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 it's 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
Moulded from the same material used on racing vehicles, the black exterior is constructed from carbon fibre which is stronger than aluminium, yet significantly lighter. Acer intentionally kept the carbon fibre 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.
 The carbon fibre weave will appeal to race car junkies. |
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.
Features
Intel has retired the Pentium M branding and Core Duo is the new name given to the latest dual-core Yonah chip. Instead of processing data in a single stream, the new technology allows software to split computing tasks into two paths so both cores simultaneously crunch numbers for speedier performance. Coupled with the latest Centrino platform, the front side bus speed has been bumped up from 533MHz to 667MHz, increasing the speed of data transfer and overall performance.
The TravelMate 8200 is one of the most connected notebooks available. Which is not a surprise when it comes with a AU$3,999 price tag. Wirelessly, it can hook up to 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth and infrared devices. The modem and Gigabit Ethernet ports provide speedy access to wired networks. For external peripherals, four USB 2.0 and one mini-FireWire ports are provided for high-bandwidth connection. Digital camera buffs will appreciate the integrated memory card reader which is compatible with SD/MMC and Memory Stick formats (some of the smaller flash cards require the use of adaptors). For past and future expandability, both Type II PC card and ExpressCard/34 slots are provided. However, those looking to invest in larger ExpressCard/54 devices are out of luck with this machine.
 The widescreen display is, unfortunately, not bright enough for outdoor use. |
