Hardware (5183)

MSI prices X320 and X340 models for UK

MacBook Air rival coming this month

13 May 2009 15:11 GMT / By Chris Hall

MSI today outlined the pricing and models from their X-Slim series heading to the UK.

Two models of the ultra-skinny MacBook Air rival will be on offer, both sporting the same good looks, but with a fraction of a difference in terms of hardware guts.

The supermodel edition, the X340, will feature the Intel CULV Core 2 Solo SU3500 1.4GHz processor, backed by 2GB RAM and sporting a 320GB hard drive.

In terms of connectivity you'll get 2x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as the multi-card reader and headphone jacks.

The X340 will cost you £859.

But don't despair, if your budget won't quite stretch to that, you'll be able to get your hands on the X320 - which we saw at CES back in January - for only £659.

The X320 is based on the Intel Z530 Atom processor, again featuring 2GB RAM and a reasonable 250GB hard drive. You'll also lose that HDMI in favour of a third USB socket, however.

Sporting looks that immediately shout MacBook Air, the X-Slim models are 20mm at their thickest and both feature a 4-cell battery that MSI claim will give you 4 hours use (we assume the X320 gives you more than the X340).

There is no optical drive on-board, however MSI will be offering external drives, with the Blu-ray model (pictured) expected to come in at around £199.

Both the X320 and X340 will be available in black or white, and will be hitting shelves before the end of May.