So what did I end up with? Here's a hint: I'm typing on it now. It's the Asus Eee PC, and it's one of the coolest gadgets I've purchased since, well, the iPhone.

For those who aren't yet acquainted with this magical little device, it's a miniature laptop that runs the Xandros version of Linux, but it can run Windows XP if you have an installation disc and external disc drive. It may be small, but it's a full-functioning computer, with a 900MHz Intel Celeron M processor, 512MB of RAM, 802.11b/g wireless networking and a 4GB solid state drive. It also has all the standard notebook accoutrement, including three USB 2.0 ports, VGA monitor port, Ethernet and a SecureDigital memory card slot.

All this within a tiny package that weighs under a kilo. Are you sold yet? Click on this affiliate link to buy one so I can get a cut of the sale. (I'm kidding – it's a video.)  I've saved the best tidbit for last: the Asus Eee PC is available for an amazingly-low $499. No, that's not a typo, that's four hundred and ninety nine dollars!

I remember watching xXx (the movie that mistakenly shot Vin Diesel to fame) six years ago and lusting over the pint-sized Sony Picturebook used by that cute Russian chick. Damn I wanted it (the notebook, not the girl). From memory, it cost around four thousand dollars, and was less powerful than the Eee PC.

So back to last weekend, I was actually trying to scope out one of the newer Eee PCs that are shipping with Windows XP. Exactly the same hardware, but with XP pre-installed for an extra $80. Turns out they're not shipping yet, but I did find something better: a PINK Eee PC (it's also available in white, black, green and blue), which I've named Paris because it looks so Barbie-like.

I haven't had much time to play with it yet, but I'm definitely not feeling any buyer's remorse (yet). This thing does not in any way look or feel like a five-hundred-dollar notebook. I've already replaced the 512MB RAM chip it came with for a 2GB one, and this thing is incredibly responsive. This is my first time using Linux, and so far I don't have any desire to install Windows on it – but I might be swayed if it's the only way I can connect a USB wireless broadband modem. The Eee PC is just perfect for writing outdoors, but I'll probably have to plump for a spare battery if I want it to last for a whole day.

I've also discovered an amazing community of Eee PC owners at EeeUsercom, and I tell you what – these people are more fanatic than iPod owners! There's some serious hard-core hacking going on in those foums, with owners experimenting with different Linux distros and applications, and there are even a few courageous (or stupid) souls that are soldering extra stuff onto the motherboard like WWAN and Bluetooth radios.

I haven't done anything crazy with the Eee PC yet, but it's still early days. Paris and I, we're going to go places!