while i don't think it's a typical "bang for the buck" gadget, it does have its applications. you don't need dual core cpus or 40gb of disk space when all you do is surf the net 90% of the time. one scenario i've imagined is if you wanna check your portfolio online, or buy/sell stock while you're at starbucks. even the lightest, priciest of the "full fledged" laptops aren't as compact and easy to carry as this one.