Acer TravelMate 2702WLMi Review (pics, specs)

by Chris Garrett, Gloucestershire United Kingdom

- Note to readers, the Acer TravelMate 2700 Series is currently only offered for sale in the United Kingdom -

Introduction

With an aim to make this site both a useful resource for design and hardware enthusiasts alike I figured it's about time I penned my first product review. Having just received my new Acer Travelmate 2702WLMi I decided to knock up a little review of it, concentrating on both the areas of performance and design. First off I'd like to say that for the very budget friendly price of 549 British pounds($965 USD) I was not expecting a beastie machine on par with the likes of the Sony Vaio or Apple Powerbook, and was pleasantly surprised with what the laptop did deliver.

Acer TravelMate 2702WLMi Specs

• Intel Pentium 4 processor 3.0GHz (800MHz FSB),
• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (SP2),
• 15.4" WXGA TFT display,
• 40GB HDD
• 256MB DDR (Max 2GB)
• Communication: 56Kbps modem, 10/100 LAN, Integrated wireless LAN (802.11 b/g),
• DVD-RW Dual optical drive
• 8-cell Li-Ion battery
• Ports: 4 USB 2.0, 1 LAN, 1 Modem, 1 IR, 1 VGA out, 1 PC card slot, 1 AC adapter, 1 microphone, 1 line-out (headphones)
• Weight: 7.5lbs
• Dimensions: 14.4" x 11.4" x 1.8" (width x depth x thickness)
• 1 year travellers warranty

Acer TravelMate 2700 Series (view larger image)

Design

First up aesthetics. From the outset the TravelMate's dimensions suggest that it is anything but a "Travel Mate" but more of a desktop replacement; measuring in at almost 2" thick. The 15.4" widescreen configuration is welcome as trying to work on any form of design using lower end 12" displays is nigh on impossible and the fact that the TravelMate offers widescreen makes it ideal for watching films. Despite being bulky, the laptop's exterior exudes the infamous Acer style; adopting their glossy silver finish which, from a distance, is indecipherable from aluminium (it is in fact just plastic). The curved edges and sleek lines give the case a suave feel which effectively conceals its budget price.

Notice the curved edges on the Acer TravelMate (view larger image)

Acer TravelMate 2702WLMi keyboard view (view larger image)

(view larger image)

Acer TravelMate 2702WLMi front view (view larger image)

Processor

The 3.00GHz Pentium 4 Prescott CPU is the main downfall of the laptop. Although it provides a powerful processing base it is also the main cause of the laptop's portability issues as Acer have had to design the chassis around the oversized heat sinks which are necessary to cool the beastly chip. On the bottom of the case Acer have placed two 40mm fans which were actually not bedded properly upon delivery (I'm currently awaiting a courier to take it back for correction) but the fans will still be irritatingly loud once amended. The Pentium 4's massive power consumption levels also mean that the life of a fully charged battery is only predicted by Acer themselves to be an hour but, unless left idle, battery life actually only comes in at a measly 40 minutes, enhancing the machines suitability as a desktop replacement.

Memory

As standard the machine is only fitted with a very underwhelming 256MB of DDR333 RAM but fortunately the store I bought it from (Shop Acer UK) were running a free upgrade to 512MB (they also threw in a free Belkin carry case). This is definitely adequate for normal computing but if I ever get round to capitalising on the machines power and throw out my desktop I'll have to ensure I upgrade to a 1GB.

Graphics

The main difference between the TravelMate and other laptops on the market within this price bracket is the dedicated graphics card. While most laptops suffice with the motherboards onboard graphics, Acer have plumped for the ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 graphics card with 64MB DDR which offers an additional gaming element to the machine (alright, you're not going to get Doom III out at 1,600 x 1,200 but it'll handle the occasional game with relative ease).

Hard Drive

The core element where Acer has really given themselves a poor showing is in the TravelMate's storage, offering a puny 40GB hard-disk. Even more annoying is the fact that someone's gone and partitioned the hard-disk into two 20GB sections which makes organising files a nightmare (urrrg!). Although this partition can be undone, it's very likely that I will rip out the hard-disk and install a 100GB Toshiba to ensure that my files are safe and organised.

