The Asus Eee PC 1005HA is part of the manufacturer’s Seashell range. Also included in this range are the 1008HA, a slightly higher end, slimmer machine and the 1005HA-M, very similar to the ‘H’ but with a matte screen.

Handling, design and build

Slightly thicker than the 1008HA, this model is similar in overall design with a different finish. It does not have covers for the connectors, leaving the USB and other sockets open to the air.

The keyboard, the touchpad and the webcam are similar to the 1008HA. For the details on these have a look at the 1008HA test.

A note on noise levels. The 1005HA is audible when demands are put on it. It isn’t too loud but nevertheless sufficiently so for you to notice the difference with other Asus models such as the 1008HA, which is completely silent. This makes us wonder if there was a fault on our model.

On the side of the machine you’ll find: 3 USBs (could have more), 1 RJ45, 2 mini-jacks, an SD format card reader and 1 mini VGA. All the bases are covered then and the extra USB socket (the 1008HA only has 2) is appreciated.

Under the netbook you get access to the battery (static on the 1008HA) and RAM when you open a panel that is closed by a screw.

Mini Jack, USB, RJ45	Touchpad
SD reader	VGA, USB

Processor Power

The results are more or less identical to those obtained for the 1008HA and all other netbooks with Intel Atom processors. What you need to remember is that they can carry out all types of operation (video editing, photo work) but they require 3 to 6 times as much time as standard laptops with a modern dual core processor.

Playing films, you’ll have to draw the line at heavy HD files (Blu-Ray type files).

Gaming

Generally speaking, gaming on netbooks is only for real enthusiasts willing to put up with highly compromised quality.

Audio

If you’re used to the improvements of Dolby processing that are now found on all laptops, the mediocrity of the sound here is very obvious. Don’t count on the built-in speakers and we’ve heard much better in terms of the headphones out.

Battery life and portability

When we weighed our test model it came in at 1.2 Kg. This is 100 grams more than the 1008HA. The extra weight (attributable in large part to the battery), gives it 2 hours extra battery life for a total of 5h31. This is an excellent scrore, even if the 1000HE (250g heavier) does a bit better at 5h53.