MSI AE2220-25SUS 21.6-Inch Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)

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Product Feature

• Core 2 Duo T6600 2.2Ghz Multi Touch Screen NVIDIA GeForce 9300 (1920x1080) 500GB
• Keyboard and Mouse
• 500GB SATA Hard Drive, Blu-ray Drive
• 21.6" (1920 x 1080) 16:9 Display, NVIDIA GeForce 9300 Graphics
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Also 4GB RAM TV Tuner Wireless b/g/n 4-in-1 Card Reader 6 x USB Ports

Product Description

Msi 22" All-In-One Touch Scr BlackMSI 22" Multi-Touch Screen All-in-One PC (21.5" WSXGA+ widescreen).Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo T6600, NVidia 9300, DDR2, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, Blu-Ray, HDMI-in, VGA-in, 6 USB ports, E-SATA, 802.11n, Windows 7 HomePremium. Keyboard and mouse included. Vesa mountable (Wall bracket sold seperatly).

MSI AE2220-25SUS 21.6-Inch Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium) Review

This review is being updated as of late March 2010 to maintain accuracy. MSI has added models to their already long lineup. The TV tuner in my first 25SUS failed, the keyboard was DOA, and Amazon replaced the entire unit. More on that below, but I have to give Amazon 5 stars for their outstanding customer service. As always, be sure of your warranty and return policies. Plus: Lots of good user comments at the bottom of this review.

This review is about MSI's Wind Top "Multi Touch" (touch screen) AE2220 25SUS. The 2220 Series now apparently has seven models, the 25, 26, 27, 66, and 69SUS, and now the 236 and 237US. You can also find the 1900, the 2010, the 2020 and the 2200 series in MSI's ALL-In-One line of PC's. The here reviewed AE2220 25SUS probably qualifies as the top model of the entire line as of this date (now see AE2220 237US also). If you do a search for this specific model you will find a very good (and very positive) review at Benchmark Reviews, one which also links to an exhaustive Lavalys EVEREST configuration report. And as noted below, check YouTube.

Not to confuse the issue, but there is also an "AE 2220 Hi Fi" glowingly reviewed on the web, although the model is NOT listed on MSI's U.S. website as of this date and does NOT appear to be available in the states. "Hi Fi" elements may be built into the 25SUS. A highly configurable and more expensive AE 2240 model is supposed to appear in the second quarter of 2010. MSI has also shown concept 3D and hybrid projector machines. MSI breeds computers like rabbits. There are 21 models in the Wind Top line on MSI's US site (msicomputer) right now, and it ain't gonna get any simpler unless they start shooting some of them.

Be aware that as of the date of this review the AE2220 pictures on Amazon are outdated, including those of the rear panel. I have posted some user pictures which should be of some help. If you do a search for this unit you will find pictures of a black rectangle mounted in clear plexiglass, and that seems to be what is shipping. It is what I received. Further, the specifications listed on Amazon (and elsewhere) are sometimes incomplete and incorrect. Go to msicomputer (the U.S. site, not the Global) to very carefully check the specifications of the All-In-One model you are considering. Some have touch screens and some do not; some are XP, some Vista, some Win 7, now there are three 64 bit models; there is a variety of processors, hard drives and on-board memory in the Wind Top line, and I have found no way to do a side-by-side comparison. The 25SUS and the 2220-237US may be the only ones with a built-in hi definition capable TV tuner.

What is it? This is an "All-In-One" (AIO) PC, that new generation of computer which combines all of its components--save for the keyboard, mouse and power supply--into the same space occupied by (in this case) a 21.5" diagonal monitor. It really is a hybrid: It is a quite powerful "multi" touch screen PC running Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit; it is a computer monitor, because it has inputs; it is a high definition capable television with a built-in tuner; it is a high definition video playback device with a built in Blue Ray DVD player and it is also an advanced audio playback device with incredible on board sound. Wireless 802.11b/g/n integrates it seamlessly into your network.

