Asus EePC 701 - Cheapest & smallest ASUS LAPtop @ $ 499 AUD @ myers

FRESH UPDATE 20 July 2008 :
If you've been waiting for an Asus Eee PC with a larger screen, larger storage and larger keyboard, the Eee PC 1000H could well be the model you've been waiting for. How much will it cost, and what are the specs?
SPECS :

The latest, and the largest of these matryoshkas is the Eee PC 1000H, which
shares many of the same features of its predecessor, the Eee PC 901 (including a
1.6-GHz Intel Atom processor, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and 1GB of RAM) but has a
larger 10-inch screen, more spacious keyboard and 80GB hard drive. But in
comparison to other similarly sized mini-notebooks, like the $499 MSI Wind, we
wish the $649 price tag was lower.

Asus EePC 701 - Where to get it In australia - Myers - AUD $ 499 - Sold oUT -Review

The EeePC is looking fairly well spec'd with an (unspecified) Intel processor and chipset, Intel UMA graphics, 512MB RAM, 16GB SSD, webcam, Bluetooth and b/g wireless. Sure, it's not gonna be ground breaking, or play any decent games, nor should it. It's a mobile solution that should be more than capable. (Source for specs)
I haven't personally used Linux, but it's open source freeware which means that it's totally supported by a bunch of uber geeks who continually make patches to keep it running fairly stable. Also, due to the lower number of users, it's fair to assume that it's less likely to be attacked. Linux is also more efficient when using system resources, unlike Vista, so should make the most of the laptop. Again, I haven't used Open Office, but I know that it is compatible with Microsoft Office file types (which the majority of businesses and educational facilities will use).

ASUS Introduces All-New Eee PC for Complete Mobile Internet Enjoyment

Easy to Learn, Easy to Work, Easy to Play

Taipei, Taiwan, June 5, 2007 – Majority of activities conducted on the laptops today are Internet related. Whether it´s checking emails, reading news, communicating with others or simply utilizing online share spaces, Internet usage has become a big part of the daily computing operations - for both work and fun. To accommodate the increasing total Internet computing demands as well as growing number of users, both young and old, ASUS launches the revolutionary Eee PC to provide users with a new mobile Internet experience like never before.

This is a new line of PCs that focuses on providing users with the most comprehensive Internet application based on three Es: Easy to learn, work, play; Excellent Internet experience and Excellent mobile computing experience, and hence the product name of Eee PC.

For what you want/need from a travelling notebook Robbie, it sounds like the EeePC could be for you. For such a low price tag too, it should perform well.

My colleague, Mic, was correct about the 16GB flash memory. It also has 512MB of RAM, Wi-Fi, a 7-inch screen, around 3 hours of battery life, and a VGA camera. We've got one in the office, so look out for a full review in the December issue. Don't want to give too much away, but we're big fans.

I am really interest in one of these but I have checked the Asus web site and cannot see any reference to a 16GB model?

There are four models listed:

EeePC 2G Surf with 2GB SSD & 256MB RAM (no webcam) - due end of November

EeePC 4G Surf with 4GB SSD & 512MB RAM (no webcam)

EeePC 4G with 4GB SSD & 512MB RAM

EeePC 8G Surf with 8GB SSD & 1GB RAM - due end of November

Source for data

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/756489.html

ASUS have confirmed the Australian price is AUD $579
including GST for the Asus Eepc loaded with Windows xp and that the unit will be available on the Australian market from
the second week of March 2008. This means, compared with an AUD $499 Linux Eee PC, a Windows XP license costs AUD $80.

The line they’ve spun to journalists in Australia about the Linux Asus Eee PC 900 being $50 more than the Windows version because it has more storage is a load of bull. Overseas, both models are the same price! read more about this here

BELOW LINK FOR AMAZON STORE PURCHASE

Even if the eePc is available at your nearest Myer or harvey norman Retail store , you can Buy the Asus EePc at Amazon cheap - The Internet's Most reliable online retailer below

With the american dollar value down and australian and other countries dollar up an down , you can end up with a bargain buying from the internet as can be seen from the prices below

Asus EEE PC 1000 / 1000H 10" Premium Memory Foam Pouch Case - (Black)

Durable Neorpene Sleeve Case Compatible with Acer Aspire One 8.9" Mini Laptop - Compatible with 3Cell Battery ONLY (Acer Aspire One Laptop NOT included)