S$3998
Product Summary
7.6
out of 10View score
The bad: No dedicated multimedia buttons; gets rather hot during use, a sore point for right-handers since heat vent is on starboard side; insufficient screen brightness for outdoor use.
The bottom line: The main draw of Acer's latest carbon fiber flagship model is its cutting-edge components and swivel Webcam. However, in terms of design, there is much room for improvement.
Read full review of the Acer TravelMate 8204WLMi »
Average User Rating
from 4 users
8.8
out of 10CNET Asia Review
Acer's latest flagship model sports interesting additions such as a swivel Webcam and a curved keyboard. Based on Intel's Core Duo processor and high-end ATI graphics card, the Acer TravelMate 8200 was built for raw power. However, we were rather perplexed by the target market for this laptop, since its lacking entertainment features such as multimedia buttons, yet incorporating a high-definition audio chip from Realtek. The TravelMate offers a SmartCard slot for security but fails to include important corporate features such as a biometric fingerprint scanner or trusted platform module security chip. In the end, it is a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. A powerful notebook but with no specific audience in mind.
Design
Molded from the same material used on racing vehicles, the black exterior is constructed from carbon fiber which is stronger than aluminum, yet significantly lighter. Acer intentionally kept the carbon fiber weave pattern which may appeal to F1 racing fans, but could alienate consumers of the fairer sex. Coming in at a hefty 3kg, the weight savings from the case material is probably the only factor keeping it from a desktop replacement classification. Though its footprint is a reasonable 364 x 271mm, the TravelMate 8200 needs to lose some bulk from its 38mm thickness. Executives or students who are required to carry their notebooks for long periods may want to consider a lighter machine.
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 The carbon fiber weave will appeal to race car junkies. (Click for larger image) |
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Dedicated buttons are sparse around the TravelMate's curved keyboard. Lacking volume and multimedia controls, the typing area feels a little naked. Four application keys on the top right launch email, Internet browser, Acer's Empowering Key software and a user-determined application.
Most of the connectivity ports are lined on the sides of the machine, with the exception of the DVI, S-video, Acer's ezDock port and power jack which are found at the rear. Primed with the latest components, it is not unexpected that the system generates a lot of heat. However, the designers could have given a thought to right-hand mouse users who may find their hands slowly roasting during long periods of intensive processing.
Rate It Now
User Reviews
A great travel companion
Jun 21, 2006Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Top line specs, nice keyboard
Cons: Hot fan exhaust on right side
Opinion:
Some improvement over the 8100 I replaced, like the DVD drive on left (mouse user), would like all cables to plug in on back. Has very good assortment of inputs. I like the curved keyboard. Speakers could use a little improvement. It runs great and has yet to hesitate or faulter. I run many big apps at the same, no problem
Best effort from Acer so far!
May 8, 2006Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Overall design, Carbon fibre lid, X1600 graphics, capable of handling almost anything except cooking
Cons: Runs a LITTLE hot on the right, no dedicated volume buttons
Opinion:
I needed a new laptop to bring overseas, and Acer was the 1st brand to launch their Core Duo laptops. Initially i had my doubt over Acer's laptop qualities as i've heard and read numerous complaints regarding their lower-end ranged laptops, so buying the 8204 was a pretty big gamble which has eventually been justified. Been using it for 5 months now, never ever had a single hardware or software problem from it or whatsoever, only problem was the faulty LAN driver which was later fixed with a driver update from Acer website. My only qualms are the little amount of heat it generates on the right side, but it's not as bad as what other people have described about it, and the lack of dedicated volume buttons, but that's not even worth being a major concern, unless u really can't stand holding down TWO buttons (FN + Volume Up/Down) to adjust volume. Acer has impressed me this time, so ... Read more
very good
Mar 21, 2006Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: nice specs, good graphic card and ram is ok.
Cons: it should have 2 gig ram
Opinion:
interested to know why it only come with 1GB DDR2 ram ? I have checked various US websites and reviews. they have all stated that Acer TravelMate 8204WLMi comes with 2GB DDR2 ram, may i noe why?
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