AE2220 25SUS: Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit, Intel� Core 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz), NVIDIA� GeForce 9300 Integrated Graphics (256MB VRAM), 21.5" Multi-Touch Widescreen (16:9), 1920 x 1080, 1080p, 4GB DDRII 800MHz SDRAM, 500GB SATA2 Hard Disk Drive, Blu-Ray Disc(tm) playback, CD/DVD playback/burning (no Light Scribe mentioned), 802.11b/g/n (Wireless), HD Audio, 2.0 Speakers with SRS Premium Sound, 1 x S/PDIF-OUT, 1 x Microphone-IN, 1 x Headphone-OUT, 1.3MP Webcam with Microphone, 4-in-1 Card Reader, 6 x USB 2.0, 1 x eSATA IN, 1 x VGA Monitor-IN, 1 x HDMI Monitor-IN, 1 x LAN jack (RJ45). Dimensions 21.81" W x 15.89" H x 2.42 D", about 26 pounds.

Ships with the All-In-One CPU, wireless keyboard and mouse, external power supply, remote control, HD TV antenna, antenna to coax adapter, documents, NO OS media.

You can put it on your desk, which is really cool, but this thing is just begging to be placed on your kitchen counter or hung on a wall. It's being sold as a piece of interactive art, and it's an attractive idea. You must disassemble and remove the support stand to install a standard VESA wall mount. I will send you a link to this information if you ask in the comments below. In the kitchen or den it becomes a touch screen source for news, weather, sports or whatever, be it on TV or the Internet; a beautiful display for digital photographs; an Internet radio, with superb on board sound; a complete media center with high definition DVD playback and, well, on and on. Further, among competing models by other manufacturers the MSI Wind Top line offers exceptional value.

This is not really a gaming machine, although it will run up to mid-level games quite well. True gaming machines generate a lot of heat and therefore need lots of cooling, and the All-In-One configuration is not yet where serious gamers should be looking. This low power consumption PC--something like 90 watts under full load--was NOT built with gamers in mind, and criticizing the 25SUS on this basis is not only silly but a waste of time. One can, however, theoretically hook up a gaming console to this machine through the HDMI port (I have not personally done so) and use it as a 1080p gaming monitor.

Unfortunately I both love this machine and am shaking my head. It should be a 5 star product, but I am docking it 1 star for documentation and 1 for hardware issues to give it a 3.

I started my search for a new desktop with several criteria in mind: I wanted a reasonably powerful Windows 7 64 bit machine (the 25SUS is 32 bit) and I really wanted a built-in TV tuner. I looked at everything in the all-in-one genre, particularly Sony and HP; I liked the Sony, and then came across this one. It seemed to have everything I wanted in a compact design and at an incredible price point for what was offered, particularly the port configuration where HP was lacking. Plus, it was cutting edge, sort of. I know MSI components very well, MSI has a terrific reputation and this one was getting very good ink.

Now for the problems. The first lies in MSI's documentation, which is absolutely abysmal ("Yeah, we hear that all the time" an MSI tech told me on one of my calls). When you are looking to buy a product of this caliber you want very good, highly accurate and detailed pre-purchase information, and preferably a simple way to do comparisons among models. You CAN get what appear to be accurate technical details on specific models at MSI's U.S. site (msicomputer), NOT the Global--this is another source of confusion--and I strongly suggest that you do. Still, much of the information on the web is generic, lacking in critical detail, sometimes conflicting and occasionally written in poor English.

Take the operating system. It is listed almost everywhere as "Windows 7 Home Premium", with no reference online or in the manual as to whether it is 32 or 64 bit. You may see the CPU listed as "64 bit capable" but this is irrelevant. Most new computers in this league, including laptops, are today shipping with 64 bit systems. This is not a minor detail. The 25SUS is shipping with a 32 bit system (now three AE 2220 64 bit models at msicomputer, see below), and the only way you can ascertain this is to go into the machine's functions and directly check the specification. I ran the the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor on my machine and it states that the system is 64 bit compatible. Why MSI chose to ship a 32 bit system is anyone's guess, although they may have had reasons for so doing. Further clouding the issue, MSI lists 64 bit drivers on its website alongside the x86 drivers for this machine. So, don't be surprised if 64 bit systems suddenly and spontaneously appear in the Wind Top line...

