[thephilosophizer]

Well I know my wife got the eee 1000he, which is the newest version that has a new keyboard layout (which overcomes the previous keyboard issues) and the fastest atom processor available (1.66ghz as opposed to the standard 1.6ghz). According to cnet the new asus is the fastest performing, and has the best battery of the netbooks currently available. In short, it does the job, but consider your purposes and needs, because a $500 standard size laptop will be able to perform better, though it will be bigger, heavier, and not get anywhere near the battery life.