Engadget halts its assault on our early adopter dollars with this bit of news on a laptop that treads lightly on the power outlet and on the budget.

The Everex StepNote NC1501 consumes just 12W at peak performance. That's partly due to the low power, 1.5 GHz VIA processor.

Here are the specs:

• Processor: 1.5GHz VIA C7(R)- M processor
• Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista(TM) Home Basic
• Graphics: VIA Chrome9(TM) HC IGP
• Memory: 512MB DDR2 533MHz SDRAM
• Hard Disk Drive: 60GB, 5400RPM SATA
• Optical Drive: DVD-ROM/DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• Display: 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800) Widescreen TFT with DiamondBrite Technology
• LAN: 10/100 Ethernet
• Wireless: IEEE 802.11b/g
• I/O: (1) DB 15-Pin VGA, (3) USB 2.0 ports, (1) RJ45, (1) RJ-11, (1) Headphone/Line Out, (1) Microphone/ Line In
• Battery: 6-Cell Lithium Ion (up to 4.25 hours operating time)
• Dimensions: 14.1" x 10.7" x 0.9 - 1.5" (W x D x H)
• Weight: 5.3lbs
• UPC: 853031001467
• MSRP: $499.00

Note, however, that there are some compromises. You get Vista Home Basic, in other words, the non-Aero version. So no Flip 3D for you! But then again, it's just $500 for a fairly functional little machine you can pick up at Best Buy.