UPDATE: Apparently in "MSI Speak" if the system spec doesn't specifically state "64 bit" you can assume it's 32 bit. MSI is now listing three "Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium" models at msicomputer, the AE 2020-098US, the AE2220-236US, and the AE2220-237US. The 237US appears to most closely match the 25SUS in hardware specs, but may now be the top of the line unit given a slightly larger hard drive and the 64 bit operationg system.

A 64 bit bump on the 25SUS would not be for the faint of heart, given the MSI support mess, although we'd like to hear from any of you who are so brave.

OK, so you go to the manual and download it in advance, right? The "manual" for this unit, if it can be called that (Revision V1.1), is for the AE 2220 "series" and is an absolute disaster. It makes no distinction among five models, even though there are significant differences among them. Worse, the "information" therein is incomplete, conflicting and downright inaccurate. Update: MSI now lists a manual Revision 1.2 downloadable for the AE2220 series at msicomputer. The manual is a definite improvement, but is still sorely lacking.

And now let's move on to the hardware problems, which are exemplified in Revision 1.1...

...like MEMORY. The manual specifically states that "2 DDR2 667/ 800 SO-DIMM slots (200 pins/ 1.8V)...Supports the maximum of 8 GB". BUT, online specifications for the 2220 series state that the amount is fixed and CANNOT be changed. In fact there is a removable cover on the back of the machine concealing two 2 GB (4 GB total) chips and no open slots. Whether these can be bumped to 2 x 4 = 8 GB is anyone's guess; as of today Crucial's scanner comes up blank and support is quoting from the web. This goes back to your 64 bit issue and whether or not you want to do a 64 bit bump and kick it up to 8 GB; otherwise it's a 32 bit non-issue. The shipping 32 bit system is using its maximum 3.25 GB of the available DDR2 memory, just as you'd expect.

Although this is a "multi touch" touch screen PC, unique and new to many people, there is not a single word in the manual dedicated to touch screen functions. Although this is a PC with a HDMI "INPUT"--a near first on HDMI equipped PCs, which always have OUTPUTS, there is not a single word in the manual (other than in the drawings) about this function or how to access it. The TV tuner, which is somewhat unique in its hardware configuration, to say nothing of software, is not even mentioned. The manual describes a corded keyboard and mouse, even giving the length of the cord; in fact it ships with an undocumented, rather cheap cordless pair, and my keyboard did not work on arrival (replaced by Amazon, thank you). Nothing about the eSATA input specifications, or the card reader, or any of the other ports. Not a single word about the functions of, and how to use the remote control.

Update: Again, now see the manual Revision 1.2. The following VGA issues ARE NOT, however, resolved in that revision either.

And, oh yes, that VGA port, which is listed almost everywhere as an "IN" port. Depending on where you are coming from, this may make no sense to you. I work in audio visual and have never seen a VGA "IN" port on a PC, and can see absolutely no need for it. PC's have VGA "OUT" ports, because they are sources; projectors, monitors and switches have "IN" ports; I have seen VGA "THROUGH" ports. When you peruse MSI Wind Top specifications some models are spec'd as having VGA "IN" ports and some have "OUT" ports; there are one or two that have TWO ports, one IN and one OUT. The same with HDMI, and no hint as to MSI's design thinking or the need or purpose for this variation. I went back and checked, and the entire 2220 series is spec'd online as having VGA "IN" ports, although in MSI's initial introduction of the 25SUS it listed the single port as both an "IN" and an "OUT" in the same article, a quirk I saw repeated in another review. The manual (covering the whole 2220 series, remember) specifies the VGA port as an "IN" port, and then goes on in uncharacteristic detail to explain how to hook up a monitor or a projector to this port for external display, making it an "OUT" port, as one would expect it to be. From the AE2220 manual, Revision V1.1: "This AIO PC provides VGA ports for connecting larger displays with higher resolution. The 15-pin-D sub VGA port allows users to connect an external monitor or other standard VGA-compatible device (such as a projector) for a great view of the AIO PC display." The manual then provides precise instructions on using FN keystrokes and Windows Display Properties to enable the exterior monitor function.

