I have a 2 year old Averatec and recommend it. The smaller keyboard is the only problem, but I got used to it and I really just take it with me on trips to do email and surf. For this it is fine. It is light and small, just like it's suppoed to be.
The keyboards on the newer machines seem like they have a better "feel" than mine. So if the price is right, go for it. I think there was a discussion about a year ago on FT that mentioned that they Averatec used quality components. I have not had a problem where I have needed to call the company and I get about 2 1/2 hours on a battery charge.