Optical Drive

The Dual Layer DVD-RW came as an immense shock as, in slim line form, these little drives can be very pricey. The drive writes at 8x, but I must warn you, do not try and burn a DVD with the machine on your lap. I'm still waiting for the burns to heal up!

Wireless

The notebook is also wireless ready, offering both traditional 802.11b WiFi reception and Bluetooth. Acer has considered both of these in the design of the case and has placed two large buttons on the front of the chassis which enable you to activate or deactivate the wireless reception.

Speakers

The speakers that come with the machine are actually very good, built into the curved front edge of the machine they offer excellent bass and sweet sounding treble. Although if you do intend to act upon the suggested use of the notebook as a desktop replacement it would also be advised to purchase a sound system with a subwoofer as these offer superior quality when it comes to music playback.

Operating System

The inclusion of a windows XP home edition restore disk is not my preference and I fail to see why Acer couldn't have bundled a full version and maybe even professional instead. SP2 is preinstalled and as of yet I haven't had any issues and am pleased that all drivers are preinstalled.

Super Pi Test

The P4 3.0ghz processor performs pretty well with a Super Pi 2M time of 1 min 42seconds but unfortunately this brings with it the undesirable level of fan noise and, depending on what you're doing, heat levels.

Super Pi (calculating Pi to 2 millions digits):

Notebook	Time to Calculate Pi to 2 Million Digits
Acer TravelMate 2702WLMi(Pentium 4 3.0GHz)	1m 42s
IBM ThinkPad T43(1.86GHzPentium M)	1m 45s
Fujitsu LifeBook N3510 (1.73 GHz Pentium M)	1m 48s
IBM ThinkPad T41 (1.6GHz Pentium M)	2m 23s
Compaq R3000T (Celeron 2.8GHz)	3m 3s
Dell Inspiron 600m(1.6 GHz Pentium M)	2m 10s
Dell Inspiron 8600 (1.7GHz Pentium M)	2m 28s

Conclusion

Acer TravelMate 2702WMLi above view (view larger image)

Overall the TravelMate is a strong performer for a very competitive price. It has the capabilities and components often associated with higher end systems, but unfortunately lack the portability and quietness to match. The Acer "folio" design packs attractiveness into the machine in usual abundance and gives the impression of much higher value. Unfortunately it is let down by the concord like sound levels and abysmal battery life, but if you're looking to replace your desktop with a semi-portable system the TravelMate has what it takes, and I'm looking forward to the biceps I'll reap from lugging the machine around.

Pricing and Availability

The TravelMate 2702WLMi is available from the following UK retailers:

• Comet.co.uk
• Misco.co.uk
• Dabs.com
  

 

Dear Garrett,

I bought this notebook, ACER 2702Wlmi, but I found that it's not really expandible to 2GB.

In fact it only has one slot for soDIMM; I have native 256MB and I bought two soDIMM 512MB to upgrade to 1GB. But when I opened expansion slot, I saw only one expansion bay, not two has Acer says in notebook technical specification and manuals...

Do you have any ideas, please?
Thanks
Francesco

 

it could possibly be under the keyboard.

 

Do you know where can I find a guide to do this, please? I'm afraid that I can break something inside...
Thanks
Francesco

 

Hi Palmtop

Had the same issues adding the 2nd module, found a guide somewhere on the net but can't recall where. It did take some finding!

But here's how to do it...

1) Genty prise up the cover along the top of the keyboard using a very small screwdriver, the one that runs all the way from left to right. It is delicate but just work slowly from on side to the other.
2) Remove the screws across the top of the keyboard and lift up the keyboard being careful as there's a ribbon cable underneath.
3) Hidding here's an empty slot for your nice new memory module!
4) Reverse procedure to install and then enjoy your really fast 2702wlmi


Does anyone have bluetooth on theirs?

All the best

Legs

Note :- This worked for me, I'm good with my hands, if you break yours it isn't my fault ;-)

 

Hi everybody, sorry I haven't got back to you sooner. I had a quick check and CrazyLegs is correct in that the second DIMM is situated underneath the keyboard. I bought my laptop from ShopAcer and got a free memory upgrade so I didn't have any need to originally open the case up. CrazyLegs, my laptop has a button next to the wireless network "quick activation" button but there is no device on board and so only works with a USB dongle connected.