I was really hoping that this was all some horrific Chinese-English copy mistake. I work in professional AV and really wanted it to be an "OUT" port. When I got the 25SUS I hooked a monitor up to it and followed all the instructions, did all the Windows tweaks, carefully... nothing. Black screen. I started pushing display buttons and found a window that gave me a choice among "VGA IN", "PC" and "HDMI IN". So I select "VGA IN", the screen goes blank, I hook up a laptop to the port and... Yessir, the VGA port on this machine is an "IN" port. Whoa.

OK, now remember that the HDMI port is also an "IN". That means, people, that this beautiful, high resolution machine HAS NO ONBOARD VIDEO OUTPUT, PERIOD. NO mirroring to another monitor, NO projection, and NO Windows Extended Desktop. If you're running CAD or graphics or web design programs that mandate the use of Extended Desktop DO NOT buy this computer (BUT, see possible solutions below). An entire set of display functions in Windows 7 Home Premium is rendered completely useless on this machine.

Worse, these are not system inputs. When you access these ports you are disabling the PC functions. They are monitor inputs enabling display only--you cannot import data through either the VGA or HDMI port. The VGA IN only makes sense if you need to run a second computer, and if you can't rig up a USB KVM switch using a single VGA connection you're stuck with a second keyboard and mouse. As for the HDMI monitor input, remember this unit has a built in Blue Ray player. Sure, you can hook up a gaming console to it, and play back from HDMI compliant cameras, or hook up a cable or satellite box...

Possible solution #1: Amazon lists several USB external VGA cards. Sewell also lists one called the Minideck that specs VGA, DVI and HDMI output with mirroring and extended desktop enabled at resolutions matching the 25SUS output. The Win 7 driver is listed as "beta". If one of these cards works, and that is a very big "if", given the Win 7 Aero and Geoforce color and resolution requirements and individual tastes then the you have one potential solution. Watch the "Comments" at the end of this review for more on this.

Possible solution #2: AOC, Asus and Samsung are all making USB monitors that would enable mirroring and, most importantly, extended desktop without an onboard video out. At 21.5" diagonal screen and 1920 x 1080 resolution the Samsung LD220G is a virtual twin to the 25SUS. While nothing beats an onboard display port, I'm reasonably sure that one of these units would work. Thanks to a sharp eyed reader named Bron for pointing this out.

OK, and the TV tuner. The input jack on the back of the 25SUS is NOT a coaxial jack (you have to physically examine the machine to discover this, not even a hint in the manual) but a tiny little connector designed to accept an included HD antenna so that you can get over-the-air HD broadcasts on your hybrid PC/TV. The prevalence of coax cable and satellite connections seems to have eluded the MSI designers as did the fact that many of us live in areas where there is NO over the air broadcasting and never will be, and that such broadcasting may be something of a dinosaur anyway. Still, MSI provides an adapter with the 25SUS that turns the antenna connection into a coax connector (why not configure in the other direction?). This adapter has an extremely thin coupler and it is inconceivable to me that one could hang the weight of a cable on it for any period of time without it irreplaceably snapping off. I have posted pictures of this adapter at the top of this review, noting that although it may resemble an RCA connector from the side it is NOT.

I purchased a right angle coax connector (online or at Ace Hardware) to use with the adapter and routed the cable UP and out through the hole on the monitor support (see pictures), a simple but effective method of strain relief on the connection. The combined connectors stick out about one inch from the back of the machine, not great, but acceptable. With my Comcast cable connected to the jack I ran Windows Media Center, chose Live TV and let it do a series of set up functions. I got the entire lower tier of channels that Comcast makes available without its HD box, about 68, tunable with Media Center. Obviously none of these channels are coming in in HD, so they don't look great... but it is what it is. I figured out how to zoom them to 16:9 and I got my TV. You also have access to a wide variety of Internet TV through Windows Media Center, but this has nothing to do with the tuner.

