my bro just got the HDD xp version. very useful for sitting on the couch and surfing. i would recommend the HDD version at $399 than this under-spec'd one.

This is a good deal, but I have a feeling these will be around $199 in a few weeks.

The only thing possibly underspec about this netbook is the 512mb RAM. 2GB RAM is cheap anyways, maybe $29 or less depends on the sales at the time you buy.

The default linux install is fine for doing just as you say "sitting on the couch and surfing". Then you won't need to buy anything extra. 8GB ssd is plenty, heck even 4GB works. Again you can buy SDHC cards to expand, and 4 and 8GB cards are super cheap. Even if you bought ram and a SDHC card, you would barely break $300, if even that.

Having said all that, XP runs fine on these things, but you do need at least 1GB for it to be worth it. The mechanical hdd storage space is nice too, but that adds heat and weight. At the $399 price point you are creeping up to normal laptop prices with real cpu and alot more features (dvd, bigger screen/keyboard, etc)... yes even in the 13-14" segment.

It all depends on what you want, and there are plenty of options out there.

i agree with #1 and #2. better off with HDD one - so that you can swap the hdd with large one such as 500GB.
9" with 8GB space might be pushed down to $199. Then, I might buy one for that price.

If you look at the specs for this one it doesn't say it has the crystalview LED backlight display. The screen may be noticeably worse on this version.

I agree with #3. I much prefer the Linux version with SSD. Linux is much more efficient with RAM, although I would also recommend more. Linux is also slicker for the sort of things you want to do with a Netbook, with more quality software available than you can possibly need, FREE. I also agree that an 8GB SSD is much more than you'll need for a Netbook. All of that said, I'm not impressed at all with the Acer Netbook.

This is what I paid for the xp version with hard drive. definitely worth it. like other posters said it all depends on what you are looking for. the point of these machines is small and inexpensive. you can toss it in a normal bag or just carry it unobtrusively.

this isnt' really a "deal." it's been going at this price since it came out

great laptop. Yeah the deal was the HD version with XP for 250 at best buy a while back..bacon's really amazing that it's lighter than an academic textbook!

Anyone know how fast this thing boots up. Is it like a regular Laptop?

no bluetooth?

no bluetooth?

no bluetooth, but you can add a usb bluetooth, no?

im keeping my eye on this one too

i ended up buying 1000h with bluetooth and N, and still haven't used BT and wireless N. It's not always necessary just because it's available. this one needs to be $100-150

Well said, numero tres.

Boot time around 15 seconds

acer customer service isn't worth a dime...make that 2 cents!

#8, when was it ever this price. Stop making up baconnaise!

To the rest of you mofo, stop burp telling other ppl what kinda laptop they need. The concept of different people having a different laptop need is not that hard to understand.
What's next, telling complete stranger on the internet you know how to have better sex with their gf? Oh wait, I forgot who I was talking to.