ACER TravelMate 8104 "Sonoma" Review

[MrMsyvc]

The first three posts in this thread are REVIEW, INFO LINKS, and BENCHMARKS\DVD INFO. Because there a numerous pix it may cause slow page load, but you've already found that out.

The following links may open new windows depending on your browser settings.
Link to BENCHMARKS (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=661618#post661618) and DVD INFO at Post#3 below.

Link to (my) ezDOCK REVIEW (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=808530#post808530)

Link to INFO LINKS POST (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=661614#post661614) below.

Link to UNDER THE KEYBOARD (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=703963#post703963) pix.

Link to SCREENSHOTS (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=706009#post706009).

UPDATED 11/03/2005: Added Benchmark updates\comparisons to first Benchmark post for 3DMark05 and 3DMark2001. Added recent observations to Performance, Gaming, and Battery sections below.

UPDATED 04/12/2005: Added Disassembly Pictures link above.
..............................Added (my) ezDock Review link above.

UPDATED 03/10/2005: Added Benchmark updates\comparisons to first Benchmark post.

UPDATED 02/25/2005: Added screenshots, link above.

UPDATED 02/24/2005: Added Under The Keyboard pix, link above.

UPDATED 7PM 02/07/2005: Added DVD analysis to Benchmarks post #3. Thanks to AVG8TOR for the tip on the freeware utility.

UPDATED 6-8PM 02/05/2005: Review is pretty much done except for ongoing discussion and anything new that comes up. Added Fans, Speakers, and Card Reader comments to this post.

UPDATED 7AM 02/05/2005: Adding Gaming observations (wow!) to this post. Added info links to post #2.

UPDATED 7PM 02/04/2005: Added Performance, Graphics, and Battery comments at the bottom of this post.

(PIX ARE BACK after an "outage". Thank you smugmug.com. Fast and easy, not free but reasonable and it works!)

In the beginning, there were BOXES:

11 (ELEVEN!) lbs shipping weight:
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326504-M.jpg http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326505-M.jpg

Thinking outside the box:
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326511-M.jpg http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326512-M.jpg

Minimal accoutrement: manuals, AC adapter and power cord, battery, CD bay dummy slot filler (technical term), yet one more phone cord for my magnanimous collection.
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326514-M.jpg ....Manuals are minimalist on their own. "Thin" User Guide (soft copy on the HDD also), Int'l Passport (repair) info, brochure on the Grid Vista function, std. Win XP manual. Also a Smart Card manual and 2 cards, for the Smart Card slot on the left side lower front. Haven't tried it yet but the Cards are credit card size that you program with a password to let you into the machine. No card, no machine entry. If you lose the primary or the backup, or have to use the backup for entry (I think) then the machine has to go to Acer for entry and reactivation. Looks like good security if you're willing to risk it, but someone can always remove your HDD and put it in another machine. Interesting concept however.

The unveiling:
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326516-M.jpg
A thin black gauze material was laying on the keyboard. Might be good to keep for LCD protection on extensive traveling. Otherwise it's a throwaway.

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326517-M.jpg ....First and lasting impressions: Looks great. It's thin and light. It is a widescreen and thus very rectangular rather than square. It is a "folio" shape, as Acer calls it. It's like a notebook binder in that it's narrower in front than in the back. It feels good to carry. It has a nice silver finish (a slight "orange peel" textured surface, not mirror smooth). Curious to see if it peels or chips, but I'm not going to help it.

Yes Virginia, that is a TOOTHPICK sitting on the very small AC Adapter. PORTABLE!
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326518-M.jpg

"In Situ" on first arrival at desk:
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15327025-M.jpg

Oops! "HOUSTON, we have a possible DESIGN FLAW."
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326521-M.jpg ....People have been complaining for some time that most laptops have all the cords connected in the back. On this one practically NONE are in back. Instead they are on both sides and the front. As you see, if you're using the laptop keyboard WITH a mouse, and have a few USB peripherals attached, then most of us right-handers will be mousing over the wires. Not a show-stopper but "interesting". The good news for right-handers is that the fan vents out of the left side rear. Sorry lefties.

And another quirk:
It is "back-heavy" (top-heavy in the rear portion of the laptop). The battery is in back and the back is the thicker part of the triangle. I had it sitting on that Bytecc cooler with about 2+ inches of overhang in the back. I started to push back the screen to adjust viewing and the whole thing easily rocked backwards because of all that weight in the back. I had to pull the front up over the leading edge of the Bytecc to get it more evenly balanced.


A couple of quickie pix on the display:

Dual monitor mode next to my Sony HX73. NEITHER is blurry like the pic. The Sony is brighter but I'm quite satisfied with the 8104.
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15326522-M.jpg

Until you shut off this backup reminder, you'll see it everytime you boot. Again this pic doesn't do it justice, not to mention that the Acer stock wallpaper is a fairly dull green. My old 8887 has a 16.1" UXGA 1600x1200, which was really nice, but I'm still happy with this display.
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15327103-M.jpg

This review is anything but organized. Here are some more observations:
PERFORMANCE:
Grrrrreat, "but", it ain't HyperThreading. I was copying GBs from my external HDD via USB 2.0 and trying to open browsers and apps and was getting some hangs and very pregnant pauses. The cpu was running 25-50% and spiking. I wasn't maxed by a long shot but I was having trouble getting some things to start. Even my nicely HT'd 8887 wasn't perfect but I think it was noticeably better at multi-tasking. Not a show-stopper by a long shot, just an FYI. I was editing in Photoshop Elements quite nicely awhile ago. Even my 8887 paused in that once in awhile. Other than the "copy" slowdown it's been running great!

The 8104 doesn't have the new UCQ HDD caching technology that some will be coming out with, and it can't be converted to it according to reviews. It's supposed to make the HDD a lot faster. I think the Clevo M400A will have it. When there are more brands on the market that might be a swaying factor. The 100GB 5400RPM HDD performs very satisfactorily IMO.

3 Nov. 2005 update: I've recently gotten some verrrry zippy performance out of the lappie, and I think the 3 major contributors are:
1. Upgraded from 1GB to 2GB of RAM.
2. Uninstalled Norton AntiVirus and installed AVG free Home Edition.
3. Did multiple defrags on both partitions.
I think the RAM upgrade was the biggest contributor, with losing Norton a near second. Mundane tasks like opening Explorer (now in a blink) and Outlook are verrrry perceptibly faster.

GRAPHICS SETTINGS:
I've been running in dual monitor mode with extended desktop (laptop is primary, mouse and app windows move from one monitor to another) for several days. Laptop sits up on the desk next to my external LCD and mouse with external keyboard is on the keyboard tray. PROBLEM is when I reboot or startup from shutdown, it goes to the dual monitor mode briefly but then shuts off the external and is only on the laptop. This is all controlled from the ATI Settings, Advanced, Displays tab (then set main Settings menu to Extend, etc.). Each time I start I have to go back to the Displays tab, switch on the external, and Extend it from the main menu. I haven't fiddled with this yet. Don't know if ePower or something is effecting it. May try setting Scheme in the Displays tab. Seems like one of my ATI\Omega versions did this a year or so ago. In desktop mode I usually just go with the external LCD by itself anyway. The 8104 print is so small even from 2 1/2 feet at 1400x1050 or 1280x1024 res that I squint a bit or bump the res even lower. I like the 1680x1050 in "laptop mode" though. I have bumped the DPI on the Advanced General tab from 125% 120 back to Normal 96. The print on my external LCD was just too bold with that.

GAMING:
wow. WOW! WOWWWWW!!!!! (Did I say WOW!?) Loaded up HL2 and Deathmatch, went into a DM. I had left my dual monitor mode on so DM was on the laptop and my "remnants" on my LCD. In the main menu I could still cursor back and forth. Anyway, start playing DM and it set me to 800x600 by default. Looked good. Soon I switched to 1280x1024 (not the right aspect) and it was even better. Finally went into 1680x1050 at 16:10 aspect, EYYYYYYYYE CANDY (http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15370873-L.jpg)! Colors and reflections you never would have know were there. No lag other than on some rocket fire. Will take some extensive gaming to see how it holds up in "busy" graphics situations, but what a first impression!

3 Nov. 2005 update: Still games like a bandit. FEAR has been the biggest disappointment, but IMO the gameplay and graphics both are highly overrated. Loving the recent HL2 Lost Coast demo. Graphics like that are why we game!

BATTERY:
1st test: 2 hr 10 min on first run a couple of nights ago.

