Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue) Review
Asus 1005HA-PU1X
The Asus Eee PC Seashell design is very slick. I bought the 1005HA-PU1X based on its styling and features. The 1005HA-PU1X is one of the few netbooks to offer: Bluetooth, 2.0MP webcam, WiFi b/g/n, and easily upgradeable RAM in an affordable package with 10+ hours of battery life. However, there are some major drawbacks to buying an Asus.
The first thing I usually do with a new PC purchase is format the HD and do a clean install of an OS. In this instance, I installed Windows 7 32-bit Professional (full version) and do not regret this decision for many reasons. I also maxed out the RAM to 2GB, even though Windows 7 only uses about 500MB, up to 1GB when lots of apps are running. Windows 7 makes the netbook perform so much better than with XP or Vista. My Dell Mini 9 has XP and it boots slower and runs slower than the 1005HA with W7! The Mini 9 has a N270 processor with 2GB RAM while the 1005HA has a marginally faster N280 processor and 2GB RAM.
The BIOS upgrade procedure is very cumbersome unless you use the Windows-based Asus update. I did not figure this out until I dug around the internet to find a solution. AFUDOS is a horrible piece of software. None of the Asus BIOS update programs allow downgrading for BIOS flashes, so make sure you really want to upgrade.
The compact charger than came with the 1005HA gets extremely/excessively hot during recharging. It also makes an audible hum. There were some complaints about earlier chargers, but the problems have been supposedly fixed with the Delta-manufactured chargers. The blue LED is bright enough to be distracting at night. I couldn’t sleep with it lit so I flipped it upside down. The charging system on the 1005HA is very funky. With all of my Dell laptops, you can yank the power cord between 95%-100% and be able to charge it again upon replugging. The 1005HA does NOT charge unless you drop it below 95%. It is not software/OS dependent – I verified this behavior using Windows XP, 7, and even Ubuntu 9.10! As long as you drop it below 95%, it will charge it up to 100%. However if you pull it before it drops below 95%, it will give you the dreaded “Plugged in, not charging” message. The battery will also self-discharge at 100%, so even if you keep it plugged in, it will allow it to slowly drop below 95%.
That said, I’ve gotten up to 14 hours of battery life with this netbook. I typically get 9-10 hours on one charge. It’s awesome to bring this netbook into a classroom where there is a HUGE pile of AC adapters/extension cords/power strips running around the floor to power HP, Dell, and Mac laptops while I pull out the 1005HA without any power cords. I take Saturday classes so I can run my netbook for the full Saturday without ever charging it. Windows 7 has superior power management options over XP, so you can tweak a bunch of settings to conserve power. I use my Bluetooth mouse and WiFi connection in class, so it wasn’t like I babied it. I hear the N450-based Atom processors can get up to 14 hours advertised, so considering I have gotten up to 14 hours with my N280, it’s all good.
The LED backlit LCD screen is very dark. There are 15 brightness settings, but even at full brightness it wasn’t nearly as bright as the LED backlit LCD screens on my Dell Mini 9, Dell Studio 1537, or Dell Inspiron 1545. The viewing angle on the 1005HA is also extremely narrow. You have to sit in front of it to see anything clearly. However, the image quality is very crisp for such a small screen and low resolution.
The built-in speakers are absolutely rubbish. It actually hurts my ears to listen to my favorite songs. The best way to describe the audio quality is to imagine hooking up a pair of headphones and turning up the volume. There’s an excessively scratchy and tincan-like quality.
The SD/SDHC slot was extremely tight. It took off the label from my Kingston SDHC card and scratched the heck out of the blank plastic SDHC chip that comes with the 1005HA. The cards will NOT eject properly either. Upon closer examination, I found the internal shield/sleeve wasn’t made properly. My Dell Mini 9, Studio, and Inspirons all have very free moving SDHC slots.
The keyboard feels very flimsy. The keyboard flexes when you type, and the Esc key was actually tilted on mine. It sat lower in one corner, suggesting another manufacturing defect. I decided to replace it under warranty, and to evaluate Asus’s warranty process against Dell. I had to email tech support to get the phone number. I called and a very rude lady tried to get me to send my entire netbook back to replace the keyboard. I asked for just the keyboard and she emailed me a form that required my credit card ahead of time. I also had to pay return shipping out of pocket! With Dell, I can use the Live Chat and ask for a new keyboard which they will ship out next day for no charge. They will also give me a return label for no charge return shipping. Asus’s customer service is pretty poor compared to Dell. The overall quality of the 1005HA isn’t as good as Dell’s Mini either. I only bought the 1005HA because I wasn’t able to build a Mini 10 the way I wanted (BT w/ WiFi N w/ 2.0MP webcam).
