14 DAY TRIAL // Having recorded a considerable success with the launch of its thin X-Slim series of portable computer systems, MSI is now expected to further expand its lineup with the launch of two new AMD-based models. According to reports, the upcoming laptops, presumably called X410 and X610, will be powered by AMD's Yukon platform, as opposed to the company's first models, which have been designed on Intel's latest CULV platform. The rumored Athlon Neo-powered X-Slim laptops could debut before the end of this year, according to newer reports.
In a recent article, Fudzilla claims that MSI is working on future models of its latest X-Slim series of portable PCs, which will be designed using one of the newest AMD platforms for ultrathin laptops, dubbed Yukon. Although details are yet to be confirmed, it appears that two of these systems will be dubbed X410 and X610 and will ship with a discrete HD 4330 graphics solution, featuring 512MB of memory. In addition, it is also expected that Yukon-based X-Slim laptops will boast screen sizes of 14 inches and above, a direct consequence of the thermal specifications of the company's platform.
The rumored AMD-based X-Slims are expected to debut sometime in the third quarter or the last quarter of 2009, but such details are yet to be confirmed. Despite no word on a release date, the possibility of an AMD-based MacBook Air-like laptop does sound interesting, especially considering some of the advantages delivered by AMD's solution over Intel's CULV platform.
The X-Slim X410 and X610 could be launched in the second half of the year with prices lower than their CULV-based counterparts. If rumors turn out to be true, this will provide AMD with an increased support for its platform for ultrathin laptops, currently enabled in HP's award-winning Pavilion dv2 model.