Note #1: Apparently the 25SUS is the ONLY member of the Wind Top line currently shipping with a built in tuner, and apparently the other models CANNOT be upgraded. Update: See the specs for the AE2220-237US at msicomputer. One can always use an external USB tuner and that's not really so bad. The tuner in the 25SUS is a small, inexpensive looking card easily accessible from the back of the unit. If it should fail--mine apparently did--it is easy to replace through MSI. Because mine failed so soon after purchase Amazon replaced the whole PC. Nice service.

Note #2: Some of you have asked, and yes, you can run a cable box into Media Center. But note the following statement from Microsoft:

"Cable boxes and satellite receivers can include channels that are either standard or high definition. In Windows Media Center, a digital high-definition signal that is transmitted through one of these boxes will be converted to an analog standard-definition signal."

It should be noted that the included antenna is designed to receive over the air HD broadcasts. I don't know what happens to this signal in WMC. Since I can't test this where I live you'll have to ask someone else. Also, I have not as of this date fully tested with a cable or satellite box, so hopefully someone else will jump in on that issue. The whole HD/TV matter is a little unsettled.

More on the HDMI input: Like the VGA IN port the HDMI port operates independently of the PC. You should get your full 1080p here. You access this port by hard switching through the buttons on the side of the PC. Your choices there are "VGA IN", "PC", "HDMI IN". I am not aware of any remote control over the system volume when using this port, and would have to say that you will have to manually adjust the volume by means of the hardware buttons. The remote that ships with the system is a Windows Media Center remote and appears to have no control over the 25SUS when not in PC mode. Apparently MSI is anticipating that users will attach gaming consoles and HDMI inputs from tuner boxes to this port. Remember, this thing has a built-in Blue Ray DVD player. I did hook up a DVD player to it for testing and all worked as anticipated. I did have one problem switching inputs--PC to HDMI--while inputting to the HDMI port. I could get to PC fine, but going back to the active HDMI I got a blank screen. Had to detach the HDMI feed to bring it back up. Don't know if this was momentary or otherwise, due to my DVD player or...

So, now let me say that there's a lot I really like about the AE2220 25SUS and I fully intend to keep it.

VIDEO: I have gone against my technical nature ("port purity") and am accepting this thing as a stand alone PC and entertainment center, and it is a smoker. MSI builds great stuff, and this one is no exception. The display is absolutely drop dead gorgeous. I have NEVER had a PC with an image that looks this good, and the video playback is stunning. You will not be disappointed with this 1920 x 1080, 1080p High Definition display. The "Multi Touch" screen refers to the fact that you can use two touches at once to get different effects--stretching and spinning a photograph, for instance. There are several videos on YouTube showing this, and you want to go see those before buying. The touch screen releases the unit from the constraints of a mouse and keyboard and lets you use it in other ways--on your wall, in the kitchen, on a side table in the living room. MSI uses software it calls "3D Wind Touch User Interface". It works fine, you can operate it with a stylus, a pencil eraser or your finger(s), I don't know how it stacks up against HP, but I'm OK with it for now. Touch screen will continue to evolve and I'm not in a hurry. It's still mostly a Windows 7 interface. Also, MSI builds other AOI units that are NOT touch screen for those who are not interested in that feature.

AUDIO: The sound on the 25SUS is really good, absolutely the best I've ever heard out of a PC. The 25SUS is spec'd as having "HD Audio, two 5W speakers with SRS Premium 5.1-channel Surround Sound". It uses MSI's Realtek HD Audio Manager. You really need to check out the MSI Global site and some web reviews on the AE2220 HiFi to see where they're going. The 25SUS is not spec'd as the Hi Fi, but I don't know what the differences other than speaker construction would be--many of the specs look the same. It also has a SPDIF optical output (no analog speaker outs), a headphone jack and ONLY a mic input. No line inputs/outputs. This can be solved by using an external USB sound card, never a bad idea for those who need to go there. Also, there are NO audio jacks on the side of the machine--only on the back. Try mini extension cables here. Overall it appears that MSI wants you to either stick with their on board speakers or hook up a 5.1 digital system. As I said, the on board system is very, very good and certainly can be tweaked in all sorts of different ways.

