MSI Introduces the Wind Top AE2070 All-in-One Touch Screen Computer

Desktop computers in which the PC is embedded in the display have been around for more than a decade, but now they’re gaining renewed interest thanks to the popularity of touch screens. MSI’s latest entry is the Wind Top AE2070, a 20-inch (1600 x 900) all-in-one PC.

Running the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium, the AE2070 contains two USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports as well an HDMI output. The Intel Core i3-2100/Dual Core G620 processor is assisted by an integrated Intel HD Graphics 2000 chip. (An nVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics chip is optional.) The 2 Gigabytes of DDR3 system memory can be upgraded to a maximum of 8GB. There’s a 500GB 3.5-inch SATA II hard drive, a tray-in DVD Super Multi optical drive and a 6-in-1 card reader. Centered above the screen is a 0.3M webcam with microphone. Two 3W speakers are built in, and they support SRS Premium Sound.

The AE-2070 comes with MSI’s Wind Touch 4 interface. Among other touches, a calendar on the home screen contains digital sticky notes so the user can keep track of tasks and dates.

The advantage of those 3.0 ports is that 1GB of data from USB flash can be transferred to the computer in 3.3 seconds—about 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Also, a “Super Charger “ feature enables USB 3.0 devices to be charged while the computer is turned off, and charging times have been reduced by 40 percent.

A support stand is included, but the AE2070 can be wall mounted with an optional kit. Wireless 802.11 b/g/n networking is built in. The 16 x 9 aspect ratio of the screen is perfect for widescreen TV viewing. If you want to supplement DVD and streamed programs, you can plug an optional DTV tuner into a USB port.

The computer‘s dimensions are 20.2 x 15.4 x 3.5 (WxHxD) inches. The AE2070 comes with a 120W power adapter. The AE2070 joins a non-touch screen sibling, the MSI Wind Top AE2050.