Toosmoky (User):

The original eeePC 701 was $499, not, $699.

Tin (Regular user):

And within months was down to around $400 at most retails, and as low as $250 at some online stores.

djsflynn (APC staff):

Good pickup, will fix now.

TechHead (New user):

Good article. I like the fact that a netbook can now handle HD video. But I can't find anywhere in Aust where it can be purchased for $699?

TechHead (New user):

Okay, found price confirmation here http://www.asus.com.au/News.aspx?N_ID=uGEn5LybkMydlyeg

TechHead (New user):

Just purchased this machine on Sat 27/3 from BCC Computers in Geelong.

First thing I did was format the hard drive and reload only the operating system and essential drivers for audio, GPU, bluetooth, etc from the Asus Support DVD that came with it. Nothing like starting fresh. Most of the junk that's preinstalled is useless and degrades system performance, reliability, etc.

Installed my favourite programs and endless windows updates (yawn), then the essential 'Shark 007 Win7 Codec Pack' and 'latest flash player 10.1 beta activeX & Plugin'. Now she does everything I need easily. It can handle any kind of 720p or 1080p files I throw at it including Youtube HD!

So basically I'm rapt! Just setup 3G tethering to my phone (HTC Dream) for those occasions where there's no wireless. Works a treat! I'm not gonna spend money on a usb broadband modem and data plan if I don't have to.

So it's a cheap, good looking machine that's very light and does all I need it to do. Voila! Only one complaint: Stupid high gloss reflective screen - gonna look for some kind of matte filter to fix that. Also removed all the advertising either side of the touchpad. Looks neat & clean now.

By the way, it is the silver model and looks great! Very happy.