I thought you were already running XP anyway?

8" version of EEE:

http://gizmodo.com/342468/real-live-...ch-asus-eee-pc

and 8.9" still supposedly on the way.

The U2E notebook from ASUS brings a 32GB SSD, an LED backlit panel and a small-lens webcam to an 11-inch, 2-pound, leather notebook. The coolest feature announced so far is definitely the Smart Logon Face Recognition. This software keeps the computer secure by using the webcam to scan the face in front of it and only grant access after a positive facial scan. The U2E will be available in brown or black, but pricing and availability have not yet been announced. See the gallery for more hot pics.

http://gizmodo.com/341356/asus-u2e-i...vy-on-features

Asus Says: Eee PC w/ Linux-Mainstream in American Market
 

Just saw this today. Thought you guys will like to get the newest "development":

1/10/08 news release
http://tech.chinatimes.com/2007Cti/2...000513,00.html

Some highlights:
1. American market is important for Asus's aim at becoming the top three Notebook brands.
2. The success of Eee PC in the US is the stepping stone for Asus to introduce $1000-$1500 models.
3. Canadian marketing is more successful than American one. Asus is the 9th sales during 3rd Quarter 2007, better than Seanix and LG.
4. Being the 3rd largest supplier for New Egg in less than a year (better sale than Sony), Asus will focus more on retail sale (such as Bestbuy) in the coming year, especially among $1000-$1500 models.

(Most important highlight :))
5. "Even though Eee with XP is coming, the Ameican marketing will be different from Taiwan. All Eee PCs in the US will be equipped with Linux. The XP models will only be available to certain targeted educational projects/contracts." (note: quoted original text followed, "不過與台灣不同，雖然推出XP版Eee PC，華碩計畫在美國銷售的Eee PC全採Linux作業系統，只有一些教育標案市場才會銷售XP版本Eee PC。")

Folks may be VERY disappointed for the In-US-Linux-only marketing strategy though.

they showed this briefly on the Today show this morning when they were broadcasting new/cool products from the Electronics Show. I'm happy with my eee, but would like to see this leather version one day soon.

"Folks may be VERY disappointed for the In-US-Linux-only marketing strategy though"
This folk is going to be very happy to finally get to know linux :D
I really applaud Asus for making this bold move.
For what I,and from what I have read many others,will be using this for(email and surfing)this is just dandy.
There is a workaround to install xp already for those who need to do real work on this.Doing anything more than email and web surfing on a screen that small would give me a headache :(
Anyway-I was very tempted to get a very cheap notebook at Staples today,but usual bait and switch so walked out.

Does the EEE running Linux have the capability to support the following configuration of all these external devices simultaneously?

1. Monitor
2. Keyboard
3. Hard drive
4. Mouse

No coffeemaker and toaster? :D

No, the crackberry runs those!

Actually I to am interested in this in a way.
I know from neilyork's excellent review that I can run a usb mouse with this.
And I am guessing their is a video out port of some type?
And I am guessing I could get a multi port usb attachment to run a bigger keyboard-keypad and maybe a moniter and a mouse.
But would all of this be a strain on the small drive?

Video output is a "standard 15 pin D-sub monitor port"

Between this thread, and the recommendation of a friend, I am ready to plunk down the $399 to buy one of these from costco.com.
I figure if I hate it (which I won't) I can always return it in 90 days, and not worry about it.

But now on to the most important question to the current owners - how did you choose between black and white?

I am currently using a 700m from Dell - got the $750 off 2.5 years ago - I found the great coupon code from FT - and have love the computer ever since.

I would consider my current computer more white than black.

Friends say white is 'nifty' and 'cute', but anyone else with an opinion? I plan on ordering it tomorrow?!?

Thanks!

I popped in to PC World to have a look at the EeePc this morning, and was pretty impressed, though I would like to see it in full / advanced mode or whatever it is called. The tiny screen size is my only worry -- how documents / websites will be rendered vs on a "normal" 800x600 or 1024x768 screen.

Next to the Eee, there was a Packard Bell X520 (google didn't find any results to link to) - which was about the same size, running winXP and with a 20GB hdd.

Anyone heard of this or have any comments on this pc in comparison to the ASUS?

-- Mike

Packard Bell opinion from UK
 

Here's one person's opinion and it isn't very good at http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/misc-systems...bell-1/184377/

Used a google search with the "review" word added after the computer name... but overall, not much available.

Not sure if you linked the wrong article, but that review is from 2001.

I think the Packard Bell x520 (or whatever) is a rebadged VIA Nanobook, from the looks of the casing and processor specs. You might be able to confirm that and then look for the reviews of the Nanobook.

FWIW, I had an EEE PC for a short period of time, and actually found it a bit TOO small. The trackpad was a little quirky and the trackpad buttons were a little hard to press. The system boot was quick, and everything else was pretty snappy including video playback of Divx files. But browsing the web in the low resolution left something to be desired, as you always had to flip it into fullscreen mode in firefox to get more screen real estate.

If you have the chance to try one out beforehand, try to do that first, otherwise try to get it from a place with a good return policy like Costco.