did you see the part that you have to sign up for an at&t plan for 2 yrs to get that price? It's right below the rebate info.

[Rebate requires activation on a $40 or higher DataConnect rate plan on a two year service agreement. ]

I did a quick search and they are more or less mini laptops, a little less cpu power and less power consumption {battery usage}, smaller hard drives etc.

I think aimed more for students and business travelers - less bulk to carry around.

netbook & notebook/laptop reviews - and prices -
http://www.pcworld.com/article/15435...ml?tk=rel_news

http://www.notebookreview.com/

online prices and more info about laptops under 290.00
http://www.shoplocal.com/searchonlin...ce_range_0_290

now is probably the back to school sales, another good prices time will be after the holidays.