2nd test: 2 hr 25 min: BatteryMon is predicting 2 1/2. MobilityMeter after an hour says I'm running at 800Mhz, steady 48C CPU temp and near-flatline 39C HDD temp. Made it to 2 hr 25 min before it went into hibernate. (Hate hibernate, I've shut it off now.) Of course that time is at 80% LCD brightness (very readable) and 3/4 (?800Mhz?) CPU. I turned on SpeedSwitch late in the game and it throttled it better. Be interesting to see how low I can set it and still watch a DVD, like on a plane.

3rd test: 3 hr 15 min: It plays DVDs very well at "Max Battery" setting in ePower. Had to turn up brightness to at least 60% (OK in a dim room). BatteryMon is predicting 2hr 48min while playing DVD, 3hr 15-30min while not. MobilityMeter has cpu at 566-633Mhz, cpu temp at 54C, HDD at 38C. (1hr 20min into what looks like a 3 1/2 hour run now. 600Mhz, cpu tmp 46C, HDD temp 42C.)

3 Nov. 2005 update: wear factor is now at 12% on original Motorola battery and average usage is "about" 2 hr 30 min.

FANS:
Yes, it seems to run QUITE a lot on AC, almost constantly. It's fairly quiet but in a quiet room you hear it. It bothered me a bit at first, and the laptop doesn't seem to get any hotter over time (though it's VERY warm-hot in the center keyboard and especially the touchpad, definitely a distraction). I don't know of a fan throttle other than as you say CPU regulation. I like the "speed step" on battery (or AC) but I don't want to buy a good CPU and then run it at low all the time because something is unsatisfactory. (Since I first wrote this I've played with the ePower and been shown the SpeedSwitchXP utility. The fans are fine.) Fan runs less on battery, low power settings.

SPEAKERS:
No bass, but good STEREO, I was surprised to hear. You have to fiddle to get just the right sound. It has the same Realtek Sound Effects Manager (but an updated GUI) that my 8887 had. Mostly REVERB. Puh-leeze. It's satisfactory and there are always headphones.

5 in 1 CARD READER:
Transferred some pix from my Memory Stick. A LOT of resistance when pushing it in. You think it's not right (card contacts face down by the way) but keep pushing until it stops. It's recognized as another drive, no prob. Just doesn't feel right.

[MrMsyvc]

Gathering related links to info and other reviews. Kudos to those that found them in the first place.

WARNING: POSSIBLE VIRUS REPORTED BY ANOTHER USER 02/13/2005 IN ONE OF THE X700 REVIEW LINKS. I CAN'T FIND IT BE ADVISED.

The original, MEGA, 8100 Review thread is posted here (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=59520) . LOADED with good comments. There are lots of new owners represented here. DarthAcer is very tech savvy, everyone has been very informative. Your just getting the Joe Average view from me.
------------------
Originally Posted by TheCzar
Mobile X700 in an 8100 Review. 3DMark05 benchmark comparison comparable to my own.
http://www.hothardware.com/viewarticle.cfm?articleid=637&cid=10
------------------
An extensive X700 review from Extremetech.
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1752364,00.asp
------------------
Great ATI Mobility Graphics info thread started 02/08/2004.
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=62934
------------------
Excellent, short 8100 review including benchmark comparisons.
http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/acer-tm-8100/index.html
------------------
Yet another excellent 8100 review with benchmarks. Shows an 80GB HDD.
http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?id=1395&cid=14&pg=1
------------------
Seagate HDD info posted by Maxzinc.
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=694100#post694100
------------------
Good Froogle link for shopping.
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWE,RNWE:2004-47,RNWE:en&q=TM8104WLMi%2DXPP
------------------
The probable future Clevo\Sager competition. If this one had been out it would have been a very tough choice. Supposed to have the NCQ HDD caching.
http://www.clevo.com.tw/products/M400A.asp
------------------
Fujitsu review.
http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?id=1393&cid=14&pg=7
------------------
Tom's Hardware on Sonoma.
http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20050119/index.html
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Another Sonoma review.
http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=3&var1=172&var2=0
------------------

Somewhere I saw a link to a 4-notebook comparison, including the Fujitsu Lifebook with UCQ. If anyone knows where it is please let me know.

[MrMsyvc]

BENCHMARKS and DVD INFO


3DMark2001SE. Is this good? It was run at 1024x768. It was awesome to watch. Un-be-LIEV-able quality.

All stock settings (mostly High Quality) in the graphics. Norton AV was running as was ePowerMgr.

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15327465-M.jpg Details (http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15327467-M.jpg)


-----------------------------------
3DMark03, 1024x768x32, says Core Clock is 358 Memory Clock is 297.

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15348492-M.jpgDetails (http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15348491-M.jpg)


-----------------------------------
3DMark05, 1024x768x32. This test drags along at 1-3fps, but according to online comparisons and results that's what it does.

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15348490-M.jpgDetails (http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15348493-M.jpg)

-----------------------------------
Update\Comparison:
04Feb2005 "Stock" from Acer, ATI Cat. 4.12s (left) versus
10Mar2005 Reformatted, reinstalled, Unian ATI 1.1.5a (middle) versus
12Mar2005 Omega drivers Cat 5.1 2.5.06a (right)

3DMark2001 SE..... 16574.....16889.....16901
3DMark2003..........5698......5704.......5710
3DMark2005..........2269......2282.......2277

COMPARISONS ADDED 3NOV2005:
3DMark2005:

2269 02Feb2005 "Stock" from Acer, ATI Cat 4.12, 1GB RAM, X700 at 360\298
2282 10Mar2005 Unian ATI 1.1.5a (Cat 5.1???)
2529 14Aug2005 ATI Cat 5.7
2824 24Oct2005 ATI Cat 5.9, X700 OC'd to 409\360
2952 27Oct2005 ATI Cat 5.9, X700 OC'd to 409\360, 2GB RAM. [6 PCs on Futuremark (2Ghz, X700) are faster, highest is 3252, a Sager 4880V no less.]

3DMark2001:

16754 02Feb2005 "Stock" from Acer, ATI Cat 4.12, 1GB RAM, X700 at 360\298
16901 10Mar2005 Unian ATI 1.1.5a (Cat 5.1???)
15320 14Aug2005 ATI Cat 5.7
15785 01Nov2005 ATI Cat 5.10, 2GB RAM, no pagefile, stock clock

-----------------------------------
DVDInfoPro freeware analysis of DVD drive:

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15518239-M.jpg

-----------------------------------
SiSandra Benchmark pix links:

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15572993-L.jpg
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15572991-L.jpg
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15572990-L.jpg
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15572988-L.jpg
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15572987-L.jpg
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/15572994-L.jpg

[kent1146]

Jeebus, man. Nice shot of the beaten-up UPS box. Nothing encases that waiting-for-UPS-man-to-deliver-my-new-toy feeling than that picture.

[MrMsyvc]

Jeebus, man. Nice shot of the beaten-up UPS box. Nothing encases that waiting-for-UPS-man-to-deliver-my-new-toy feeling than that picture.Except it's Fedex! It was a small and well packed box. The Acer box fit inside the dirty outer one like a glove, so you get a clean Acer package.

[urrutiaale]

Thaks for getting this started. Keep us posted.

[MrMsyvc]

Thaks for getting this started. Keep us posted.
I've taken the pictures somewhere that I can get them uploaded in peace and quiet (like to WORK! :uhoh: ) so I hope to have a good starting batch up today. Then I can add my observations.

[lastdon]

coudln't u put the mouse wires or whatever from the upper left corner of the mouse, wrap around i can't really explain it but i think u might understand..

[mic_crispy]

why dont you just use the usb on the other side? you could even get a small usb hub for it so you dont have to have anything on the right side.

[ViperSSD]

im really curious to see some 3dmark benchmarks if you dont mind

[Xchus]

Great laptop, I would like to buy one. I'm trying to sell my super expensive bike so that I can buy a laptop like that, I even posted the bike here at the FS Forum. Does that laptop has the glossy screen? If it does it is just perfect. Congrats on your new laptop

[petri]

Congrats on the new purchase. I can't wait to see the rest of the review. The cord placement does look kinda scary, although the only USB device I need when gaming is my mouse, so I guess I could snake it around the back to the left side.

[Maklar]

Or you could use a bluetooth one I guess. That's my plan.

