We spend a lot of our time here at TR evaluating cutting-edge hardware, but not because we're particularly drawn to extremely expensive components. Rather, it's the fact that new technologies tend to debut at the high end before trickling downstream to more affordable mid-range parts. We also spend a great deal of time playing with those mid-range products, combing through their ranks in search for that perfect intersection of price and performance—the glorious sweet spot.

It's a little odd, then, to be sitting in front of Asus' Eee PC sub-notebook. With a Celeron ULV processor chugging along at 630MHz, GMA 900 integrated graphics powering a 800x480 display, 512MB of RAM, and just 4GB of internal storage capacity, the Eee PC's specs are hardly awe-inspiring. In fact, this may be the first system we've ever reviewed that's slower than Jessica Simpson.

And unlike Jessica, the Eee PC isn't a knockout, either. So at first blush, it's a little hard to see what all the fuss is about. Sure, the system may be a fine option for developing nations and Ugandan schools, but its appeal for enthusiasts isn't as obvious.

I assure you, however, that it's there. After a few weeks of quality time with the Eee PC, I'm absolutely sold on the concept and pretty enamored with Asus' implementation. Keep reading to see why.