The Picturebooks are cool. I was looking at them before I found more powerful and likely cheaper stuff that's coming out recently.
Also, looks like they're not bringing the $199 model to the states, but you can really order 'em here, I believe:
http://www.allasus.com/CATALOG/advan...de5ad3&x=0&y=0
They specialize in Asus stuff.
"I have an update for anyone interested. First, I found a few typos on our site(s) that were corrected regarding the Eee. Second, Asus has no plans to bring the $199 version to the US. In an email from Asus this morning, Donald tells me that the 256/512 memory is embedded as is the 2/4 Gb flash storage meaning they are NOT user-replaceable as people keep speculating. Be careful when looking at the specs outside the US - even in Canada (we've seen differences in the past and could not get those units). Linux will be installed on the flash storage module (2/4 Gb) but may be changed to XP by the user (through a USB storage device, presumably). The machine will play any type of video files: WMA/AVI/MPEG specifically (people have been asking me about this). I don't know if any of this is helpful but I thought I would pass it on. We're still waiting on info regarding optional batteries. The target release is still the end of September but I've been through this before with Asus and I know how weeks can turn into months. Still, we have been taking preorders (we will start charging deposits soon). If you're wondering why we must do this it's simple: we need you to commit to us since we have to commit to our distributors/Asus. It's pretty simple. Feel free to call us with questions or check our site(s) for information:
www.stipc.com or
www.allasus.com."
Release is, evidently, still slated for end of September. The RAM is replaceable, though, if anyone's interested in that. Asus confirmed it.
Threaded Mode