The Ethernet port location is awkward. I’ve almost accidentally connected USB devices to that port, and it might have shorted out a few connections had I done so. It might because of how many laptops I have that have USB ports in that sport (right hand corner near monitor hinge).
The 1005HA comes with a charger and a small neoprene sleeve. The sleeve is a little tight to use, but works well as basic storage for the 1005HA. I recommend a more secure netbook case/bag though.
Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, and compact. With Windows 7, it becomes a very powerful netbook that runs a lot of office apps very smoothly.
Cons: Asus quality is mediocre at best, customer service sucks compared to Dell. I’d rather have bought a Mini 10 but the 1005HA had all of the features I wanted.
Overall: 4/5 stars.
Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue) Feature
- Intel Atom N280 (1.66GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, FSB 667MHz)
- Intel Mobile 945GSE Express Chipset
- 1 GB DDR2 SODIMM memory
- 10.1″ WSVGA (1024×600) Wide Screen LCD w/ LED Backlight
- Integrated GMA950 Graphics Controller
Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue) Overview
Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BU 10.1 inch Intel Atom N280/1 GB/160 GB/XPH Netbook Computer (Royal Blue)
Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BU 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Royal Blue) Specifications
The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell shines as the ideal netbook for the traveler looking to have it all.
Utilizing ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, the Eee PC 1005HA-P boasts an astounding 10.5 hours of uninterrupted battery life so you can work on important documents and surf the Web longer than ever before.
Inspired from the sea shell’s contour shape, you will appreciate the attention to detail and eye-catching beauty that makes the Eee PC 1005HA-P a true work of art. Dressed in a sparkling pearlescent “shell” casing that gives it a captivating sheen, the Eee PC 1005HA Seashell is beautiful inside and out.
The Eee PC 1005HA-P offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92% scaled keyboard, multi-touch touchpad and instant key (for quick access to touchpad-lock). The 10.1-inch (Color-Shine) LED-backlit display and sleek chassis will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort for hours on end. The generous 170GB ASUS Hybrid Storage will enable you to store, share and access your important data anytime, anywhere.
Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005HA-P provides leading-class performance and superior portability, liberating you from wall chargers and bringing you into the future of mobility.
Key Features
- 10.5 hours of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine
- Large 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen, ergonomic keyboard and multitouch touchpad for extra comfort and convenience
- Spacious 170GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go (160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage)
- Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
- Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
- 1.3MP webcam and digital array microphones for simple and clear communication
- ASUS Eee Docking utility to enhance the user experience
Learn More
Stunning Looks with Seashell Design
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One of the thinnest and lightest mini-notebooks of its class, the Eee PC 1005HA exhibits eye-catching style and a high-quality, reliable build.
Inspired from a sea shell’s contour shape, you will appreciate the attention to detail that makes the Eee PC 1005HA a true work of art.
Dressed in a sparkling pearlescent “shell” casing that gives it a captivating sheen, the Eee PC 1005HA Seashell is beautiful inside and out, and weighs a mere 2.8 lbs.
This sleek, sophisticated Eee PC 1005HA-P comes in your choice of either black or blue colors and with every use you will appreciate the relentless attention to detail encompassed in its design. |
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10.5 Hours of All-Day Computing and Unplugged Freedom
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The Eee PC 1005HA-P’s Super Hybrid Engine, LED-backlit display, Intel Atom Processor and high density Li-Ion battery pack provide you with more computing time per charge; up to 10.5 hours* of unplugged use when you are out and about. To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place.
ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine helps you manage your power consumption, by providing you with optimal power setting depending on your current usage needs. Simply change settings in the Super Hybrid Engine software.
With an astounding 10.5 hours of battery life, you can enjoy unplugged freedom to finish your work, video chat with friends, or enjoy entertainment on-the-go. |
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Large LED Backlit Screen for Comfortable Viewing
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A brilliant 10.1-inch LED backlit widescreen display makes reading documents and viewing multimedia files comfortable in any situation.