The audio is controlled through the usual PC functions or the remote control, which is a dedicated Windows Media Center remote. If you've never used Media Center it's pretty cool and is of course central to the functions of this machine. Externally there are two arrow buttons on the side of the screen which function as volume controls in standard mode and as OSD buttons when the Menu button is pressed. As stated above I don't believe there is any remote control over the volume in monitor input mode, so you'll probably have to adjust volume manually.

OTHER: I read one reviewer who cautions that the 25SUS is somewhat "underpowered". That is utter nonsense. Go back and read the specs and then read the review at Benchmark Reviews. Higher processor numbers alone seldom translate into real world performance gains. This thing is fast because MSI has delivered a balance of components that deliver far more power and performance than any normal user will ever need. No, it won't play complex 3D games because it wasn't designed to and that's not why you would buy it. Energy Star compliant, this PC maxes out at about 90 watts of consumption, can run on half that amount (3D gamers need up to 500), puts out little heat and is extraordinarily quiet, rated by MSI at 26db, a feature I particularly like. It has a built in webcam that I haven't used, but I have used the on board microphone with Skype. The recipient of my call complained of an echo on her end, although my end was perfect. Went to the headset and will have to do some balancing on the system.

Pros: Everyone who sees this machine loves it. If the monitor issues don't concern you then buy it. Once you figure the hardware out you won't need the documentation anyway, it`s all Win 7 and Media Center. At the price this unit represents a superb value among the competition and just blows the Sonys away. I love the All-In-One configuration and will probably never go back. The design lends itself to a lot of possibilities beyond the desktop. Built in Blue Ray DVD player, 1080p playback, incredibly good audio reproduction for a PC. Video is HD stunning. TV tuner is a plus, as is the touch screen design. The eSATA port is a welcome addition. This is a very powerful PC that will far exceed the computing needs of any normal user. Will play up to mid level games as a PC. Energy Star compliant, low power consumption, low heat production, VERY quiet in continuous operation (fan does kick in on high now and then), small footprint on the desk. MSI's build quality and balance of components is exceptional. Overall, a very pleasing unit.

Cons: NO ONBOARD VIDEO OUTPUTS. Which means, no mirroring, no projection, no Windows Extended Desktop. Critical display properties in Windows 7 are rendered useless. This may POSSIBLY be solved with a high quality external USB video card and / or a USB monitor. MAYBE you can use a USB KVM switch with the VGA IN, enabling a second computer, but that's an untested theory. Don't know what other use it could have, don't need or want the 25SUS as an extra PC monitor, someone else may disagree. Documentation is astoundingly incomplete, inexcusably contradictory and confusing. I can't believe that MSI can put out a product this sophisticated with documentation this pathetic. The manual Revision 1.2 is a minor improvement at best. Some people won't like the absence of an analog speaker jack out, and no audio line in or outputs. Think about installing a USB sound card here, should solve this problem. No headphone or mic jacks on the side of the machine, just the back. No firewire, but it does have six USB 2.0 ports and one eSATA. No Light Scribe mentioned anywhere. My wireless keyboard was DOA, and not of especially great quality (junk)--had to pull out the Logitech, works great, Amazon shipped a new unit anyway. It's your call as to whether the 32 bit Win 7 system should have been 64 bit, then YOU figure out what MSI is doing here (note that MSI now lists three 64 bit models at msicomputer). The shiny black laquer and clear acrylic Wind Top design is a total fingerprint and dust magnet and looks good for about 2 seconds out of the box. A matte black finish would have been far more functional. Count on having a microfiber cloth and some sort of surface cleaner on hand at all times.

Hint: AV people use Purell hand sanitizer (leaves no residue on the skin) when they're working around touch screens and sensitive surfaces, keeps things shiny.

Note that I have posted some pictures at the top of this review. Lots of helpful comments with more answers from other users follow, read them!

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