The Bottom Line
Pros
- Dedicated Graphics Processor
- Full Gigabyte Memory
- Strong Storage Capabilities
Cons
- Single Core Processor
- Hard Drive Spins at Slower Rate
Description
- AMD Turion 64 ML-34 Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2700 DDR Memory
- 120GB 4200rpm Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
- 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) Wide Screen LCD
- ATI Mobility X700 Graphics with 64MB Memory
- v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wireless
- Four USB 2.0, One FireWire, One Type II PC Card Slot and 6-in-1 Reader
- 14.3" x 10.9" x 1.3" @
- Windows XP Professional, PowerDVD, NTI CD-Maker, Norton Anti-Virus
Guide Review - Acer TravelMate TM4404WLMi
10/13/06 – Dual core processors are becoming quite common now in the portable computing market thanks to the Core Duo. Acer had the option of using the Turion 64 X2 dual core for the TravelMate TM4404WLMi, but instead they chose to use the single core Turion 64 ML-34. This is a decent speed processor but it will lag behind in multitasking. The full gigabyte of RAM will help it run programs smoothly though.
Storage is quite strong for the TravelMate TM4404WLMi. It includes a very sizable 120GB hard drive that provides plenty of space for programs and digital files. The drive does spin at a slower 4200rpm rate compared to the more standard 5400rpm and does reduce performance some. An 8x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner allows it to read or record music, movie and data CDs and DVDs.
Probably the best thing about the TM4404WLMi is the graphics. Most companies are dropping dedicated graphics for integrated graphics on even some high end notebooks. Acer has chosen to include the ATI Radeon Mobility X700 that provides it with dramatically improved 3D performance over integrated solutions. Those looking for 3D gaming will still note that the 64MB of graphics memory will limit its performance but it still is possible.
All of this helps make the Acer TravelMate TM4404WLMi a great all around budget notebook system that can be used for a wide range of tasks. About the only people who might have troubles are those who multitask heavily.
