Asus Eee PC 1005HA Seashell Review

Name: Asus Eee PC 1005HA Seashell Review
Brand: Asus

by Shawn Oliver — Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 12:00 PM EDT

Introduction and Specifications

It's hard to believe that the machine we'll be inspecting in the pages ahead is actually real and shipping. It's not so much a feat of engineering as it is a feat in product development. You see, we just wrapped up our evaluation of Asus' 1008HA Seashell three weeks ago, and already we're being treated to the second "Seashell" model to ship stateside.

The 1005HA is undoubtedly a member of the expanding Eee PC lineup, and while it's numbered lower than the aforesaid 1008HA, there are actually a few aspects that we prefer on this model versus its predecessor. Actually, maybe predecessor isn't the proper term; it's not like the 1005HA is taking the place of the 1008HA. In fact, we envision them both hanging around on store shelves for some time to come.

Asus Eee PC 1005HA "Seashell"

Specifications and Features (as tested)

"Seemingly crafted by nature itself, the Eee PC Seashell draws its inspiration from seashells and its opalescent and glossy exterior is crafted by the innovative in-Mold Roller technology. It's so light and compact, you can take it anywhere with you! And with sleek curves and smooth lines hugging its lustrous shell, the Eee PC Seashell will easily charm passers-by wherever it goes." - Asus

Intel Atom N280 @ 1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB
1GB of 667MHz DDR2 Memory
10.1 inch LCD (1024x600 resolution); LED backlight, Color-Shine
Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics
Intel 945GSE chipset
160 GB Hitachi Travelstar 5K320 (5400RPM) 2.5 inch SATA II hard drive
10GB Eee Online Storage
802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
No optical drive
1.3 megapixel webcam + Digital Array Microphone
VGA Output
USB 2.0 x 3
RJ-45 (Ethernet 10/100)
Headphone / Mic Input Jacks
MMC/SD card reader
Twin speakers
Gesture-enabled trackpad (multi-touch)
92% full-size keyboard
2.8 Pounds (with battery installed)
1.4 inches thick
Removable 6-cell Li-ion Battery (Up To 10.5 Claimed Hours of Computing)
10.2” (W) x 6.9” (D) x 1.4” (H)
Windows XP Home or GNU Linux
Color Options: White, Black, Pink, Blue
Protective Sleeve
1-year limited warranty

In many of the same ways that Asus' Eee PC 1000HE was a slightly revamped version of the 1000H, the 1005HA is just a mildly tweaked version of the 1008HA. The 1008HA was a sort of coming out party for Asus; it was the first in the "Seashell" line, and it broke new ground in terms of design for netbooks. The 1005HA continues that legacy, though it reverts back to some of the more expected design cues in order to increase utility while still providing a heightened sense of style. If you compare the specifications list of our review unit above with the list on the Eee PC 1008HA, you'll be hard-pressed to find any significant differences. Indeed, most of the alterations here are in the design department, and they are absolutely subtle. If the first "Seashell" machine didn't quite pique your interest, maybe the second time is a charm.