questions about the eeeeeeee pc.

hey guys. im thinking of buying one for college classes. its looks really cool since its so small and i wont look a total geek pulling out a alienware laptop during classes. i have some questions though.

1) i like the latest black version with the larger screen , but all i see online is the old white model. where can i find more info and the one i want?

2) how much ram is standard, and can i upgrade to 1 gig with normal memory?

3) im pretty dissapointed it does not have a dvd drive this would be perfect for watching dvds on long trips. how do i install an os on it?

4) i need windows xp for ms word. (unless ms word viewer and printer is availble on linux) also for vlc player. i have windows xp software , how would i go about installing it on the eeepc.

5) how are theese computers performance wise for basic tasks? what about reliabilty?

thanks alot, sorry for bothering you with my questions.

EDIT : NVM about #1 i found out its the Eee PC 900 coming out may 12th for a little steap price of 550.

 

2) 1GB of ram comes on the $550 models.
3&4) Windows XP comes with the 12GB model. If you want the 20GB model & XP, you'll need to have an external DVD/CD drive or find another workaround.
5) For browsing and word processing, it should be more than fine. Theres a video in the other thread that shows it can take a beating.

 

how would i go about reformating the laptop if i get it with xp preinstalled?

 

Using an external drive, either flash or a HD.