[MrMsyvc]

(Hope I got all these quotes right.)
coudln't u put the mouse wires or whatever from the upper left corner of the mouse, wrap around i can't really explain it but i think u might understand..
why dont you just use the usb on the other side? you could even get a small usb hub for it so you dont have to have anything on the right side.
The cord placement does look kinda scary, although the only USB device I need when gaming is my mouse, so I guess I could snake it around the back to the left side.
It's about where the USB plugs go into the laptop. (My mouse and keyboard are actually wireless but you have to plug in the transmitter.) There is 1 USB on the left side front and 3 USB on the right side front, thus the "mouse over" on the right. I'll probably wind up getting a small hub. In gaming mode I have the mouse transmitter, Nostromo Speedpad N52, Sidewinder joystick (for helis and planes in BF1942 DCFinal), and prolly that Bytecc NC-500 cooler in one of the pictures. In desktop mode I have the mouse\kbd transmitter, external WD2500J HDD, and perhaps the cooler. In laptop "couch" mode it's just the lappie and external mouse of some sort. I didn't mention that on the right side LEFT rear is where the AC power plugs in.

im really curious to see some 3dmark benchmarks if you dont mind.May be the weekend or next week. I don't have a full suite and I have a bunch of software to load. Have a preference, like 3dMark03 or something?

Does that laptop has the glossy screen?Pretty sure "not". It's a WSXGA+ (?) 1680x1050 native res. I think it's good, but not glossy or xbrite. I have some initial pix to post and hopefully will get more.

[MrMsyvc]

Or you could use a bluetooth one I guess. That's my plan.
Aaaah. Good thought. Bluetooth is new to me, I'd better get familiar.

[reg.t]

Are there (m)any bluetooth mice available yet without the dongle/adapter? Seems like a waste to have to buy that in the package if the machine already supports it.

[MrMsyvc]

I have some initial pix to post and hopefully will get more.
Posted a couple in the pic section. I'm outta pix at the moment.

[urrutiaale]

im really curious to see some 3dmark benchmarks if you dont mind

Check out my post in this thhread, it has a link to a great review of the x700 using the 8104. Really cool.

http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=59520&page=35&pp=15

[lastdon]

though u know this laptop is starting to grow on me
thanks for the pics, at first i was like ewww
but it looks thin too? not to thin but thin
enough e?

[petri]

(Hope I got all these quotes right.)



It's about where the USB plugs go into the laptop. (My mouse and keyboard are actually wireless but you have to plug in the transmitter.) There is 1 USB on the left side front and 3 USB on the right side front, thus the "mouse over" on the right. I'll probably wind up getting a small hub. In gaming mode I have the mouse transmitter, Nostromo Speedpad N52, Sidewinder joystick (for helis and planes in BF1942 DCFinal), and prolly that Bytecc NC-500 cooler in one of the pictures. In desktop mode I have the mouse\kbd transmitter, external WD2500J HDD, and perhaps the cooler. In laptop "couch" mode it's just the lappie and external mouse of some sort. I didn't mention that on the right side LEFT rear is where the AC power plugs in.


Ya, the way you have it setup is scary, I was agreeing with you. Luckily I only need 1 port for the mouse, since I don't use anything else while gaming. So for me it shouldn't be a problem since I can just have the cord go around back into the left side. For you it isn't quite that simple. :)

[ViperSSD]

Check out my post in this thhread, it has a link to a great review of the x700 using the 8104. Really cool.

http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=59520&page=35&pp=15

thanks for the link, the acer posts some pretty impressive benchmarks

[MrMsyvc]

though u know this laptop is starting to grow on me
thanks for the pics, at first i was like ewww
but it looks thin too? not to thin but thin
enough e?
It is thin, but not too thin. It's actually slightly triangular in profile, like the 3-ring notebook binder-style I was referring to. It's not that small however due to the width of the widescreen. I haven't measured it. Still it's a very manageable light weight (6.6 lbs advertised?).

Interesting to note (I should add this to the main review) it is "back-heavy" (top-heavy in the rear portion of the laptop). The battery is in back and the back is the thicker part of the triangle. I had it sitting on that Bytecc cooler with about 2+ inches of overhang in the back. I started to push back the screen to adjust viewing and the whole thing easily rocked backwards because of all that weight in the back. I had to pull the front up over the leading edge of the Bytecc to get it more evenly balanced.

[srw101]

Going a little off topic so my apoligies:

I have Nostromo Speedpad N52 as well I'm dissapointed in it's quality though :( . I wouldn't recommend it to any hardcore gamers until they refine the design. The keys are the old style before the softkey debuted and they don't always depress smoothly. The software interface kind of sucks too and makes it tough to set up certain macros. I would be willing to pay more money for a higher quality but just my opinion.

Congrats on the 8104 mine is due sometime this month :cheers:

[MrMsyvc]

Going a little off topic so my apoligies:

I have Nostromo Speedpad N52 as well I'm dissapointed in it's quality though :( . I wouldn't recommend it to any hardcore gamers until they refine the design. The keys are the old style before the softkey debuted and they don't always depress smoothly. The software interface kind of sucks too and makes it tough to set up certain macros. I would be willing to pay more money for a higher quality but just my opinion.
Pretty much agree. My Key 15 ("thumb" key lower right) is sticky. Also heck of a learning curve if you reprogram the keys (as you have to to between normal, red, blue, and green shift) to get full functionality. The big plus I see is compactness. It's an interesting concept.

[dock44]

8100 reformatting question for the smart guys here who know. My 8103 should be here within two weeks. I'm going to buy the Hitachi 7200rpm 60gig to replace the stocker. I'll buy a 2.5" enclosure for the stock 100gig to hook up for storage via USB. First question is can you run applications from a USB external HD? If so, can I just leave everything on the seagate as it comes from Acer? I'll probably use a fresh copy of XPP to format the Hitachi since Acer doesn't provide a standalone copy. Would having two seperate OSs on two different HDs be a potential nightmare. If yes then should I wipe and reformat the seagate before I take it out or can I reformat once it's hooked up USB externally.

I just hooked up an external desktop 80gig Maxtor one touch to my work desktop which cam from Maxtor already formatted but FAT32. I was able to go into Administrative tools and then disk management and reformat to NTFS. Can I do this same thing with the seagate or does it need to be formatted but clean? I guess clean, I can't have an OS on the external can I? :scratch:

[Okle]

Something tells me that you just might want to reformat clean it before you stick it in the enclosure. If not, chances are you'll have a LOT of boot-from-USB issues if you start the machine with that drive plugged in as well as your 7k60.

[IceMage]

Does the 8104 support component(Y/Pb/Pr) video output?

[MrMsyvc]

Does the 8104 support component(Y/Pb/Pr) video output?
You're out of my league on that one. Perhaps someone else can give a definitive answer. The 8104 has both VGA and DVI outputs as well as an S-Video output. I see numerous adapters on Google (VGA to Y/Pb/Pr) (pricey little devils) but you probably know whether they serve your purpose.

[lastdon]

It is thin, but not too thin. It's actually slightly triangular in profile, like the 3-ring notebook binder-style I was referring to. It's not that small however due to the width of the widescreen. I haven't measured it. Still it's a very manageable light weight (6.6 lbs advertised?).

Interesting to note (I should add this to the main review) it is "back-heavy" (top-heavy in the rear portion of the laptop). The battery is in back and the back is the thicker part of the triangle. I had it sitting on that Bytecc cooler with about 2+ inches of overhang in the back. I started to push back the screen to adjust viewing and the whole thing easily rocked backwards because of all that weight in the back. I had to pull the front up over the leading edge of the Bytecc to get it more evenly balanced.


exactly like my sony vaio the battery is at the back and the weight is there
like the same design almost thin in the front and moves thick at the back

[srw101]

MrMsyvc:
That link to you bench mark isn't working, atleast not for me. :scratch:

[Okle]

I've got to ask...how is the keyboard for typing? I do a lot of it and the massive curve to it brings back nightmares of those split curvy Microsoft keyboards...::shudder:: Is it comfortable for both heavy gaming and heavy/intensive typing? Does it feel nice and solid or does it have a resistance akin to that of chewed gum?
-Okle

[BlastTyrant]

I've purchased a few Acer notebooks at work and one thing really bugs me about them (some of you may think this is silly): that bloody sticker they put on the right palm rest! If I've purchased a laptop, I know what its features are - I don't really need a big sticker listing them. It makes it look like you picked up a display model from a retail store or something. I tried to take one off once and found that it was attached with a material very similar to maple syrup, so I just left it on.

Does this bug anybody else, or am I just weird? MrMsyvc, have you tried to remove that sticker?

[urrutiaale]

For some reason all your pics and bencmarks arent working for me either.

[MrMsyvc]

For some reason all your pics and bencmarks arent working for me either.
Yeah, host web site is down. Sorry. 1and1 "free" web site. :mad:

[MrMsyvc]

I've got to ask...how is the keyboard for typing? I do a lot of it and the massive curve to it brings back nightmares of those split curvy Microsoft keyboards...::shudder:: Is it comfortable for both heavy gaming and heavy/intensive typing? Does it feel nice and solid or does it have a resistance akin to that of chewed gum?
-Okle
I think it's "satisfactory". I haven't exercised it that much, but the curve is not a problem and the "feel" is fine. Springy keys with a firm feeling underneath.

