MSI is developing a netbook-like PC that attaches to standard HDTVs. Lacking a screen, the MSI WindBox may be more technically a nettop, but the computer's slim form factor is clearly based on portable designs. The specs are cookie-cutter netbook offerings: 1.6GHz Atom, 1-2GB RAM, and a 160GB or 250GB hard drive. The one technically impressive part of the WindBox's design is that MSI is taking advantage of low-power netbook components to remove all active cooling from the system, relying on passive heatsinks alone. This should keep noise down, which would be great when this PC is installed as intended, behind an HDTV set. The WindBox has a standard VESA mount, letting you secure it on the back of a compatible TV or monitor, where the wall mount would normally attach. Unfortunately, it looks like the computer only has VGA-out; while some TVs support that as an input, an HDMI port would be far more useful.

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