Hope this does not sound like rubbing in. I got mine yesterday, at the tradeshow ACER introduced the new machine at (in Taiwan). xP, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, 6 cell and what an amazing, cool (temp-wise) run time.
Spoke to ACER reps and a few things are sure: (1) They got way too many preorders so it will go to ACER dealers and top sellers in the first 3-6 months. Most cheapie online places are not even dealers (they buy through brokers), so may wait even longer. (2) These A1's are built by ACER factories, not outsourced, and they are running full capacity with all other laptops for Christmas, so don't expect A1 production to go up too much, because it is really not that profitable for ACER. (3) They kept prices low just to keep ASUS eee in sight, but with battery shortage and xP prices, don't expect prices to come down (they might add more features and up the price) anytime soon. (4) Due to shortage of batteries they will ship more 3 cells than 6 cells, so be aware of what you are getting. 6-cells is the way to go to get max portability. (5) They are going to manage the launch like Wii, which means most will be pre-sales (don't expect instant gratification). I only got mine because I got it at the intro show. And soon after I got it home my college-bound son made it his. He was going to get a 12" SONY but liked the A1 better because of super long run time (whole day of class, Facebook, chats, music without needing to plug in).
I have often experienced online orders cancelled or indefinitely postponed, because resellers priced it too low and not able to get the products (from factories or brokers). So best to deal with ACER or their full line dealers directly. With an hot product like this you are not going to save much buying from an online place anyway, so might as well buy from an ACER backed dealer, and know who you can take it to in case something happens. They not only let me boot up the machine and tried it out until I am happy, but tossed in 1 extra year of warranty with it. Hope you all get yours real soon.