Asus Eee PC 1015PED, 1018P available for pre-order from Amazon

Best Buy is already selling versions of the new Asus Eee PC 1015PE and 1018P netbooks. But while the Best Buy models are reasonably cheap, at $350 and $380 respectively, these models have lower capacity batteries than higher priced versions of the same netbooks, and they lack Bluetooth.

Now Amazon has started taking orders for the fully equipped versions of both netbooks — with a few caveats. First, it looks like Amazon doesn’t currently have any Eee PC 1018P or 1015PED models in stock, so you’re effectively placing a pre-order if you decide to buy these netbooks. And second, they cost quite a bit more than the Best Buy versions.

The asus Eee PC 1018P-PU17, for instance, is going for $527.80 at Amazon. This model has a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 CPU, 1GB of DDR3 memory, a 250GB hard drive, a 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, and 3 USB ports. The main thing setting it apart from cheaper netbooks is a fancy new design: The netbook is just 0.7 inches thick. But $528 is a lot of money to spend on this model when you can pick up a similar machine with a lower capacity battery and no Bluetooth for nearly $150 less from Best Buy.

The Eee PC 1015PED is a bit more reasonably priced at Amazon, with price tags ranging from $429 to $465.40. While that’s still a bit pricey compared to the $350 Best Buy model, the Amazon models have a number of additional specs including a choice of a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 or 1.83GHz Atom N475 processor, Bluetooth 3.0, and higher capacity 6 cell batteries.

via Netbook Reviews