After going to a few computer meetings and seeing a couple of Asus EEE's - My first thought was -
I'd really would like to get one of those! -- No, trust me, after you see one turned on and running you'd wanna get one too. http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/asus-eee-pc-4g/4505-3121_7-32466960.html
Despite it's somewhat crampy keyboard it certainly performs tasks well and in terms of overall size, weight, and price -
it can't be beat!
Until...
The news of the new release of the Dell Mini Inspiron or Dell E.
Built to compete in the mini/netbook market along with Asus, Acer, HP it seems promising...
especially IF the base price is as it intends to be... Only $299. Yes you heard it. $299. Now the Asus low-end model, the surf, comes in around the same price. I know it's crazy.

Rumors have it that they might be announcing the Dell Mini Inspiron just after August 15th - so we will just have to see. If anything, towards the end of the month maybe.

For a neat little personal MINI notebook - it certainly will fill a huge marketplace for a need to have internet access on the go, along with computer power - without weighing you down! And at only around $299 and 2lbs - it just gets better.

http://gizmodo.com/393815/exclusive-dell-mini-inspiron-their-first-mini-laptop
http://gizmodo.com/photogallery/dellmininsp

Hot tip: If Mac EVER released something like it on a MAC OS platform with the same footprint / dimensions and category in Price / Whoaa. Now, you'd Have Something!!
It'd make iPhone look like pocket change.
Huh? Well you snooze you lose. Timing will be everything.
Repeat of the ol days with the Rave of the NEWTON? We'll see.

### UPDATE ###
As of September 01 I see NO Dell Mini in site. And either does anyone else for that matter.
Time lags on and I am Still curious to see whether Dell can make a break a low price point.
My guess would be that the low end will be too low and the decent end will be too much.
But nonetheless, Past August and still not Netbook. I truly am thinking that if it either doesn't make the right price point OR get out fairly soon it may be too late.
Read article.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/msi-wind-revealed-10-inch-mini-notebook-to-hit...

Updated research has found that a runner up, the MSI Wind, is rated very high and comparably a better machine than what Dell will eventually release and what Asus already has out.
Make no mistake with a 10" screen and a full sized keyboard I can see why. But the one set-back?? The price. Still not over-the-top but far from perfect as the $559 price range stands alongside the price of a viable laptop.
But also new research shows MSI coming out with a lower Linux version for only $399! But when? - Will the madness ever stop!
Here it is here in the windows version.

The other day I test drove a NEW Asus 900 which is currently available and is a pretty awesome machine for the great price of $379 over at NewEgg.
That is very tempting...

But wait. Acer comes out with the Acer Aspire One. It has good reviews and is now at Newegg for only $329.
Laptop mag's Editors Choice.

Dell what's the hold up!?

### AHH Another UPDATE ###
According to Engadget these so called Dell's are suppose to be shipping around the second week of September. Hmm.
We shall soon see. Be interesting to find out the price and what it has got inside.