Not only that, the initial setup screen—similar to the part where you enter in your time zone and make a user in Windows on first startup—was not carefully thought through. Why? Because there's no way to advance past a time zone screen; at least unless you know the crazy Linux alt+click to drag the window UP and reveal that there is a button to go to the next screen. Way to go Everex. Expect tons of returns before the system is even setup. Sounds like a disappointment so far. We'll see what Laptopmag has to say later. [Laptopmag and Laptopmag]

Laptop has a mini-review done, and here's what they find. Once it's running, the web surfing is speedy, the desktop is clean, but the keyboard, touchpad, boot times, Wi-Fi setup, and resolution suck. Also that "window doesn't fit inside the screen" problem they ran into during setup still occurs in actual use, which is pretty awful. The company says they had the wrong OS install, which might fix things in the final retail version. All in all, it looks like the Eee is a better bet for your $399. [Laptopmag]

Everex is holding back the Cloudbook for nearly a month to make "a couple of last-minute software tweaks," presumably to gOS, its Ubuntu-based Linux mutation. As long as it's more intuitive than the XO Laptop's OS, it should be in good shape—its biggest asset is its Wally World distribution channel, which might help secure a slice of a market already reaching saturation, at least judging by slowing Eee PC sales on Amazon. [CW]

The Taiwanese PC maker is obviously gunning for a piece of Asus' market share, as it is following in the footsteps of the Eee and releasing a model with a larger LCD—and all for under $500, claims Everex.

As well as different-colored skins than the seven-incher's basic black, there are plans to include models with more storage and memory, but these will obviously come at a higher price. [Eee Site]