 

I have found out that if you change an option in he bios you can increse your graphics to 128mb, I don't know if any one else knows this. It quite easily handels doom 3 and gta san andreas, not on maxamin graphics thought, unless you overclock the graphics using ati tool.

 

Well I just managed to do it.
Here is some official URL I found (after a while)
http://support.acerpanam.com/synaps...nAm.com&central=1&words=all&keywords=&pupv=pu

The 'tricky' thing is to pull off that plactic part, on the top of the keyboard (where there is the power button, and the other special Acer buttons).
You just have to pull it off smoothly (maybe use a flat screwdriver as I did), and it comes.
Then just unscrew the 2 screws that maintain the keyboard and you finally see that memory slot.
I don't understand though why Acer didn't show that on their user manuals, and why there is no esaier way to pull off that plastic part.
OK, good luck !

 

Nice review! I think I hardly saw any P4 laptop review recently.
Battery life is really bad at 40 min. Is the battery that small?

I used to have Toshiba P10-S429 with P4 2.66Ghz(Northwood core with 865PE chipset), and battery used to last 2:30 min atleast first year. But the battery was very big one, it is 6400Amh at 14.4v, so making it around 92Whr battery. (P-M would last 7hrs I guess with that battery).

 

Hi everyone.

I've had my TM2702wlmi for almost a year now but have only just got round to upgrading it.

I've stuck in a gig of RAM but was wondering if there are any options on upgrading the graphics card.

Thanks for all the info covered already, it's proved really useful.

dk0.

 

As many people get confused on how to upgrade the second manual, I have done a step by step guide.

First you need to remove the panel at the top, above the keyboard where your power button is, you may need to lever it up with a flat bladed screwdriver


Then you need to lift of the panel


Then you need to remove the 2 screws holding the keyboard in place


Then you can release the ram chip, and replace it


I would advise that you switch your laptop off first before doing this. Once you have put you laptop back together you will now have a faster computer which is ready for the next upgrade or mod

Recently I removed the top panel and resprayed it with black glossy paint


As the graphics are intergrated u cant upgrade them, but at 128mb there fine. I would surgest that you put some desent thermal grease on the heatsink, i have done this and it really makes the laptop run quieter as the fans are used less

 

I have been asked on how to change the graphic settings in the bios

first access the bios menu by pressing F2



Then press the right arrow key to get to the tab Main



Press the down arrow and hit enter on the graphics memory size, then select the size of the memory that u want allocated for the graphics



Save and exit the bios, If u only have the original 256mb of ram that comes with the system i wouldnt do this because it will seriously affect your system performance

 

Hi,

Does anyone know where I can download a manual for this Laptop? I'm trying to find the correct jumper to switch in order to reset the CMOS (it's now password protected and I don't remember it sadly, and I badly need to get in). I'll need a schematic showing where it is and what number the jumper pins have beside it. Oh, incognito666's method of opening it, is that the correct way in which to access all the jumpers. I haven't tried it yet, so I need to make sure.

I'm also open to any other methods in which to reset the CMOS password to null. I have only ever come across the jumper method. I have little experience in Laptops, and have only performed a reset on a few different desktops over the years.

Thanks guys, any and all help is appreciated.

Seif.

 

Ok, I've seen the manual now but it's still unclear on how to do a reset. Can anyone with this laptop or anyone who knows of it advise me on how I CMOS reset can be achieved? I'll still need a jumper name/number, location, and how it can be accessed (top, bottom, left, or right). Yeah, I'm a douch, but please, any help is appreciated!

Dave.

 

In my experiance with desktops, just removing the cmos battery for a few mins resets the bios.

 

Hi all appreciate some help. Trying to give my trusty Trvaelmat 2200 some much needed ooomph with a new processor upgrade from the tardy celeron D. Can anyone tell me the processor code from the top of a 3ghz chip. I have found the manual for parts to download but they don't list the processor

 

Thanks for the advise on how to install memory.
Now I have 2GB, but is there a way to give some more of this to the graphic card?
Also, I want to change the small 60GB Hard disk. Can anyone suggest what is the maximum I can install. And if so will i have to flash the bios?
Thanks in advance.
Tympos

 

You can't change the graphic card.
For the HD, 160GB just fine.