[MrMsyvc]

For some reason all your pics and bencmarks arent working for me either.
Working now. Moved all pix to SmugMug.com and it took 1/10th of the time it did to try and get them on my free website. It was worth a few bucks.

[DarthAcer]

I've purchased a few Acer notebooks at work and one thing really bugs me about them (some of you may think this is silly): that bloody sticker they put on the right palm rest! If I've purchased a laptop, I know what its features are - I don't really need a big sticker listing them. It makes it look like you picked up a display model from a retail store or something. I tried to take one off once and found that it was attached with a material very similar to maple syrup, so I just left it on.

Does this bug anybody else, or am I just weird? MrMsyvc, have you tried to remove that sticker?

That's not Acer specific (Sony, Compaq, Fujitsu did that too). I always remove stickers that I don't like. Centrino, Intel Incide, ATI stickers stay but they they will start peeling off in about a year. Removing sticker is easy. Here are my lappies without extra stickers: http://www.imagezilla.com/img.php?im=451021406_DSC00065.JPG

[MrMsyvc]

That's not Acer specific (Sony, Compaq, Fujitsu did that too). I always remove stickers that I don't like. Centrino, Intel Incide, ATI stickers stay but they they will start peeling off in about a year. Removing sticker is easy. Here are my lappies without extra stickers: http://www.imagezilla.com/img.php?im=451021406_DSC00065.JPG
Agreed. Everything I buy seems like a walking billboard anymore.

[DarthAcer]

I've got to ask...how is the keyboard for typing? I do a lot of it and the massive curve to it brings back nightmares of those split curvy Microsoft keyboards...::shudder:: Is it comfortable for both heavy gaming and heavy/intensive typing? Does it feel nice and solid or does it have a resistance akin to that of chewed gum?
-Okle

The only issue I have with Travelmate keyboard (both TM8104 and my previous TM8003) is that sometimes when you don't hit a key straight, there is a feeling as if it's about to break or something, and I'm always afraid to break keys. It misses characters sometimes for me if I don't push keys far enough, but that's probably my typing problem and not Acer's.

And with all that no key ever broke on Travelmate keyborards for me. I just happen to be very careful with computers, especially laptops, to minimize a chance of accident. :p

[MrMsyvc]

Using builitn Windows power management, fan comes on less!
REF this quote from the other thread, how did you do this? Using the Advanced settings in SpeedSwitchXP or something else? My fan runs a lot, but I feel the temps are stable. Mobility Meter usually shows a CPU temp of about 57C, and it was at 63C right after the 3DMark2001 benchie, but went down quickly again. The HDD temp is usually around 37-39C.

[Belinda7]

I have spent most of the day reading the many reviews, posts and comments about the Acer TM 8104. SO, I broke down and ordered one from PC Mall. I am SO excited!! Hopefully, it won't take 2 weeks to get it. Can't wait!!

[lastdon]

The only issue I have with Travelmate keyboard (both TM8104 and my previous TM8003) is that sometimes when you don't hit a key straight, there is a feeling as if it's about to break or something, and I'm always afraid to break keys. It misses characters sometimes for me if I don't push keys far enough, but that's probably my typing problem and not Acer's.

And with all that no key ever broke on Travelmate keyborards for me. I just happen to be very careful with computers, especially laptops, to minimize a chance of accident. :p

haha i have the same problem with the sony FS series the keys i dunno seem fragile and i am afraid they are gonna snap off!!

i broke down and ordered one today too a 8104! i get it next week can't wait!

[DarthAcer]

REF this quote from the other thread, how did you do this? Using the Advanced settings in SpeedSwitchXP or something else? My fan runs a lot, but I feel the temps are stable. Mobility Meter usually shows a CPU temp of about 57C, and it was at 63C right after the 3DMark2001 benchie, but went down quickly again. The HDD temp is usually around 37-39C.

I did not do anything special but at least CPU runs mostly at 800MHz except under heavy load (then it's 1.1GHz, 1.3GHz, etc. up to 2GHz depending on demand). CPU temp hovers around 50-52C and HD is same as yours (37-39C) Under heavy gaming CPU temp does rise to 61-64C but only at times, mostly it is around 57-60C

What I like most about setup is minimum of extra apps and "services." Cut down about 30MB of RAM usage too :) (not much but pleasant anyway)

[dock44]

Darth, when I get my 8103, do you mind if I shoot you an email, PM or some such to get advise? I'm a total newb to notebooks and want to get mine streamlined and "light" as possible.......no extranneous junk, as you did. As soon as I get it, I'm going to get a 7200rpm hitachi to replace as the main HD. I'll buy a USB enclosure for the seagate. Since I'm buying hardware I'll also probably get an extra OEM version of XPP. I'll want to wipe the seagate and format it so it is detectable and ready to use once plugged in w/ USB enclosure. Don't exactly know how to do this. Then I'll probably format and install the OEM XPP once the Hitachi is in and then add the drivers I need from the Acer CD. Should all of this be pretty straight forward? And do you feel you really need any of the Acer e-management stuff at all?

[MrMsyvc]

Added 3DMark03 and 05 benchmarks. Added some Performance, Graphics, and Battery observations to first post of review.

[lastdon]

so overall.
MrMsyvc, are you impressed with the laptops performance? I mean it's a laptop, and i think some things are better left for desktops
But as a laptop would you say it's good ? great? how would u rate it, for the time that u have had it?

[MrMsyvc]

so overall.
MrMsyvc, are you impressed with the laptops performance? I mean it's a laptop, and i think some things are better left for desktops
But as a laptop would you say it's good ? great? how would u rate it, for the time that u have had it?
IMHO, grrrrrreat. I was mesmerized watching the graphics quality on the 3DMark tests, particularly 2001 and 03. Beautiful. Trees blowing in the wind, special lighting. I have to load more games (just have BF1942 DCFinal on right now). Probably see if I can HL2 back on. Performance is excellent, despite my comments about drag while doing large file copy. I like the wiiiiide screen and the color is quite decent. I'm on batteries at the moment at 80% brightness and it looks fine to me. I'm even on the 1680x1050 and its very readable. Yes, it's a laptop and you'll probably never get the massive water-cooled ultra-OC'd performance you can get in a souped up desktop. (Shouldn't say never in this biz.) When I bought my first laptop (the 8887) I sold 2 desktops. I still don't need one and don't forsee ever needing one unless I get an itch for one of those supercharged dragsters. So far this 8104 has light weight, portability, excellent cpu performance, and should game like a bandit. It has all the bells and whistles you could hope for at this time. I like the 100GB 5400 HDD. PLENTY of room for awhile. My twin 60 5400s performed well in my 8887 and this one seems to be doing just fine. "Personally" I can't see dropping 40GB for a 7200 unless you really want that extra performance. We're spoiled for choice for good laptops these days. This, IMO, is the start of the next wave, but to each his own. AFAIC, it's a keeper. Good luck!

[DarthAcer]

Darth, when I get my 8103, do you mind if I shoot you an email, PM or some such to get advise? I'm a total newb to notebooks and want to get mine streamlined and "light" as possible.......no extranneous junk, as you did. As soon as I get it, I'm going to get a 7200rpm hitachi to replace as the main HD. I'll buy a USB enclosure for the seagate. Since I'm buying hardware I'll also probably get an extra OEM version of XPP. I'll want to wipe the seagate and format it so it is detectable and ready to use once plugged in w/ USB enclosure. Don't exactly know how to do this. Then I'll probably format and install the OEM XPP once the Hitachi is in and then add the drivers I need from the Acer CD. Should all of this be pretty straight forward? And do you feel you really need any of the Acer e-management stuff at all?

I never ever had a need, nor could I justify to have a regular setup of bootable OS on external USB enclosure. Bootable CD/DVD and USB sticks for repair/restore purposes are fine. But if I want multi-OS boot, I do it on a main drive in multiple partitions, and use external enclosures to host data-only drives. So I won't be of any help in what you are trying to achieve :nono:

Unless you know what you're doing and a "perfectionist" or are really dissatisfied with Acer-provided applications, don't change it. If it works for you, leave it be.

Information that I provide here in the forums is my personal experience. It is for adventurous souls like me. I'm not going to guide anyone or take any responsibility for tweaks I'm describing. That should be clear. I'm just writing about my discoveries and experiments (no laptops were hurt :lol: )

What I'm saying is that I'll be glad to suggest some hints or give an opinion. But that's it.

