Features:
- Intel Pentium M Processor 705 (1.5 GHz)
- 1MB L2 Cache
- 400MHz FSB
- 512MB of PC2700 DDR333 DDR SDRAM (upgradable to 2GB)
- 2 RAM Slots (occupied)
Description:
The Basics:
Acer's TravelMate 4000 TM4000WLCi represents a happy medium between features, performance and affordability. It's powerful enough for most typical mobile applications but not so much that you'll forget about your speedy desktop PC. It's compact enough to be comparatively comfortable on long treks but not so tiny that you're paying a premium price. Its optical drive offers CD burning and DVD playing, but no DVD recording. And it's exceedingly battery efficient. If you're not expecting top level 3D performance or acres of storage space, the TravelMate 4000 TM4000WLCi makes a great deal of sense. 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 4000 TM4000WLCi is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor 710 running at 1.4 GHz. This is one of three components comprising 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. Moreover, the new, upgraded Pentium M roster features an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for lightning fast access to recently opened files and applications. This particular 1.4 GHz model is a midlevel Pentium M chip, far from the stunning speed of a high-end Pentium 4 but fast enough to breeze through common tasks while at the same time improving battery life. Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they 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 4000 TM4000WLCi incorporates 512 MB of fast DDR333 SDRAM memory. Though ultra-demanding users may want to expand this total to the unit's maximum of 1 GB, the stock allotment of RAM is more than enough for the vast majority of situations. Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A standalone graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to an "integrated" controller that's permanently mounted to the mainboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures without draining resources and delivering slow or jumpy images. This system's graphics controller is an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 with 64 MB of shared memory. Though not as efficient as a standalone card for the reasons explained above, this controller nevertheless is part of Intel's recently upgraded Extreme Graphics technology, which more efficiently allocates memory than preceding models. As such, the unit will deliver top-notch images and smooth frame rates to virtually any 2D and some 3D applications, but is not recommended for serious gaming or 3D animation. Display:
You'll love the way your images look on the system's 15.4-inch WXGA display. Not only does it sport super-clean resolutions of 1280 by 800, but it also offers a 16:10 "widescreen" viewing ratio -- the same panoramic dimensions favored by Hollywood movie-makers and today's most popular commercial DVDs. Hard Disk:
At 40 GB, the system's hard drive is of average size for a modern notebook. This level of data storage is certainly sufficient for typical users, but perhaps not quite enough for those who want to maintain large multimedia or video libraries. 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). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. The TravelMate 4000 TM4000WLCi features a CD-RW/DVD drive that supports all of the above except for DVD writing. Audio:
The unit features an integrated stereo audio processor, a pair of integrated stereo speakers, a stereo headphones/speakers/line out jack and microphone/line in ports. Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via an 88-key Acer FineTouch keyboard with an embedded numeric keypad and numerous hotkey controls, and a convenient Touchpad with two mouse buttons and integrated scroll button. Connectivity and Expansion:
Whether you prefer wireless or corded connections, the TravelMate 4000 TM4000WLCi is ready for anything the present or future may bring. The unit offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a standard dial-up 56K data/fax modem for low-speed communication, a 10/100 LAN for high-speed wired network and Internet, and integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG for cordless e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via local public hotspots. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, a FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), a high-quality S-Video TV-out for high-quality digital feeds to a monitor or television, and an infrared port for interaction with cordless peripherals. Operating System and Software:
Acer has equipped the TravelMate 4000 TM4000WLCi with Microsoft's top-of-the-line version of the Windows XP operating system, Windows XP Professional Edition, and a mediocre selection of multimedia and operational utilities. Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve pounds or more and therefore too big and 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 typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two pounds and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. At 14.3 by 11 by 1.3 - 1.5 inches and 6.6 pounds, the TravelMate 4000 TM4000WLCi is well under the current notebook average. Power:
The unit is equipped with an eight-cell lithium ion battery that delivers an admirable 5 hours of use under ideal conditions. Average recharge time is 1.5 hours with power off and 3.5 hours with power on.
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