I got mine a few days ago. Nothing to sign, just a simple sheet explaining how to plug it in. It does let you opt in Googles evaluation program, so the machine probably calls home to the mothership every now and then.

Regarding the machine itself, it's similar in experience to the iPad, but the key difference (of course) is that's it's only a web browser, nothing else. If you have no connectivity, such as being stuck on a UA flight (non PS), the Cr-48 is useless. The laptop itself is physically inexpensive (Sceen is poor, the click touch pad is twitchy). Of course, Google wants to run Chrome on the lowest powered machine to gauge its performance (and it was FREE to me!) Using it for a couple of days so far, I noticed some simple things that I expect from a computer are missing, such as a calculator or a media player.

Comparing the iPad to the Cr-48, you really appreciate the slickness of Apple products. However, I've come to realize there may be a time when Internet connectivity will be given away, like razor handles. I've used other "Internet appliances" in the past (remember the 3com Audrey? FrontPath ProGear?) After the iPad, this is the slickest appliance I have used. I would definitely short Microsoft.