First look: Acer’s new TravelMate laptops

With the launch of the Centrino 2 platform, we’re expecting to see a flurry of activity from all the major manufacturers as they refresh their current ranges – or launch entirely new ones, as we saw from Sony yesterday – that are able to proudly bear the Centrino 2 sticker.

Accordingly, Acer has launched an updated range of TravelMate notebooks that fully embrace the new platform. Five laptops run the size gamut from 12.1in to 17in screens, but all promise plenty of power thanks to the inclusion of new processors. The 17in TravelMate 7730G includes the Intel Core 2 Duo T9600, T9400, P9500, P8400 or P8600 – with clock speeds ranging from 2.26GHz to 2.8GHz.

The rest of the specification promises more than enough performance for business users, too: there’s 2GB of RAM, the chance to include GeForce 9000M-series discrete graphics and one or two hard disk drives, with sizes ranging from 120 to 320GB. The entire range supports draft-n wireless, and the 6593G, 6493G and 6293G can all be equipped with optional HSDPA connections.

It’s worth bearing in mind that not every model can be fitted with every part available in the new range of TravelMates. The larger 7730 and 5730 models have discrete graphics, more storage and an HDMI output, for instance, whereas the smaller notebooks – the 6593, 6493 and 6294 – include more connectivity. They can all be equipped with GRM, GPRS, EDGE and 3G connections, although they do rely on integrated graphics rather than a discrete chip.

Just as intriguing as the specification are the various new features that Acer has included. Security has been tightened: as well as TPM, there’s now pre-boot authentication, so you have to log in using the fingerprint reader before you can even get near the OS. The hard disk can also be set with a password, so even if it’s swapped into another laptop, people can’t access it without permission.

Acer FingerLaunch, despite sounding unutterably rude, sounds interesting: each finger can be linked to a different application, music file, picture, movie or game – so, swipe your index finger to open Outlook, or use your little finger when the boss isn’t looking to boot up a quick game of TrackMania over lunch. While the image of us playing our laptops like a piano is endearing, we’re worried that it will be difficult actually remembering what each finger does unless we’ve tattooed each application onto our fingernails.

On the outside, little has changed since the last generation of TravelMate laptops. The magnesium alloy chassis returns and feels suitably robust, but won’t set the world alight with stunning design. We’re still not sure about the slightly curved keyboard – it certainly takes a while to get used to, and we’re hard pressed to find the genuine ergonomic benefits that Acer keeps banging on about.

A couple of models also include TrackPoints – usually seen on older ThinkPad models – for those who don’t like to use the touchpad. If you’re keen, then the 6593 and 6493 both feature these. These two models also both feature a second set of mouse buttons directly above the trackpad.

There’s no denying that Centrino 2 brings plenty of extra power and connectivity to the TravelMate series, although whether this will be enough to topple the Dell Latitude and Vostro machines from the A List is something that we’ll have to hold judgement about. Keep checking the site for a full review – Acer assure us that the new laptops will be arriving on these shores within a month, and we’ll be first in line to deliver the definitive verdict on the new notebooks.

The specs:

Acer TravelMate 7730

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400/P9500/T9600/P8400/P8600 (2.26GHz – 2.8GHz)

2GB 667MHz DDR2 RAM

17in 1440 x 900 TFT LCD display

Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT/9300M GS graphics

One or two 120 – 320GB hard disk

Intel Wireless Wifi Link 5100 or 5300 with 802.11a/b/g/draft-n support

Bluetooth 2.0

Gigabit Ethernet

One year RTB warranty

Windows Vista Business/Home Premium/Home Basic with XP recovery disc included

396 x 286 x 44mm (W x D x H)

3.6kg

Acer TravelMate 5730

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400/P9500/T9600/P8400/P8600 (2.26GHz – 2.8GHz)

2GB 667MHz DDR2 RAM

15.4in 1280 x 800 TFT LCD display

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470/Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics

120 – 320 GB hard disk

Intel Wireless Wifi Link 5100 or 5300 with 802.11a/b/g/draft-n support

Bluetooth 2.0

Gigabit Ethernet

One year RTB warranty

Windows Vista Business/Home Premium/Home Basic with XP recovery disc included

360 x 267 x 43mm (W x D x H)

3kg

Acer TravelMate 6593

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400/P9500/T9600/P8400/P8600 (2.26GHz – 2.8GHz)

2GB 1066MHz DDR3 RAM

15.4in 1280 x 800 TFT LCD

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 graphics

120 – 320GB hard disk

Intel Wireless Wifi Link 5100 or 5300 with 802.11a/b/g/draft-n support

Bluetooth 2.0

Gigabit Ethernet

UMTS/HSDPA 3G and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity optional

One year RTB warranty

Windows Vista Business/Home Basic/Business 64-bit/Home Basic 64-bit/Windows XP Professional

360 x 267 x 44mm (W x D x H)

3.1kg

Acer TravelMate 6493

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400/P9500/T9600/P8400/P8600 (2.26GHz – 2.8GHz)

2GB 1066MHz DDR3 RAM

14.1in 1280 x 800 TFT LCD

Intel GM45 express chipset with Intel GMAX4500HD integrated graphics

120 – 320GB hard disk

Intel Wireless Wifi Link 5100 or 5300 with 802.11a/b/g/draft-n support

Bluetooth 2.0

Gigabit Ethernet

UMTS/HSDPA 3G and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity optional

One year RTB warranty

Windows Vista Business/Home Basic/Business 64-bit/Home Basic 64-bit/Windows XP Professional

338 x 245 x 44mm (W x D x H)

2.63kg

Acer TravelMate 6293

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400/P9500/T9600/P8400/P8600 (2.26GHz – 2.8GHz)

2GB 1066MHz DDR3 RAM

12.1in 1280 x 800 TFT LCD

Intel GM45 express chipset with Intel GMAX4500HD integrated graphics

120 – 320GB hard disk

Intel Wireless Wifi Link 5100 or 5300 with 802.11a/b/g/draft-n support

Bluetooth 2.0

Gigabit Ethernet

UMTS/HSDPA 3G and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity optional

One year RTB warranty

Windows Vista Business/Home Basic/Business 64-bit/Home Basic 64-bit/Windows XP Professional

306 x 227 x 36mm (W x D x H)

2.1kg