ASUS Eee PC 1005HA Review
Rating: 6.5/7
The ASUS 1005HA was unexpectedly released as an addition to ASUS “Seashell” production line and it has solved the majority of problems found on the slimline ASUS 1008HA. While it is not necessarily seen as a “replacement” for the ASUS 1008HA, the positive number of comments, purchases and reviews will show you that it has been received even better.
The ASUS 1005HA is not as thin as the ASUS 1008HA and it is heavier at 2.9 pounds. It comes with a replaceable battery promising 10.5 hours of battery life. When actually using your netbook with Wi-Fi on, you will get a maximum of about 8.5 hours.
The N280/10.5 hour model is available for $380 and the N270/8.5hour model for $340.
ASUS 1005HA Review – Top Features
- Intel N280 Processor makes it faster than most standard netbooks.
- Great battery life with 6 cell battery model of ASUS 1005HA. (with the 3 cell battery model, you will get a shorter battery life but this is made up for in exchange for a more sleek Netbook)
- Integrated 1.3 MP Webcam and powerful microphone
- Large comfortable keyboard with shift keys on both sides.
- Multi-card reader.
- Larger VGA Port in comparison to the ASUS 1008HA.
- Removable battery (Not seen in the ASUS 1008HA).
Asus 1005 HA – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind
- The glossy screen makes it difficult to use outdoors.
- The multi-touch trackpad is not fully supported meaning not all applications will be able to take advantage of the multi-touch controls.
- The glossy cover will leave fingerprints.
- In a quiet room you will be able to hear the fan.
Asus 1005HA Netbook Ratings
- Price and Value for Money: 1 star. A bonus 1 star for being one of the best value netbooks around
- Speed and Performance: 1 star
- Screen: .5 stars. Once again the glossy screen will cause problems when used outdoors
- Keybaord, Touchpad, Usability: 1 star. Large and Spacious keyboard. Touchpad is not too bad
- Portability and Battery Life: 1 star
- Looks and Design: 1 star
- Extensibility and Connectivity: 1 star
The ASUS 1008HA deserves 6.5/7 stars plus a bonus star for value for money. It is truly one of the best netbooks around.
Asus 1005 HA Review - Our Recommendation
At $340 to $380, the Asus sets the standard for Netbooks to follow; it is all rounded, containing all the essential features in a stylish and portable case, with very few faults to mention. It is perfect for advanced, and casual users.
Asus 1005 HA Netbook Review – What have buyers on Amazon said?
Pros:
1. “Compared to the competitors in the field; it’s an absolute standout”
2. “Windows 7 works like a charm”
3. “The King of all Netbooks”
4. “I highly recommend”
5. “Overall I am extremely satisfied”
Cons:
1. “I don’t like the long rocker button for the touchpad. I prefer two seperate buttons”
2. “Upgrading the harddrive requires a lot of work”
3. “I am a Linux guy….had some issues getting wireless and wired networking to work…however the latest kernels solve these issues”
4. “The card reader sees only two types of memory”
5. “Unfortunately, all three units[of the Asus 1005Ha] only ship with 1GB of DDR2 memory”
ASUS 1005HA Review - Technical Specifications
- Intel Atom N280
- 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 Memory
- 10.1 inch LCD (1024×600 resolution); LED backlight, Color-Shine
- Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics with Intel 945GSE chipset
- 160 GB Hitachi Travelstar 5K320 (5400RPM) 2.5 inch SATA II hard drive
- 10GB Eee Online Storage
- Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi , Bluetooth 2.1+EDR RJ-45 (Ethernet 10/100)
- 1.3 megapixel webcam , Digital Array Microphone, Headphone / Microphone Input Jacks, VGA Output, MMC/SD card reader, Twin speakers
- USB 2.0 x 3
- 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)
- Windows XP Home or GNU Linux
Filed under: Asus Netbook Review