Acer is back with a potent notebook for 2012 that moves with you.Acer’s 14″ TravelMate is designed for on the move with 8hr battery life, ultra-thin and light, weighing just 2.3 kg.
The new Timeline 8473 series notebook boasts an ultra bright 14-inch LED-backlit screen 16:9 aspect, HD resolution (1366X768).
Specs wise, it is powered by 2nd generation Intel Core processors, Intel HD Graphics 3000 for better video and gaming images, Acer Crystal Eye 1.3 MP HD webcam (for Skype/ video chats), multi-monitor support for multitasking, 8 GB of advanced DDR3 memory with an additional 128GB Solid State Drive option, and an integrated multi-in-1 card reader.
Timeline 8473 also has the option of discrete graphic options NVIDIA Optimus technology.
 Click to enlarge |
Connections-wise, the 14″ Wi-Fi with Nplify wireless technology, Bluetooth 3.0, 3G and USB 3.0 port transfers data from/to devices 10 times faster than before.
And similar although not as good as to Ultrabooks, the Timeline 8473 boots up in 8 seconds thanks to Linux based OS. And immediate searching for information is also easier with Acer’s InstantView.
The Acer is also a professional’s dream with its own Video Conferencing solution, including the Crystal Eye 1.3 HD webcam, built-in microphone.
The TravelMate is also resistant to the elements with a Magnesium-Aluminium case that distributes evenly all external forces and “can withstand extreme pressure,” says its maker.
It also boasts a metal alloy hinge, comes with a reinforced coil for maximum strength and Autolock ensures the notebook lid is secure, meaning wear and tear won’t hit it hard.
It also has dust resistant technology and a spill resistant Keyboard.
Plus, thanks to /power-off USB charging/ users can charge smartphones or other USB devices without having to turn on the device.
Acer, renowned for their poor battery life in the past, now says the new machine will last a full working day or “up to” 8hrs with a PowerSmart long cycle battery, which maintains 80% capacity after 1000 cycle count, reducing the need to replace it.
 Click to enlarge |
Renowned for its portable PCs Acer could be on the right track upping the ante on notebooks – according to analysts Canalys, notebooks grew 7.3% last year y-o-y (ok not as good as tablets 186%) but total shipments exceeded all other PCs including tabs, desktops and netbooks, at 216 million units.
Acer ProDock featuring I/O ports such as USB 3.0/2.0 ports, Display Port, DVI port, HDMI port, VGA port, and its ergonomic design fits any space requirement.
And the notebook is also secure and files can be kept safe within Personal Secure Drive (PSD) and the handy File Shredder permanently remove unwanted files or folders from the computer beyond recovery.
“With features to boast and a great user experience to match its good looks, our new notebook design consists of neat lines and a slim profile that creates a feel of efficiency and timeless style” says Daniel Goffredo, Commercial Notebook Product Specialist, Acer said.
Acer TravelMate Timeline 8473 is reasonable A$1,199 and is available now.
