I love my Aspire One.  It is light weight (2.2lbs), sleek, easy and fun to use.  It is not nor is it intended to be a full service computer.  It does not come with a CD-ROM drive.  While you can use an external drive to upload programs, loading will take appreciably longer as the Atom is Intel's least-powered chip and really not meant for this function.  The Aspire One is best for basic Internet and email access.  If bought with the Linux operating system it is both much cheaper and much cleaner.  Linux requires substantially less of the computer's resources to operate.  This means faster boot times and general operation.  Linux is also not subject to virus attacks.  Removing the need for antivirus and other such security system saves money and, again, allows the computer to run much faster and more efficiently.  As you would expect with a laptop this size, the keyboard and screen are small.  So small in fact that the keyboard and touchpad can be difficult to use, particularly for adult-sized hands.  I strongly recommend a USB mouse (don't be scared off by Linux compatibility issues; most standard usb mice will work).  But, again, I use it primarily to surf the net and check email.  With its little "wallet" case (comes with the netbook) this laptop is easy to pack, easy to take on the road and very easy to use both WiFi and ethernet.  If you reasonably believe you will need to download games requiring XP/MS compatibility or otherwise require the more mainstream Windows systems, then by all means go for the XP version.  Prices are coming down...way down.  I believe you can buy the XP version of the Aspire One for as low as $349.99.   Have fun!