ASUS EeePC 900

Until the ASUS Eee PC 4G burst onto the scene, the UMPC (ultra mobile PC) category was something of a joke the target of numerous wisecracks from journalists and reviewers (including yours truly).

Our derision was due to the UMPC's inability to deliver on its promises an affordable price and a functional platform.

The 2-pound Eee PC 4G changed the way manufacturers approached profit margins and brought the promise of a sub-$500 system back into full swing.

The ASUS EeePC 900 is the second iteration of this groundbreaking laptop.

The system is available with both a Linux operating system and Windows XP Home at e-tailers for the same price.

Although there weren't any drastic changes, the move to a bigger, 8.9 inches wide screen and the addition of 16GB worth of extended storage are welcome improvements.