acer-travelmate-6292-large.jpg

Acer has completely revamped its notebook range, coming up with new designs for both its TravelMate business systems and the Aspire consumer-focused notebooks. There are several TravelMates in the new line-up, ranging from our ultraportable review model, the 6292 up to a massive 17in. desktop replacement system, the 7720. Like all of the new range, our review model sports Intel’s recently released Santa Rosa architecture.

The Acer TravelMate series is aimed directly at corporate users, with the 6292 (£1029 inc. VAT) being a semi-portable all-in-one solution. What will impress travellers is how sturdy and solid this machine is.

Features

The TravelMate comes with a decent selection of ports, even if they are arranged unusually at first glance. On the left side you get a PCMCIA connector — not ExpressPort — and this is supposedly due to the large selection of legacy PCMCIA devices still available — and the relative lack of ExpressPort add-ons. There’s also a LAN port and a single USB connection. The back of the notebook houses the battery, power connector, VGA and an S-Video port. Running your hand over the right hand side of the notebook you’ll find the DVD Super Drive, a card reader, two USB ports and a modem. If you need extra connectivity, there is an optional port replicator available.

Acer Travelmate 6292 Reviews from Cnet

The good: Integrated Webcam; inexpensive; hardy magnesium-alloy chassis; fingerprint sensor; shock-protected harddisk.

The bad: TPM security chip not included; relatively thick and heavy for a thin-and-light; only one-year warranty.

The bottom line: Acer’s foray into the business notebook scene is a full-featured, magnesium alloy-clad number with a low price tag. Though its lack of a TPM security chip and far from svelte figure may drive some off, the TravelMate 6292 is certainly a value-for-money preposition for the junior executive or student.

Acer Travelmate 6292 Reviews from Zdnet

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Large hard drive
• 802.11a/b/g and Draft-N Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth 2.0
• Built-in fingerprint recognition

Cons

• Two of the three USB ports are stacked, and so may not always be usable simultaneously

• No lid clasp

• Integrated webcam is fixed rather than on a swivel hinge

Tags: