What does it mean when they say this in the specs "1GB (512MB onboard/512MB SODIMM slot"

Onboard can mean built into the Motherboard circuitry (well it use to be)
But many "onboard" Ram, is actually just another Ram card plugged into the Motherboard (how strange I know)

ok well the part i am most confused on is y does it say 512MB SODIMM slot is that actually like a card memory part

SO-DIMMs are a smaller alternative to a DIMM, being roughly half the size of regular DIMMs. SO-DIMMS are often used in systems which have space restrictions such as notebooks

thus y they are using it in a aspire one. OK just irritates me how they put some ram on board. seems like it would defeat the purpose and be kinda slow

I like the Ram onboard idea
That way, you don't even need any Ram cards plugged in

Mind you 512 is very low

I usually recommend minimum:
2 Gig for Xp SP3
4 Gig for Vista SP1

I feel the same about both those ram specs nothing short of that. What is your opinion though on the best netbook i am in the market for one. Got any ideas??

A netbook is a small to medium sized, light-weight, low-cost, energy-efficient laptop, generally optimized for internet based services such as web browsing

Doh! I can't stop quoting these things, now you've done it

I usually recommend shop around, have a look at the big brands like Dell
Sorry I can't be more specific, sales is really not my area

well looks like i will have to search the forums/post a topic on the recomendation s then

Yes, that would be good
I hope the technical part was explained clearly to you, and you are now happy with that

:grinthumb

very much so thanks much man