Barring its flagship high-end models like the TravelMate 8215 and Ferrari series, most of Acer's lineup are targeted at consumers on a budget but who are unwilling to compromise on performance. The TravelMate 6291 does not depart from this strategy, offering a good set of features at an entry-level price for the business user. If even more processing power and a fingerprint biometric sensor are required, its higher-end sibling in the form of the TravelMate 6292 is also available for S$350 (US$251.00) more.
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Read first take of the Acer TravelMate 6291 »

First Take

Barring its flagship high-end models like the TravelMate 8215 and Ferrari series, most of Acer's lineup are targeted at consumers on a budget but who are unwilling to compromise on performance. The TravelMate 6291 does not depart from this strategy, offering a good set of features at an entry-level price for the business user. If even more processing power and a fingerprint biometric sensor are required, its higher-end sibling in the form of the TravelMate 6292 is also available for S$350 (US$251.00) more.

Upside: Encased in a new black chassis, the top cover of the TravelMate is made from a magnesium-alloy material which is stronger yet lighter than plastic. The understated design also blends in with even the stuffiest office environment. An unusual aspect of the new body is the placement of shortcut keys on the right, which control the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios as well as launch the Web browser, email program and preprogramed application. Though it lacks multimedia controls, this is not a vital omission for the corporate user. But for those who like to share music and watch movies together (despite its relatively small display), the dual headphone jacks--one of which is S/PDIF-compatible--will be appreciated.

As an entry-level portable retailing at S$1,648 (US$1,186.55), it offers a good set of connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet and modem. According to Acer, wireless access is further improved using its proprietary SignalUp antenna setup. The harddisk is also protected with Acer's Disk Anti-Shock Protection (DASP), which reduces damage to the magnetic platters in the event of a drop. For those who love meeting via video conferencing, the TravelMate 6291 incorporates a 0.3-megapixel Webcam and dual microphones above the display. The latter improves audio capture by using beam forming, echo cancellation and noise suppression technologies.

According to Acer's Web site, the standard six-cell battery should last up to 5 hours, an impressive feat considering its full-powered Core 2 Duo processor. For even longer runtimes, a nine-cell option is available.

Downside: For executives holding confidential information, the TravelMate 6291 is not a place to store your data. Lacking a fingerprint sensor, TPM security chip, etc. this entry-level model is more suitable for the office grunt. Unless you are buying in bulk and every dollar counts, the Lenovo 3000 V100-5QA configuration retailing for S$1,799 (US$1,295.27) offers greater data security, though it has only a Core Duo processor. If a larger 14-inch screen does not bother you, the Toshiba Satellite M100 offers a biometric sensor, Core 2 Duo performance and discrete graphics for the same price as the V100.

Its lack of serial and parallel ports may also hurt its chances with offices that still use legacy devices. For a 12.1-inch portable with an integrated optical drive, its carry weight of 2.2kg and 34.5mm thickness make it rather hefty for its class.

Outlook: An entry-level business portable hovering at the S$1,600 (US$1,151.99) price point, the Acer TravelMate 6291 offers a competent set of features with a new classy exterior. Though there are better options around for just a couple of hundred more, the frequent traveler will be swayed by the TravelMate's rather impressive battery life.

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Acer TravelMate 6291 (Core 2 Duo T5500 Processor 1.66GHz, 1GB RAM)

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User Reviews

diyum

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Value for Money notebook

Aug 23, 2007

Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: small, weigh less than 2 Kg, loaded with Blue tooth, WiFi and DVD Multi Drive
Cons: I wish this notebook comes with Win XP Pro, Vista needs more time to stabilise
Opinion:
This week, I purchased this Acer 6291 for USD 1000/- for 2 GB RAM and 160GB HDD and I felt it was a good investment. But i craved for Win XP Pro OS rather than Vista Home Premium. Vista needs few more years to stabilize. Overall, I am happy with this notebook

 

ahmadyasin

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Great Price, Great Portability

Jul 6, 2007

Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Affordable price, internal optical drive
Cons: Have to upgrade bios to install XP
Opinion:
i bought this last night, and i find the design was as good as i expected. i rushed to get my XP installed, but whoa... the setup can't find any harddisk! fortunately acer have the answer and problem solved after bios upgrade.
i found everything i need on this, 12" screen, wi-fi, dvd writer,etc. i spent 999US$ for the 512mb package and another 405US$ to make it 1,5Gb... a dream machine indeed

 

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