The eee pc is the original and in my opinion usually the best netbook. They also have many more models than anyone else. Here is a list of all the models and their differences:
http://event.asus.com/eeepc/comparis...comparison.htm
So I would go through that list, find your ideal model and then do a comparison with equivalent models from other manufacturers. For instance, I have a 901, and no other manufacturer has yet done a precise equivalent. Toshiba is the closest, but it is more expensive.
Ask yourself what battery life do you want? What size screen? What version of Wi-fi (b/g/n)? Hard disk or SSD? Bluetooth? Keyboard size? etc.
It may be that a cheaper netbook such as the Acer Aspire will surfice, in which case save your money and one of those!
As an aside, the only downside of the 901 and it's SSD brethren to me is that they have two disks, with Linux/Windows installed on the fast small 4GB disk. That means you tend to run out of space on that drive unless you can install software on a non-boot disk. Fairly straightforward with Linux, but more hassle with windows. However, I have heard that the latest versions have done away with the two disks, so if you wait until current stock has shifted it might not be a problem.