off pretty easily and replacing the ram is a 5 minute job.

Runs the included Windows XP very well - I also installed the Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix in a dual boot with the Windows XP and have to say that the Ubuntu works really well.

keyboard is comfortable and overall the machine seems sturdy and quiet.
Screen is really bright and nice.
Battery life is very extended.

I would recommend this to others.