[Jason Dunn]

http://www.mobileplanet.com/d.aspx?i=158478&partner=pthoughts

The Asus EEE is finally available for pre-order from our affiliate partner Expansys! This is a bit off-topic for this site, but I figure every good geek likes small computers. ;-)

If you haven't been following this device like I have, here's the quick version: the Asus Eee is a small (7" screen), light (2 pounds), inexpensive laptop that uses solid-state (Flash) memory for storage (15 second boot up? Check!) and runs a Linux-based operating system but can also have Windows XP installed on it. The big news was that this was supposed to come out at $199, but apparently Asus had trouble sourcing the screen for the price they thought they could get - so the price jumps $100. I suspect it was more along the lines of "Hey, people are freaking out about this, let's make some money while we can!". Whatever the reason, it's shameful Asus would announce a price of $199 and not deliver - yet at $299 it's still an impressive little device for the price and I want one. ;-)

First there's the $399 version which is dubbed the Asus Eee PC 4G. It differs from the less expensive unit in that it has a bigger 5200 mAH battery (which lasts 3.5 hours), and an integrated 0.3 megapixel Webcam. The $299 version is similar, but instead uses a 4400mAh battery and lacks the Web cam. Trusted Reviews has the first full review on this product that I've read, and it gives you a solid overview of the device.

[Jason Dunn]

http://www.mobileplanet.com/d.aspx?i=158478&partner=pthoughts

The Asus EEE is finally available for pre-order from our affiliate partner Expansys! This is a bit off-topic for this site, but I figure every good geek likes small computers. ;-)

If you haven't been following this device like I have, here's the quick version: the Asus Eee is a small (7" screen), light (2 pounds), inexpensive laptop that uses solid-state (Flash) memory for storage (15 second boot up? Check!) and runs a Linux-based operating system but can also have Windows XP installed on it. The big news was that this was supposed to come out at $199, but apparently Asus had trouble sourcing the screen for the price they thought they could get - so the price jumps $100. I suspect it was more along the lines of "Hey, people are freaking out about this, let's make some money while we can!". Whatever the reason, it's shameful Asus would announce a price of $199 and not deliver - yet at $299 it's still an impressive little device for the price and I want one. ;-)

First there's the $399 version which is dubbed the Asus Eee PC 4G. It differs from the less expensive unit in that it has a bigger 5200 mAH battery (which lasts 3.5 hours), and an integrated 0.3 megapixel Webcam. The $299 version is similar, but instead uses a 4400mAh battery and lacks the Web cam. Trusted Reviews has the first full review on this product that I've read, and it gives you a solid overview of the device.

[Mark Larson]

How do you sync your Smartphone to it?

[David Tucker]

I've been lusting for this thing for months...

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by Mark Larson

How do you sync your Smartphone to it?

You wouldn't, unless someone develops a Linux-based sync tool for Windows Mobile.

[Thracain]

Originally Posted by Mark Larson

How do you sync your Smartphone to it?

You install xp and activesync I just ordered the $399 version. I think it's perfect for my intended purposes. Can't wait to get it!

[zx6guy]

Why does the bezel need to be so large? They could have gotten a lot more screen onto all that wasted space.

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by zx6guy

Why does the bezel need to be so large? They could have gotten a lot more screen onto all that wasted space.

Agreed, but based on what I've read/seen, the 10" screen version will come in exactly the same form-factor....so this design accommodates both screen sizes.