[Wip3out]

REF this quote from the other thread, how did you do this? Using the Advanced settings in SpeedSwitchXP or something else? My fan runs a lot, but I feel the temps are stable. Mobility Meter usually shows a CPU temp of about 57C, and it was at 63C right after the 3DMark2001 benchie, but went down quickly again. The HDD temp is usually around 37-39C.

Try reading this...

Wip

[MrMsyvc]

Try reading this...

Wip
Thnx. Saved it.

[dock44]

I never ever had a need, nor could I justify to have a regular setup of bootable OS on external USB enclosure. Bootable CD/DVD and USB sticks for repair/restore purposes are fine. But if I want multi-OS boot, I do it on a main drive in multiple partitions, and use external enclosures to host data-only drives. So I won't be of any help in what you are trying to achieve :nono:

Unless you know what you're doing and a "perfectionist" or are really dissatisfied with Acer-provided applications, don't change it. If it works for you, leave it be.

Information that I provide here in the forums is my personal experience. It is for adventurous souls like me. I'm not going to guide anyone or take any responsibility for tweaks I'm describing. That should be clear. I'm just writing about my discoveries and experiments (no laptops were hurt :lol: )

What I'm saying is that I'll be glad to suggest some hints or give an opinion. But that's it.

Darth, I probably didn't word that too good. I don't want an OS on the external. I just want it completely bare for storage, probably just 1 big partition. I just don't know how, or more precisely when to wipe it clean and format it. Should I wipe it clean and reformat it while it's still in the chassis, then take it out without installing anything on it, then it will be ready to use once hooked up USB? Or should I just take it out with everything on it as it comes from Acer and then reformat it clean once hooked up via USB enclosure? Or wouldn't make a difference which way I did it? That was the gist of my question. :)

[DarthAcer]

Darth, I probably didn't word that too good. I don't want an OS on the external. I just want it completely bare for storage, probably just 1 big partition. I just don't know how, or more precisely when to wipe it clean and format it. Should I wipe it clean and reformat it while it's still in the chassis, then take it out without installing anything on it, then it will be ready to use once hooked up USB? Or should I just take it out with everything on it as it comes from Acer and then reformat it clean once hooked up via USB enclosure? Or wouldn't make a difference which way I did it? That was the gist of my question. :)

You can first put it in enclosure and then do whatever you want to do with it: wipe out, repartition, format,... It will appear as series of logical drives when you connect it through USB. Open Windows Explorer, right-click mouse on "My Computer" and select "Manage". Then select "Disk Management" in the tree on the left. On the right, in the lower part, you will see your primary drive, DVD drive, and your USB-connected drive. There you can right-click on partitions to delete them (or format), you can click on "free space" to create new partitions. It's pretty straightforward.

I'd postpone repartitioning/reformatting drive until your new setup for the main drive is working. Just for safety. And even wait a bit more. What if you forgot to copy/save something important... That's from personal experience :uhoh:

[srw101]

DarthAcer:
I think I read in a thread somewhere that you installed xp using the key that came with the 8104 but with a different xp disk. If this is true I think this is what I'll do to eliminate the extra crap Acer puts on there. It makes a ton of sense to streamline the lappie but I see someone had trouble repartitioning :( Guess I'll have to read up on the solution before I try this. What software do you recommend to make a backup image? I have a copy of UBD but I can't recall if it has imaging software on.

[lastdon]

my one buddy had an acer with partitions , what he did he bought a copy of partition magic, and just merged the two drives together, as this is an options in partition magic, and than formatted it with the windows xp disk with no problems
it might work this way? did for him..

so we can use a xp pro cd? with the key provided? though the pro cd has to be OEM right?

[DarthAcer]

so we can use a xp pro cd? with the key provided? though the pro cd has to be OEM right?

If you have an XP Pro disk, make a "copy" but replace i386 directory with the one from your Acer laptop. In reality, only setupp.ini file is what you need to use the serial on the back of your laptop. That setupp.ini contains encoded serial and also identifies type of install (retail/oem/corporate).

There are many resources on Internet on how to create bootable WinXP CD, for instance: http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/#wxp

I usually pick i386 directory from laptop, SUPPORT, VALUEADD directories and files in the root of CD (WIN51, WIN51IP, WIN51IP.SP2, NAME.BIN, etc.) from some retail WinXP CD, boot.bin from one of those sites, and then use Nero with customized settings to burn it. Works like a charm.

Picking i386 from this laptop has another advantage, it has SP2 slipstreamed, so no extra steps required unlike if you started with i386 from retail CD and copied only setupp.ini from laptop.

I use this CD for clean reinstall once. After that, I typically install all drivers, some basic applications, do OS tuning/optimizing, and then backup drive C: with Ghost to bootable DVD (PCDOS + Ghost boot floppy image as a boot part of DVD). This DVD is my ultimate restore DVD. I can restore to a useable system that way. It cost me many attempts and literally days of experimenting (Ghost is a tricky app) to get it right. Might be easier with Acronis or something else but I don't want to try since what I have now works :D

[MrMsyvc]

BENCHMARKS and DVD INFO

3DMark2001SE. Is this good? It was run at 1024x768. It was awesome to watch. Un-be-LIEV-able quality.

All stock settings (mostly High Quality) in the graphics. Norton AV was running as was ePowerMgr.

http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15327465-M.jpg
Details (http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15327467-M.jpg)


-----------------------------------
3DMark03, 1024x768x32, says Core Clock is 358 Memory Clock is 297.

http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15348492-M.jpgDetails (http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15348491-M.jpg)

-----------------------------------
3DMark05, 1024x768x32. This test drags along at 1-3fps, but according to online comparisons and results that's what it does.

http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15348490-M.jpgDetails (http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15348493-M.jpg)
-----------------------------------
DVDInfoPro freeware analysis of DVD drive:

http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15518239-M.jpg

-----------------------------------
SiSandra Benchmark pix links:

http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15572993-L.jpg
http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15572991-L.jpg
http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15572990-L.jpg
http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15572988-L.jpg
http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15572987-L.jpg
http://msyvc.smugmug.com/photos/15572994-L.jpg

[klas]

have a question for you about the fan. Does it turn on at all if notebooks idles at 600 Mhz?

[MrMsyvc]

have a question for you about the fan. Does it turn on at all if notebooks idles at 600 Mhz?
I'd guess it is OFF most of the time at 600 Mhz. A very noticeable difference.

[DarthAcer]

I'd guess it is OFF most of the time at 600 Mhz. A very noticeable difference.

Just a note: if you turn off wireless and use wired network, it runs cooler and faster. But you are tied with one more wire that way. I personally run all my internet gaming over wireless just for the freedom of movement. But a couple of days ago had to do it over wire. Definitely about 3C lower temp with wireless off. Probably because wireless card is located next to the hottest place in laptop, under touchpad.

[chowchin]

MrMsSyvc,

Is there any weakness about the LCD display?

I am very concern about the backlight brightness uniformity.

Thanks

[MrMsyvc]

MrMsSyvc,

Is there any weakness about the LCD display?

I am very concern about the backlight brightness uniformity.

Thanks
IMO, mine looks uniformly bright to me and no dead pixels. I think the brightness is very satisfactory, though it does pale a bit sitting next to my Sony Xbrite. On batteries it switches to 0% brightness. (!?!?) I reset it to at least 60-80% in a moderately lit room. Is it the best? No. The worst? Very far from it. IMHO.

[kevhuynh]

IMO, mine looks uniformly bright to me and no dead pixels. I think the brightness is very satisfactory, though it does pale a bit sitting next to my Sony Xbrite. On batteries it switches to 0% brightness. (!?!?) I reset it to at least 60-80% in a moderately lit room. Is it the best? No. The worst? Very far from it. IMHO.

Could you do me a favor MrM? Can you measure the front and back dimensions? I like the concept of a slight angle but I'm hoping it's not to the degree where it's aesthetiically unpleasing. My old Toshiba 5205-S119 (first line of "glossy" laptops in the states) had a pretty bad angle and looked horrendous imo.

[MrMsyvc]

Could you do me a favor MrM? Can you measure the front and back dimensions? I like the concept of a slight angle but I'm hoping it's not to the degree where it's aesthetiically unpleasing. My old Toshiba 5205-S119 (first line of "glossy" laptops in the states) had a pretty bad angle and looked horrendous imo.
1 5/16" rear, 1 1/8" front, by tape measure, plus 5 each about 3/16" feet (2 rear 3 front, nice 3-point landing on my folded Lapdesk2 in the easy chair). 1 pic and good spec sheet here (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=62138) and great virtual tour here (http://global.acer.com/products/notebook/tm8100.htm) . It has a slight angle like a thin empty notebook binder. Just enough curve that your hand curves around the spine comfortably when carrying.

