Product Description: The TravelMate 2300 notebook series introduces a new range of mobile work companions for self-employed professionals and users from small and medium-sized enterprises looking to address the growing need to stay connected to vital business resources when working from locations outside the office. The highly efficient and flexible TravelMate 2300 provides the right multimedia tools and an integrated set of communication facilities that liberates corporate sales and service professionals from the limitations and restrictions of traditional office environments.
Amazon Product Description: The Basics: A value-priced, entry-level portable computer for those who can't justify the cost of an upscale model, the Acer TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP Notebook PC is far from the most powerful or feature-laden notebook on the market. The system's CPU is not particularly strong, its 3D graphic capabilities are somewhat limited, the majority of its components are a bit dated, and its battery efficiency is wanting. Hence it is not an ideal choice for graphic designers, gamers, or demanding road warriors. However, it does deliver desirable amenities such as CD burning, DVD playback, wireless connectivity, and a surprisingly spacious hard drive. Moreover, it certainly won't break the bank. If you don't foresee going beyond basic notebook tasks such as contact management, word processing, photo organization and e-communication, and you don't want to drain your pocketbook, you may have found what you're looking for.
Processor: At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP features a 1.3 GHz Intel Pentium M 340 CPU. This is one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is not part of Intel's revamped Pentium M lineup. As such, it incorporates just 512K of Level 2 cache rather than the whopping 2 MB of Level 2 cache found in more recent versions. It is therefore not nearly as efficient when dealing with recently accessed data. Considering its smaller Level 2 cache and midlevel 1.5 GHz speed, this CPU is best suited to basic tasks such as word processing, email communication, finances, and the like.
Memory: Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they also keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP incorporates 512 MB of RAM. This is an ample allotment of memory, yet it isn't the fastest memory at just 266 MHz. Thusly, you'll likely need to upgrade to 1 GB if you intend to engage in lots of multitasking or run sophisticated applications that rely upon memory to operate at full capability.
Video: CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output, particularly that of 3D graphics, to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with 'dedicated' built-in video memory is preferable to one with 'shared' video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. The TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP is not a 3D powerhouse, featuring a cost effective integrated 3D graphics chip that borrows resources from the system's main memory. Thusly, the unit is not recommended for anyone who deals with visually demanding applications such as 3D games or 3D graphics design/animation.
Display: The integrated 15-inch display features a maximum resolution of 1024 by 768. These are standard figures for entry-level and mid-grade notebooks.
Hard Disk: Given the budget-oriented components you'll find elsewhere in the system, the 60 GB hard drive is a surprise find. With it, you'll have enough storage space for a standard number of mobile apps and user-created files and a small library of space-hogging video, photo and music files too.
Optical Drive: An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A 'CD-ROM' drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A 'CD-RW' drive adds CD 'burning', so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can 'write' home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Most drives support several of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW/DVD drive, through which you can do all of the above except burn DVDs.
Audio: The TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP is equipped with stereo speakers, a built-in microphone, and a mono line in and out.
Keyboard and Controls: You'll control your notebook via an 88-key Acer FineTouch keyboard with embedded numeric keypad and hotkeys, a touchpad with two mouse buttons and a four-way integrated scroll button, and several convenient hotkeys.
Connectivity and Expansion: The TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP is equipped with practical amenities such as a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, 802.11b/g wireless technology for cord-free network and online access via public hotspots, and three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras. The system does not include an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), a memory card reader, infrared or Bluetooth. Operating System and Software: Acer will pre-install a copy of Microsoft's business-oriented operating system, Windows XP Professional, and a small assortment of utilities.
Dimensions and Weight: Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten lbs or more and too cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as 'desktop replacements.' On the other extreme are 'thin and lights' or 'ultra-portables,' super-miniaturized units that usually aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and may even fit comfortably inside a large purse. The TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP is of average size and weight at 6.4 lbs and 14.3 by 11 by 1.5 inches.
Power: One of the most important aspects of a notebook computer is battery efficiency. Today's most efficient notebooks deliver upwards of five hours between charges, while larger and more powerful machines offer less than two hours. The TravelMate TM2304LCI-XPP incorporates a 4-cell lithium ion battery capable of just two hours.
