MSI AE2220 Conclusion

Although our rating and final score are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at different points in time. While we do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes which occur after publication that would render our rating obsolete. Please do not base your purchases solely on our conclusion, as it represents our product rating at the time of publication. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.

Benchmark Reviews begins each conclusion with a short summary for each area that we rate. The first is performance, which considers how effective the MSI Wind Top AE2220-25SUS 1080p AIO PC performs in operation against competing products like nettop, notebook, and netbook systems. In each and every test performed, the 2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor earned the AE2220 a dramatic lead over the competition while creating very little heat (48°C idle/65°C full load). Graphics performance was flawless with Blu-ray Disc playback and streaming HD multimedia using Adobe Flash GPU Acceleration. Mid-level video games such as World of Warcraft, The Sims, Spore, and Empire: Total War performed well, as did Battlefield Heroes online.

Clear acrylics and piano-black bezel trim lend a very elegant appearance to the Wind Top AE2220. On the outside, this all-in-one system looks like a widescreen LCD monitor, and takes up only as much space thanks to a miniscule footprint. Alternatively, the Wind-Top AIO unit can be use a VESA stand or wall mount to further conserve desktop real estate.

Akin to notebook computer systems, the MSI Wind-Top has compact-computer construction to credit for its durability. Nearly every facet of design has the internal components keeping close attention to ergonomics, while optimizing the dense use of internal volume. The widescreen LCD touch panel is extremely durable and tough as nails but not bullet-proof, while the outer shell is hardened and long lasting. After some consideration there aren't any true 'weak' points in the Wind-Top's construction, although it would have been appreciated if MSI included a storage drive access panel like they did for memory and mini PCI-E components.

In terms of functionality, the MSI AE2220 sets new expectations for compact personal computers. In the space of a widescreen flat panel LCD monitor, MSI has managed to squeeze in a 1080p HD 21.5-inch touch screen, Blu-ray Disc player, digital television tuner, HD webcam, IR remote receiver, stereo SRS speakers, six High-Speed USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA port, 500GB hard drive, Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless N Wi-Fi adapter, 4-in-1 multi-card reader, microphone and headphone jacks, and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Compact mobile processors have redefined the Wind-Top's capabilities, and it's a short matter of time before the power of desktop graphics are available on mobile platforms to deliver a high-end 3D gaming experience.

As of January 2010, the MSI Wind Top AE2220-25SUS sells at NewEgg.com for $899. Using our price comparison tool, it appears other online retailer also offer discounted prices. Considering the long list of included hardware components and premium features this model delivers, there isn't a better value to be found in either desktop or notebook platforms.

In conclusion, the MSI Wind Top AE2220-25SUS 1080p all-in-one PC receives high praise for it's extremely versatile functionality and devotion to affordable computing. Anyone who has shopped the market for comparable features and functionality knows that you can't match the MSI Wind Top's list with its generous price. This article has spent many detailed pages exploring everything from touch screen and webcam to gaming frame rate and Wi-Fi N connectivity. While the MSI Wind Top shares the same desktop space as large full-size tower computers with discrete graphics, mid-level video games such as World of Warcraft, The Sims, Spore, Street Fighter IV, and even Devil May Cry 4 are within reasonable reach; but don't expect the NVIDIA ION/GeForce 9300M GPU inside the AE2220 to play high-end games like Batman: Arkham Asylum or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Thanks to a powerful Intel T6600 processor, the AE2220 even worked for 3D-intensive CAD/CAM applications like AutoCAD 2010. For casual PC users who want to save space and still enjoy graphic design, web browsing, document creation, and email, the MSI Wind Top AE2550 All-In-One is the best product I've recommending in a very long time.

Pros:

+ Blu-ray Disc playback/DVD Super-Multi Drive
+ Digital HDTV tuner with Windows Media Center remote
+ HDMI 1.3 digital audio/video input
+ High-power Intel Core 2 Dou T6600 processor
+ 21.5-Inch Touch-Screen 1080p LCD Panel
+ 4GB of DDR2 SoDIMM System Memory
+ Wireless-N and Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
+ 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Disk Drive
+ Includes wireless multimedia keyboard and 800dpi optical mouse
+ Silent low-noise system under normal operation
+ Outstanding Value and Price Point
+ Integrated HD webcam and microphone
+ Built-In Stereo SRS speaker system with 5.1 output
+ eSATA / USB 2.0 / Multi-Card Reader

Cons:

- GeForce 9300M lacks decent 3D gaming performance
- Rear panel does not offer storage drive service access
- O/S system restore media not included

Ratings:

• Performance: 8.75
• Appearance: 9.25
• Construction: 8.75
• Functionality: 9.50
• Value: 9.00

Final Score: 9.0 out of 10.

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

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