[weed puller]

I've been with Toshiba for 2 laptops and Dell for 2 laptops and have been reading with interest the Sonoma reviews. It appears that the ACER 8104 is the best of the bunch with its video card, ram, and overall components. I'd like to know anyone's experience of reliability with ACER. Is it worth the jump from Dell?

[kevhuynh]

1 5/16" rear, 1 1/8" front, by tape measure, plus 5 each about 3/16" feet (2 rear 3 front, nice 3-point landing on my folded Lapdesk2 in the easy chair). 1 pic and good spec sheet here (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=62138) and great virtual tour here (http://global.acer.com/products/notebook/tm8100.htm) . It has a slight angle like a thin empty notebook binder. Just enough curve that your hand curves around the spine comfortably when carrying.

Nice that's not bad at all. I also saw a side angle shot of this book and it looks great. This thing is definitely under consideration.

[coolguy_y]

Great forum... really useful stats.

Where is the best place (cheapest) to buy this laptop from in Ontario, Canada?

I am looking for one ASAP.

Thanks.

[lastdon]

Great forum... really useful stats.

Where is the best place (cheapest) to buy this laptop from in Ontario, Canada?

I am looking for one ASAP.

Thanks.

u should call this place up www.directdial.com they got a few coming in on, the 15 i think they told me.. that is where i going mine coming from

[maiison]

MrMsyvc, thanks for all the good info. However, I did want to let you know that on Feb 3rd (4:53 am?) you posted a list of links to reviews of the x700. In that post there is a link to a site with the About:Blank virus/adware on it. I thought you would want to know that and edit your post delete the link. I'm not sure which site had the virus, and I'm not about to go back through, clicking on links while trying to find it.


Regards,

Maiison

[MrMsyvc]

I've been with Toshiba for 2 laptops and Dell for 2 laptops and have been reading with interest the Sonoma reviews. It appears that the ACER 8104 is the best of the bunch with its video card, ram, and overall components. I'd like to know anyone's experience of reliability with ACER. Is it worth the jump from Dell?
I think DarthAcer has had numerous Acers. PM him perhaps.

[MrMsyvc]

MrMsyvc, thanks for all the good info. However, I did want to let you know that on Feb 3rd (4:53 am?) you posted a list of links to reviews of the x700. In that post there is a link to a site with the About:Blank virus/adware on it. I thought you would want to know that and edit your post delete the link. I'm not sure which site had the virus, and I'm not about to go back through, clicking on links while trying to find it.


Regards,

Maiison
Thanks for the heads up. I've posted a warning in that post. My SpySweeper, AdWatch, and Norton don't find it, but someone else might not be so lucky.

[DarthAcer]

I think DarthAcer has had numerous Acers. PM him perhaps.

Can't compare to Dell - never owned one. But then every laptop I owned (Fujitsu, Sony, Acer, Compaq) was reliable. Sony were excellent machines until they decided to abandon powerful slim and light line and continue only ultraportable and DTR (17" monsters). The last Sony I had (and loved) was their XG200 series. Funny that I've heard so much badmouthing of Sony laptops while laptops themselves were fine. The cutomer service was non-existant, yes. But laptops were (past tense since I have not looked at Sony ever since I got my first Travelmate) excellent.

It's a matter of luck to a degree that you receive a good laptop. And then it's a matter of care you take of it. Take care of your laptop and it'll work for you. Acer laptops are reliable to me. Not gonna spill coffee on keyboard just to check it's reliability :lol:

[kevhuynh]

MrMsyvc, thanks for all the good info. However, I did want to let you know that on Feb 3rd (4:53 am?) you posted a list of links to reviews of the x700. In that post there is a link to a site with the About:Blank virus/adware on it. I thought you would want to know that and edit your post delete the link. I'm not sure which site had the virus, and I'm not about to go back through, clicking on links while trying to find it.


Regards,

Maiison

Maybe I can help you here. I've owned the 803lc (the predessor to the 8000 line that uses the exact same chassis...just a few minor upgrades) and own a 2012wlmi. These Acer books are definitely both topnotch. The 800 series had a much better build quality but that was due to the fact that the 2012wlmi was on the lower end of the Acer line-up. If the 8104 is built like it's 800/8000 brethren I imagine it's built like an absolute tank. For reference, I currently have an Toshiba M200 tablet and a cheapie 600m I bought on a whim. The build quality on the Dell is by far the cheapest of the bunch. Toshiba makes some crappy laptops recently as well (in terms of durability/form/aesthetics) but their high end line like the M200 is on par with the Acers. The bottom line I've realized is that there is no blanket statement that could be made about manufacturers in this day and age. Every manufacturer seems to have low end crappy notebooks along with the high end gems. From everything I've read this Acer appears to be a winner. Mwave is going to have one in stock later on today. I may swing by to pick one up and throw a review up here as well.

kev

mrv - One more question. What sort of materials is this badboy made of? Specifcally the back of hte LCD and the handrest area. Is it some sort of metallic/aluminum or is it plastic (ugh...praying it's not).

[MrMsyvc]

mrv - One more question. What sort of materials is this badboy made of? Specifcally the back of hte LCD and the handrest area. Is it some sort of metallic/aluminum or is it plastic (ugh...praying it's not).
Ummm, I'm not a metallurgist, but it looks like plastic to me. I don't really know.

[WarriorJoe]

Wow, that battery time isn't good at all. Or is this the time while you were playing games.

Isn't the battery time supposed to be 4 hrs?

[MrMsyvc]

Wow, that battery time isn't good at all. Or is this the time while you were playing games.

Isn't the battery time supposed to be 4 hrs?
I've run it 2 or 3 times on batteries at 80% brightness and Low cpu speed, as measured by the Acer power management software. (Settings are 0-20-40-60-80-100 brightness and low, medium, high, and max cpu speed. I'm running all "stock" configurations and software loads.) Every time it has run 3hr 15-20min. If you bump cpu brightness down to 0 or 20% (and you're computing in a totally blacked out room in order to see it) maybe you'll get 4. When I run it at higher settings I get less battery time. On the other hand, my previous DTR laptop got 1hr 45min on a single battery and I think the new Sager 9860 gets less than 2hr on TWO batteries. I'm very satisfied with the battery life.

[WarriorJoe]

Okey, thanks.. Still having trouble deciding, think this is the right computer for me if I will have to carry it around alot in school and also play games on it?

[MrMsyvc]

Okey, thanks.. Still having trouble deciding, think this is the right computer for me if I will have to carry it around alot in school and also play games on it?
It's 14 1/4 " W x 10 1/2" D. A little wide sitting on a school desk, but should drop into most backpacks OK. "Should" be a great gamer. I've been gaming on high res'es so far. It's your decision in the end. Don't blame it on what someone else told you. There are a lot of great laptops to choose from right now. In another month or so there will be more Sonomas too. I'm betting the future possible Clevo M400A will be a winner.

[guilherme]

Any body can tell if like the Ferrari model, is possible to upgrade the processor when available in the 8104? Thanks.

[WarriorJoe]

Why would you say that MrMsyvc; It has more weight. And also (as far as I can tell) only 1.6ghz and 256mb memory, but sure that can be upgraded.

What other laptops are there simular to Acer 8104? Good for gaming @ school => Battery life, looks, graphic card, memory, screen ( 15" ), weight, and noise, must be rather quiet.

Cant seem to find the right one!

"Help I need somebody, help, not just anybody, heeeeeelp" So I may quote the Beatles :)

[DarthAcer]

Any body can tell if like the Ferrari model, is possible to upgrade the processor when available in the 8104? Thanks.

Technically yes. CPU is socketed and upgradeable. Practically, 8104 already has top of the line current processor inside and it gets hot when run full-speed. I would never put anything more powerful in this laptop. If Intel comes up with higher clock version that still dissipates same amount of power though, then you should be able to put it in. It will probably require a BIOS update designed for recognize new processor, and there is some stuff in BIOS dealing with CPU microcode (judging from update notes on other Travelmate BIOSes). But Acer usually does this in timely matter. For instance, they issued BIOS with Dothan CPU support for Travelmate 80x series (originally Banias). So people could put Dothans in those laptops.

Replacing CPU yourself will void warranty (I guess). I know how to open TM80x and TM800x and to upgrade CPU there. From the looks of TM810x, it should be even easier to open. But I have not done it yet and am not planning for at least a year.

[guilherme]

Thanks for your answer Darth. That's what I was thinking, if we have a 3 ghz Pentium M (same specs as 2 ghz) in the future, we'll be able to upgrade. This will make it's lifetime a little longer, as you can't upgrade the GPU, right? Thanks.

