asus-vs-hpThe netbook market is the most crowded one these days with almost every laptop manufacturer eying to build a best selling model that will boost their business. Asus Eee PC range of netbooks are the pioneers of the netbook lineup but today they are not the only company who sell these small-sized, light-weight, low-cost portable computers. Along with other tough competitors, there is HP with its vastly popular mini netbooks. Today we will compare two latest and almost similarly configured 10 inch netbooks from both manufacturers : HP Mini 2140 and Asus Eee PC 1005 HA Seashell. You might also take a look at our review of HP Mini 2140 and Asus Eee PC 1005 HA to know more about these netbooks.

1. Performance

HP Mini 2140 : It comes with a Intel Atom N270 Processor clocking at 1.6 GHz. The RAM is 1GB DDR2 SDRAM (667MHz).
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : It comes with a 1.66 GHz Intel Atom N280 Processor with 1GB DDR2 SDRAM(667 MHz). The N280 processor is slightly faster than the N270 CPU though in normal life the distinction is hardly noticeable.
Conclusion : The performance of both netbooks are almost same but I will keep Asus Eee PC slightly ahead.

2. Design

HP Mini 2140 : There is nothing new in the design and the look and feel is quite boxy.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : The new seashell design looks a bit wider at the back and the hinges are so designed that the screen slides back behind the keyboard which gives a smaller feeling
Conclusion : The design of this Eee PC catches eye with its innovative looks though it is highly a personal matter and you may like the HP’s design more.

3. Keyboard

HP Mini 2140 : The keyboard is 96% of a full sized keyboard and is also water resistant. There is a special coating that resists the keys from visible wear.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : It’s keyboard is an average one.
Conclusion : The HP Mini 2140 keyboard is one of the best keyboards found in any netbooks. It is a sure winner here.

4. TouchPad

HP Mini 2140 : The touchpad of this device had to make sacrifice to make space for the keyboard. It is very narrow and the vertical button placement is very awkward.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : The touchpad is average.
Conclusion : The touchpad of HP Mini loses over to Asus Eee PC.

5. Display

HP Mini 2140 : Display size is 10.1 inch with 1024 X 576 pixels resolution. The screen is glossy and bright
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : It also has a 10.1 inch display with 1024 X 600 pixels resolution. It also has a glossy screen.
Conclusion : The screen of Asus Eee PC 1005 HA is better with more pixels and the viewing angles are also better.

6. Battery Life

HP Mini 2140 : The battery life of the device is very good. It runs for about seven hours with normal workload and about 5 hours with high workload with its six cell battery.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : The battery life of the Asus Eee PC 1005 HA is even better. It runs for about eight hours in normal workload and at least six hours in high workload condition with its six cell battery.
Conclusion : Both of them have very good battery life but Asus Eee PC outruns HP Mini in by an hour margin.

7. Size and Weight

HP Mini 2140 : It measures 10.3 X 6.5 X 1.1 inches and weighs 3.0 pounds with six cell batteries.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : It measures 10.3 x 7 x 1.5 inches and weighs 2.7 pounds with six cell battery.
Conclusion : Asus Eee PC is slightly thicker for its seashell like design but it is lighter than the HP Mini. So no clear winner here.

8. Build Quality

HP Mini 2140 : Sturdy structure with all-aluminum lid and solid magnesium chassis like Mini 2133. The metal alloy hinges also look good and durable.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : Build quality is better than budget netbook with its good quality plastic and does not flex under pressure.
Conclusion : HP Mini is a winner here with its impressive build quality.

9. Price

HP Mini 2140 : It is now available at around $450 with standard configuration.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : It is now available at around $350 with standard configuration.
Conclusion : With nearly the same specs with HP Mini the Asus Eee PC really provides the value for money.

10. Overall

HP Mini 2140 : With its nice build quality and amazing keyboard the business travelers will like it.
Asus Eee PC 1005 HA : Asus is the name for bang for your bucks if you are a budget conscious customer.
Conclusion : Both have their own customers. I would buy HP Mini 2140 if I have some extra money to spend for a better computer and I would buy Asus Eee PC if I want same performance in a limited budget.