Acer Travelmate 240 Notebook PC (2.6 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo)

Acer Travelmate 240 Notebook PC (2.6 GHz Celeron, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo)
Manufacturer: Acer
Product Type: Personal Computer

Editorial Review:
Product Description
The TravelMate 240 series has been designed to fulfill the needs of outbound and mobile business users from small and home offices in addition to small and medium sized corporations, looking for an all-in-one multimedia work tool that offers long lasting mobility and the generous benefits of flexible connectivity and functional security. The compact, fully integrated TravelMate 240 series offers multimedia power at an affordable price.
Amazon.com Product Description
The Basics:
If budget is a priority but you need a midsize notebook that'll efficiently run most common home, home office and leisure applications, the Acer TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP may be just the ticket. As the most affordable model in Acer's entry-level 240 series, the TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP won't handle severe multitasking or 3-D applications such as games and animation. It doesn't feature wireless technology and it isn't particularly powerful when compared to today's leading edge units. Nevertheless, if you rarely go beyond basic tasks such as word processing, household finances, Internet surfing and CD burning, anything more than this cost-effective unit may well be overkill.

Processor:
Acer has fitted the TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP with a 2.6 GHz Intel Celeron processor. The Celeron is Intel's most affordable line of CPU's -- generally slower than the Pentium and Centrino and not as battery efficient as the latter. It is, however, substantially less expensive than both. This model, the 2.6 GHz Celeron, resides near the top of the Celeron roster, and as such delivers a strong price vs. performance ratio.

Memory:
The system includes 256 MB of main memory (RAM), an alloent that's adequate for basic duties but won't be enough for those who intend to run several simultaneous applications. Fortunately, the TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP allows you to expand your RAM to one full GB (1000 MB), more than enough for serious multitasking.

Video:
With its integrated Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller, the TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP cannot be considered a true graphics powerhouse. Featuring 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) video memory, it will adequately handle most typical mobile 2-D programs and undemanding 3-D applications such as older games, but it won't smoothly render midlevel and high-end 3-D graphics. Thusly, serious gamers and 3-D artisans may want to steer clear.

Display:
At 15 inches, the unit's TFT LCD display is larger than that of early generation notebooks but is today considered the norm. The screen's highest supported resolution of 1024 by 768 is also typical of current midlevel and even some high-end mobile computers.

Hard Disk:
Unlike some budget-conscious notebooks, the TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP features a surprisingly large 40 GB hard disk. With this much storage space at their disposal, users will have enough room for a typical alloent of mobile applications and data files, and a small library of music or multimedia files too.

Optical Drive:
With the system's CD-RW/DVD optical drive, you can play and burn audio CDs, archive your data to a compact disc, and watch DVD movies. DVD writing (burning) is not supported.

Audio:
The unit features an integrated audio processor, two stereo speakers and a microphone jack. Master volume is controlled via keyboard function keys.

Keyboard and Controls:
With an 84-key keyboard, four easy-launch keys (including Internet and email), two user programmable keys, and an integrated touch pad featuring a four-way scroll key, the TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP offers numerous control options.

Connectivity and Expansion:
Communication facilities include a standard 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access and an RJ-45 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet. Wireless connectivity is not offered. The unit also features an impressive total of four USB high-speed 2.0 ports for fast corded interaction with plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an infrared (FIR) port for cordless peripherals such as PDAs, and a variety of standard jacks. An IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders) is not provided.

Operating System and Software:
The TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP utilizes today's most widely accepted operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP. Acer has also enclosed an economical software bundle that includes Acer Notebook Manager, Norton AntiVirus and CyberLinks' PowerDVD DVD player, but does not feature such usual notebook staples as a word processor or productivity and financial suite.

Dimensions and Weight:
At 13.1 by 11.6 by 1.6 inches and 7.4 pounds, the system is of average size -- not so small that is can be fit inside a purse but no so big that it's overly burdensome. Users who need to carry their notebook everywhere they go or consistently use it in remote environments may want to look at a smaller unit.

Power:
The TravelMate 240 244LC-XPP is equipped with a 4000 mAH Li-ion battery pack that delivers 2.5 hours of operation in ideal conditions and requires 2.5 to 3.5 hours to fully recharge. These figures are considered average in today's notebook world.