[MrMsyvc]

Why would you say that MrMsyvc; It has more weight. And also (as far as I can tell) only 1.6ghz and 256mb memory, but sure that can be upgraded.
Pure speculation so far:
http://www.clevo.com.tw/products/M400A.asp
Also M400A Cobra in FUTURE section:
http://www.eurocom.com/

Good luck on your quest. You'll find something good and bad about every laptop out there.

[WarriorJoe]

Well said, because that is always how it is, it always seems like i found THE laptop, but then I look closer and ohh... The battery is just 2hrs or something like that..

Still waiting for the perfect laptop as alot of people here are.. But the Acer 8104 I think comes closest for being the right one.

The Clevo looks good, nice specs.. But.. Like always bad/good.. It's to heavy to carry around school alot.

The Eurocom Cobra looks very good, but again.. Little bit heavy but a excelent battery time. Are there any other laptops, with specs I like coming out next month or two?

[MrMsyvc]

The Clevo looks good, nice specs.. But.. Like always bad/good.. It's to heavy to carry around school alot.
You talking about the future M400A? As I read it it's spec'd at 3.1kg which is 6.82lbs, or a few tenths of a lb more than the 8104. Don't think you'll find much lighter unless you go to ultra-thin 4-5lb notebook with less performance.

[WarriorJoe]

Less performance is out of the question, and yes talking about the future M400A.. If the computer is very good to handle, easy to walk with this might be the right choice.

And on some other threads they were talking about ASUS, and how dum they were not putting a good graphic card into their machines, I so agree.. The new laptops, with X700.. mmm Perfect :)

For now it's Acer 8104, but i probably wont buy a laptop until a month or so, probably new computers will be arriving by then..

[DarthAcer]

Less performance is out of the question, and yes talking about the future M400A.. If the computer is very good to handle, easy to walk with this might be the right choice.

And on some other threads they were talking about ASUS, and how dum they were not putting a good graphic card into their machines, I so agree.. The new laptops, with X700.. mmm Perfect :)

For now it's Acer 8104, but i probably wont buy a laptop until a month or so, probably new computers will be arriving by then..

Just remember that not everything is listed in specs. If you see a thin and light laptop with powerful graphics card and long battery life, chances are that GPU core and memory are underclocked. Clocking it higher might cause overheating and/or lower battery life. Basically things like that.

[WarriorJoe]

I hate laptops :/
But love them as well.. Just its impossible to find the right one, and when you find the one you like the most.. Of course it's out of stock..

Dont understand why Alienware hasn't got a real laptop, they just have a desktop replacement ( No battery life, extreme power ) or like Sentia; Long battery life, thin&light, no power, small screen..

If alienware had a laptop like the specs of Acer 8104, mmmmm :D

[z34er]

PS where do did you purchase Your TM8104's?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[MrMsyvc]

PS where do did you purchase Your TM8104's?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=681236#post681236

[deebo]

Featured items - Laptops/Acer

Guy has 3 available $2399 each.

Not putting a link because I'm afraid to break any rules.

[MrMsyvc]

Featured items - Laptops/Acer

Guy has 3 available $2399 each.

Not putting a link because I'm afraid to break any rules.
This guy has been discussed in the most recent 3 or 4 pages of the other major 8100 thread. Pros and cons about him.

[deebo]

thanks for the heads up

I just logged back on and hadn't had time to look around yet.

[e2g]

Hey MrMsyvc or anyone else, how would you rate this Acer notebook's screen to that of the Sony S series and the new FS series. Sorry if someone asked you this question already.

[MrMsyvc]

Hey MrMsyvc or anyone else, how would you rate this Acer notebook's screen to that of the Sony S series and the new FS series. Sorry if someone asked you this question already.
Dunno about those. Mine sits next to my Sony HX73 xbrite LCD and is paler than that, but I think it's very good regardless.

[e2g]

Well, thanks alot for your quick and honest response.....that is a really nice laptop btw.....

[lastdon]

i dont think anyone can really can compare an xbrite screen with a non xbrite seen, one has more ligth than the other, and one is glossy..
that is like compared a ferrari's engine to a fords.

both are manufactures differently, but my buddy said his acer 8104 compared to his sony a250 is still good, and no reflection at times :)

[MrMsyvc]

i dont think anyone can really can compare an xbrite screen with a non xbrite seen, one has more ligth than the other, and one is glossy..
that is like compared a ferrari's engine to a fords.
Uh, I think I just did. And you can "compare" a ferrari to a ford GT engine (http://www.fordvehicles.com/fordgt/media_gallery.asp?gallery=ENGINE_VIDEO) .

[e2g]

Hey Lastdon, thanks for your response. Your buddy. when he says it "is still good" --exactly what does he mean as when you say reflection...I am looking for one of those reflective screens aka xbrite aka Crystal Clear aka TruBrite...The Acer looks good...looks like it ranks with the FS series as well as the Toshiba M45..in terms of battery life (Toshiba and Sony a lil less, according to benchmarks I have seen).

i dont think anyone can really can compare an xbrite screen with a non xbrite seen, one has more ligth than the other, and one is glossy..
that is like compared a ferrari's engine to a fords.

both are manufactures differently, but my buddy said his acer 8104 compared to his sony a250 is still good, and no reflection at times :)

[z34er]

does Acer not offer any options to customize these or any of their laptops? curious because i have not really heard of a company doing this. also curious aobut hard drive speed, couldnt find that. and actual dimentions of screen

[lastdon]

Hey Lastdon, thanks for your response. Your buddy. when he says it "is still good" --exactly what does he mean as when you say reflection...I am looking for one of those reflective screens aka xbrite aka Crystal Clear aka TruBrite...The Acer looks good...looks like it ranks with the FS series as well as the Toshiba M45..in terms of battery life (Toshiba and Sony a lil less, according to benchmarks I have seen).

he says he prefers the acer screen cause at bright levels the xbrite hurts his eyes..

though i had the fs series, battery life sucked about 1-2hours nothing more even with low levels of lcd light!!

[MrMsyvc]

also curious aobut hard drive speed, couldnt find that. and actual dimentions of screen
8104 has a 100GB HDD at 5400rpm. Actual screen size inside the frame is 15.4" diagonal, 8 1/4" high x 14 1/16" (eyeballin' my tape). Laptop size is 14 1/4 " W x 10 1/2" D. Height 1 5/16" rear, 1 1/8" front, by tape measure, plus 5 each about 3/16" feet (2 rear 3 front, nice 3-point landing on my folded Lapdesk2 in the easy chair). It has a slight angle like a thin empty notebook binder. Just enough curve that your hand curves around the spine comfortably when carrying.

[satanspawn71]

Just to let everyone know these are in stock now @

Digi uk (http://www.digiuk.com/productdetail.asp?id=3438&c=816037&guid=&s=#)

We have 20 available so everyone get in quick! :awdance: :santa:

[MatrixCells04]

:banana: I have a few questions if you could please answer MrMsyvc about your new Acer Travelmate 8104. The DVD drive is located on the right side of the laptop as well as 3 USB ports. I am going to have the same setup as you with an external USB mouse on the Right side.

My questions is do the USB ports obstruct you while using the mouse. I will all three occupied, do you think it will be a problem? Also ejecting the DVD drive tray, does it also interfere with you using the external mouse? One big thing is that are you able to eject the DVD tray or does the mouse pad prevent it from doing so? :stupid:

One other odd port placement I noticed is the AC port is directly under the security lock. Do you think using a lock will obstruct the AC, from the looks I think so. Running the AC the opposite way I think will then obstruct the DVD tray I think. :stupid:

Thanks In advance, I am deciding on either Acer Travelmate 8103 or the Acer Aspire 2025 [Shipped internationally from UK, VAT free]

Acer Aspire 2025 positives : Louder, Good Speakers with Subwoofer. Slot Load DVD Drive. Better Port placement in my Opinion, with DVD Drive on the Left.

Acer Travelmate 8103 : Freakin Ridicoulously Faster, X700

[MrMsyvc]

:banana: I have a few questions if you could please answer MrMsyvc about your new Acer Travelmate 8104. The DVD drive is located on the right side of the laptop as well as 3 USB ports. I am going to have the same setup as you with an external USB mouse on the Right side.

My questions is do the USB ports obstruct you while using the mouse. I will all three occupied, do you think it will be a problem? Also ejecting the DVD drive tray, does it also interfere with you using the external mouse? One big thing is that are you able to eject the DVD tray or does the mouse pad prevent it from doing so? :stupid:

One other odd port placement I noticed is the AC port is directly under the security lock. Do you think using a lock will obstruct the AC, from the looks I think so. Running the AC the opposite way I think will then obstruct the DVD tray I think. :stupid:

Thanks In advance, I am deciding on either Acer Travelmate 8103 or the Acer Aspire 2025 [Shipped internationally from UK, VAT free]

Acer Aspire 2025 positives : Louder, Good Speakers with Subwoofer. Slot Load DVD Drive. Better Port placement in my Opinion, with DVD Drive on the Left.

