Asus Eeepc & what can I do in Linux?

I am really interested in the eeepc UMPC rom Asus. I am surprised that it has received so little coverage from this site. I know that currently spces are not finalized and release dates are as solid as jello at the moment, but I am very tempted to get it.

My main issue is because Linux is an entirely unknown entity to me, I have lived off Windows and Dos before that. What I need to know is could I comfortably do everything I am doing in Windows in Linux, and in particular with the Linux version that comes installed on this device?

I would never play games on a notebook, my main concerns are;
* emails,
* productivity apps (MS Office compatability)
* web browsing

I do a lot of web browsing, and I have most reservations on this. I understand a lot of whats on the web is geared towards IE, and issues of Flash compatability, Java etc. My main concern is would the sites, I go to have full support in Linux? Sites like Amazon, You Tube, even purchasing cinema tickets online?

Also, if I have a Slingbox do you think I could get it to work on the eeePC with Wine, which I have just heard about?

Any comments would help me firm in my mind whether to go down this road, or pay more and get a Windows notebook.

Erm... because I am a cheapskate getting the cheapest notebook I can find. I would love XP but I thought you can't update it if you don't have a valid license. A full license would bring the cost more in line wurg notebook with XP/Vista preinstalled.

the asus eeepc at launch from what i understand now will be running a 900mhz pentium m chip (possible ulv) 256mb ram at low end 512 higher user upgradable but it may be a 2slot 0 free config. the kicker is the possible 2gb hard drive, this may be an issue for windows xp just because after its install where's the room to save other stuff?

i'm hoping they'll be using the 1.8" flash drives, so then i can fit in my toshiba 20gb platter drive in *chuckles* but who knows.

There will be 3 versions at launch. however 2 will be available in north america. starting above 250$. www.ncix.com is already preordering, however their specs who a celeron chip (quite possible however) Asia and europe will see the lower cost 199$ version, however it will have less battery life, smaller ram and smaller hard drive (due to the fact that asia's market cant handle a 299 laptop as well as the americas.) the north american models will have a longer battery life.

It is windows compatible, but linux itself is a very decent platform. Asus is developing the linux os to make it user friendly, and with applications such as wine, you will be able to install some windows programs, however none that run off the core windows environment ie word, msn messenger.

I am currently waiting to see if it is possible to install mac osx x86 on it. Its a big os so you'll need an 8gb at least. But it may be a neat little hack.