The Eee PC 1005HA-P incorporates the latest generation of LED backlit technology, providing an ultra-thin, ultra-bright and energy-efficient display.
1024 x 600 resolution allows you to view most pages without needing to scroll left or right.
The 1005HA-P also features a brilliant Color-Shine glossy display normally found on high-end notebooks. With Color-Shine, your movies, games and photos are displayed in true and vibrant colors. |
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Ergonomic Keyboard and Multi-touch Touchpad
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Thanks to intelligent engineering, the Eee PC 1005HA’s thin and compact chassis sports an ergonomically designed keyboard that is a comfortable 92% of the size of a regular notebook’s keyboard, proving fatigue-free typing during prolonged use.
The Eee PC 1005HA also comes with a user-friendly wide-format multi-touch touchpad to help you easily navigate the widescreen display without a mouse. The multi-touch interface allows you to scroll and zoom quickly with 2 fingers and is intuitive and kid friendly.
For your convenience, there is also an easy-to-access hotkey for locking the touchpad when you want to use an external mouse. |
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Flexible Connectivity with Eee PC 1005HA
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The Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell comes with the latest in wireless connectivity, including WiFi 802.11 b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1. Connect easily to wireless networks and Bluetooth devices anywhere you go.
The Eee PC 1005HA includes numerous easily accessible ports including 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x VGA port, 2 x Audio input/output ports, 1 x RJ-45 port, and a Kensington Lock port.
A spring-loaded Plug-and-Play MMC/SD/SDHC flash card slot is also provided to let you easily transfer your digital photos and videos and expand your system storage.
A built-in 1.3M Pixels webcam built-in and Digital Array Microphones allows you to enjoy clear audio/video conversations with family and friends even when you’re out and about. |
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Convenient ASUS Hybrid Storage and Power Efficient Intel Atom N280 Processor
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The Eee PC 1005HA-P comes with 170GB of ASUS Hybrid Storage, which includes a 160GB hard disk drive** and 10GB of FREE Eee Online Storage.***
With Eee Online Storage, your data can be easily shared with other people and can be accessed anywhere where internet access is available.
The ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell is powered by the Intel Atom N280 processor.
Built with the world’s smallest transistors, the Atom N280 processor uses only 2.5 watts of power – less than 1/10 of the power consumption of ordinary desktop processors – offering extremely long battery life. |
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Quick Recovery with Just One Key
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The Eee PC 1005HA-P comes with a built-in quick recovery system that restores your system to its factory settings when you press F9 three times during start-up.
The quick F9 recovery process eliminates the need for a Windows CD or driver CD if you need to restore your system from the factory settings.
It is recommended that you backup your data with Eee Online Storage prior to using the recovery system. |
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Warranty
1 Year Warranty and Flawless Display Guarantee from ASUS
Users can rest easy with the Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell’s 1 year warranty and ASUS’ Zero Bright Dot Flawless Display Guarantee. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel with no cost to the purchaser.
What’s in the Box
Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell (Blue)
Travel Sleeve
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP
Display: 10.1-inch 1024×600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (Color-Shine/Glossy Screen Technology)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage**
Camera: 1.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Digital Array Microphones
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x VGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone & Mic-in
Battery: 10.5 hours* Li-Ion battery†
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.81 lbs (with battery)
Color: Blue
*Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.
**Hard drive capacity without operating system.
***Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for a 6 month extension (depending on country)
– All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets.
– Product may not be exactly as shown in images.
† To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place.
Check Out Other ASUS Products and Accessories
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The Perfect Portable USB-Powered DVD Re-Writer for the Eee Family. |
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With 8.5 hours of Battery Life and weighing only 4.2lbs, the U20A has the power of a laptop with the mobile benefits of an ultra-portable. |
Asus K50IJ-A1 Versatile Performance Notebook
Looking for a Laptop at an affordable price? Check out the stylish and versatile 15.6-inch Asus K50IJ-A1. |
ASUS Eee Top
An affordable touch screen PC that makes learning, work, and play easier than ever before, for users of all ages. |
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 14, 2010 14:25:38
Tags : Acer Aspire One AO751h Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-2863 ASUS Eee PC 1002HA 10-Inch Netbook
