Storage comes in the form of a 160GB hard drive. Again, this is par for the netbook course, but it's an ample amount for a machine primarily designed for use on the go. It provides enough space to hoard around 230 standard-definition movies. Should this prove insufficient, Asus provides an extra 10GB of online storage, accessible from any location via the Internet.
The Seashell's wireless capabilities are slightly above average. Its wireless adaptor is compatible with 802.11g Wi-Fi networks, which have a theoretical throughput of up to 54Mbps, but it also supports high-speed 802.11n networks for those who want faster wireless access and a longer wireless range. Up to 300Mbps is possible, although real-world speeds are likely to be closer to 100Mbps. The netbook also packs 10/100Mbps Ethernet and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.
The Seashell's 10-inch, 1,024x600-pixel display is one of the best we've seen on a netbook. Its horizontal viewing angle is wide enough for two users to watch a video side by side, and its contrast brightness and colour reproduction seem instantly more impressive than many of its rivals. The perception of improved contrast is partly down to the fact that the Seashell uses a glossy screen coating. It's worth noting that this reduces the machine's usability in areas where lighting isn't perfectly diffuse. If you intend to use your netbook outdoors, the Seashell probably isn't for you.
Performance
The Seashell performs almost identically to the 1000HE. Its N280 CPU helped it to claw its way to a score of 1,530 in the PCMark05 benchmark test, which indicates it's fine for the sort of tasks a user might perform while away from their primary machine. Web browsing, basic image editing, instant messaging and office-productivity chores are all within its capabilities.
Asus claims the Seashell will get around 6 hours of life from its three-cell, 2,900mAh lithium-polymer battery. In Battery Eater's intensive Classic test, which runs the machine at full speed until it's exhausted, the Seashell lasted 3 hours and 7 minutes. Longer life is possible with less intensive use, but, if battery life is crucial, the 1000HE, which lasted 5 hours and 48 minutes in the same test, is a better bet.
Conclusion
The Eee PC 1008HA Seashell is a stunning netbook. It's very comfortable to use, extremely light and portable, and is a good all-round performer. For us, the Eee PC 1000HE's superior battery life makes it the better machine, but the Seashell holds its own in what is an increasingly competitive netbook market.
Edited by Charles Kloet
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User reviews2
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dire5577 15 November 2010
Good: Light weight. Clear screen. Nice Keyboard.
Bad: Highly reflective Screen, the case attracts those finger marks !
Comment: I have been using this netbook for 9 months now. Generally I find it very adequate for the sort of use a netbook is made for. Shame about the oh so shiny screen,which makes use in certain light conditions very trying. Also the Hot Key operation of the Volume Control lasted about two weeks before throwing in the towel, it's annoying to have to keep accessing the control in the Task Bar.The flaps covering the USB ports etc, seem rather flimsy,but haven't broken off yet ! With a 250 gig hard drive & Win 7 Basic it's a good machine,but would be better with more Ram. Battery life can be eked out with careful use of the settings, if you can get 4 hours,you're doing well. For the money it's a good buy.
Ollie Lucas 7 November 2010
Good: Excellent design, price, portable generally good performance.
Bad: Performance CAN sometimes be slow and sluggish but only for a short period, volume keys stopped working very quickly.
Comment: An excellent netbook, one of the best out there at the moment, so easy to carry around (ideal for school) The Screen is very nice, and if you get the windows 7 edition, you can get a 250GB model with 500GB online storage, which is obviously extremley handy. The biggest complaint i would have is sometimes performance drops and becomes slow, btu generally it's a good one, especially if you upgrade the RAM to 2GB. Another really quite anooying thing is that the fn volume keys stopped working after about three weeks of usage, which can be a seriously big pain, having to click ont he volume button on the taskbar often takes a while and can be extremly annoying. generally an awesome product and thoroughly good purchase!!
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