Acer Travelmate 8103 : Freakin Ridicoulously Faster, X700
The port placement is a little quirky, as you have seen from the pic in the first post of this review. In that pic I have 2 USB cables plugged in the right, with one unused port between them, and the elbow shaped power cable plugged in the rear right side. The DVD is between the USB and the power cable. We could speculate as to where else they might have put them, but there are other design considerations I'm sure.

If you're in "laptop" mode, typing on the laptop, and using a mouse on the right, then the cable placement is a (minor) obstacle. You have to place your mouse pad to the rear of the cables, and your wrist and arm will be over the cables. It's very doable but something you're not used to. If you only use 1 usb cable (for your mouse) and only need 1 port, there is a single usb port on the left side of the laptop. No problem. The power cable will not get in the way as it as an elbow and can be turned to the rear.

I am usually either in "desktop\\gaming" mode, where the laptop is back on my desk and I'm using a full-sized keyboard and mouse in front of it, usually with an external monitor also, or I'm in "laptop" mode, with it on my lap in a chair or sofa. In this mode I usually use the touchpad, or a usb optical mouse in which case I "mouse" on the chair or sofa surface. In desktop mode the laptop is set back so I don't care how many ports are used (and most of them are).

REF the power cable and Kensington port, they are side by side. The lock port is the last hole to the rear of the right side, the power port is next to it. I haven't had my lock in yet, but again the power cable elbow can point up, down, or to either side. They should work together.

Which brings us to design quirk #629847629348762. The DVD tray. If the power cable is twisted toward it, it can get in the way of the tray opening. Not a show stopper but you have to move it. If the USB ports are occupied, those wires may be strung toward the rear and the DVD tray can snag (but not damage) when opening. The whole laptop is thin, with fairly shallow rubber feet. If the laptop is in your lap, even on a lapdesk, then the tray may catch on something when opening.

If you find a laptop that is absolutely exact to the 8104 in performance and features, then you may want to factor these things in for a final decision. Although we current owners could see the design before we bought, we didn't have any user feedback. I'm not disappointed at all. For me, I'm very satisfied with it. There are quirks, as with any laptop I've ever heard of, so IMO that goes with the territory. Hope this helps you.

EDIT: Some have mentioned they use a Bluetooth mouse, which as I understand it doesn't "have" to use a cable attached adapter. (I'm not familiar with Bluetooth at all.) I went with a wireless keyboard and mouse combo, but LOL, they require a single usb port transmitter. Yeah, it's on the left usb port but the right 3 usb still get filled in desktop mode. Cheers.

[bruin]

I'm sitting on my new Sony FS500 with the nvidia card, 1gb ram, 80gb drive and a 2.13 GHz Pentium M.

It's a beautiful computer, but now that I'm reading about this Acer I'm wondering if I should send it back and get the Acer.

I'm sure the Xbrite is better screen but what else about the Sony is better?

And really, how much faster is the x700 card going to be anyways. Remember, the Sony is going to use a lower resolution anyways (1280 x 800 max).

All I want, besides a lot of programming time for work, is to be able to play the latest games without reducing the quality down to 1980's levels.


Thanks!

[MatrixCells04]

First I would like to thank you MrMsyvc for answering all my questions and doing so very quickly!

I still haven't decided on a laptop just yet. I do still have my sights on Acer Travelmate 8103 but am turned off by the port placement [user preference, still a great notebook] My setup I will have to many things to worry about power cord, DVD tray, lock, interferring with my mouse/mouse pad

I am going to try and see if I can get my hands on a Acer Aspire 2026 [still a few left] from the UK. Which seems much more suitable for me.

Currently I'm using a Acer Ferrari 3400. Awesome notebook, Port placement is perfect, slot load DVD drive, sleek and beautiful finish. My only quirk with this notebook is [and the reason I'm not keeping it] is that the screen is quite terrible.

The viewing angles are not that good. From a user who owned a widescreen notebook previously there is a big difference. I have to keep adjusting the screen, not uniformly bright at different angles.

Widescreen I had before was much better. The viewing angles were very good. I never had to adjust the screen. Looked good no matter where you looked at it.

The Ferrari 3400 could have been the perfect notebook. It is by no means a bad notebook, I love it. But the screen only looks good if your sitting directly in front of it. If I can't get my hand on a Aspire 2026 I will wait a couple months to see what else new notebooks arrive.

Bought Acer Ferrari 3400 from Costco. Have about 4 more months before it goes back.

Thanks for the advice! :cheers:

[lastdon]

I'm sitting on my new Sony FS500 with the nvidia card, 1gb ram, 80gb drive and a 2.13 GHz Pentium M.

It's a beautiful computer, but now that I'm reading about this Acer I'm wondering if I should send it back and get the Acer.

I'm sure the Xbrite is better screen but what else about the Sony is better?

And really, how much faster is the x700 card going to be anyways. Remember, the Sony is going to use a lower resolution anyways (1280 x 800 max).

All I want, besides a lot of programming time for work, is to be able to play the latest games without reducing the quality down to 1980's levels.


Thanks!

i had the sony with non nvidia card went back !! and now acer is coming !!

[bruin]

i had the sony with non nvidia card went back !! and now acer is coming !!

Yes, but how about with the nvidia card?

[Okle]

You must realize that the Sony has a GF6200TC, which is basically a 6200 core using shared memory (not a good idea, as dedicated VRAM is still better regardless of Nvidias marketing ploys, or so i've heard). You must also realize that even the regular 6200 is on par with the Radeon x300, which is in turn blown to kingdom come by the x700. If I remember the specs for their desktop versions, the 6200 has 2 pixel pipes/1vertex, and the x700 has 8 pixel/6 vertex shader pipes. I'm not completely sure of the 6200's exact specs, mind you, but IMO a more comparable card would be the 6600go.

EDIT: And something tells me that you shouldn't be sitting on your brand new Sony FS500...unless you really hate it and want to use it as a bumcushion. ;)

[bruin]

Turns out th 6200 TC has 4 pixel pipes and 3 vertex shaders.

[chris101]

just got this laptop and very very impressed!!
Only 2 queries -
1. How do I get the sound when playing movies in media player to be lound without messing up the sound settings?

2. How do I improove the quality of the movies when playing DVD via the dvd rom drive?

[Okle]

Turns out th 6200 TC has 4 pixel pipes and 3 vertex shaders.


Oops...teeheehee. :$ Still, those figures are doubled by the MRx700 and besides, I just don't think Nvidia's track record in notebooks is that stellar (except for the 6800go, that's a nice card).

[bladerunner168]

OK, no doubt the 8104 is by far the most impressive kit out there now but.........

does any one know what the 8103 is capable off?
shouldn't be that much difference, 1.8Ghz, 512 RAM, 80GB same graphics

I want to be able to play Homeworld 2, Joint Operations, HALO, HL2 & Splinter Cell.
I will kick myself if it turn out that the 8103 is way below the 8104 even though I save myself £252!!!!!

BTW, UK users: best price I got was £1441 (inc VAT) for 8104 (www.shoplaptops.co.uk) and £1189 for the 8103 (www.laptopsdirect.co.uk), anyone else know better?

Cheers

[dock44]

OK, no doubt the 8104 is by far the most impressive kit out there now but.........

does any one know what the 8103 is capable off?
shouldn't be that much difference, 1.8Ghz, 512 RAM, 80GB same graphics

I want to be able to play Homeworld 2, Joint Operations, HALO, HL2 & Splinter Cell.
I will kick myself if it turn out that the 8103 is way below the 8104 even though I save myself £252!!!!!

BTW, UK users: best price I got was £1441 (inc VAT) for 8104 (www.shoplaptops.co.uk) and £1189 for the 8103 (www.laptopsdirect.co.uk), anyone else know better?

Cheers

Blade, the processor difference is 1.86Ghz -vs- 2.0Ghz, so we're really only talking about 100Mhz difference. Everything else is the same save for the 1g -vs- 512mb memory. I'm sure they would be mighty close on any benchmarks.

[reg.t]

BTW, UK users: best price I got was £1441 (inc VAT) for 8104 (www.shoplaptops.co.uk) and £1189 for the 8103 (www.laptopsdirect.co.uk), anyone else know better?


www.technoworld.com quote £1421 for the 8104, (£1436 with Next Day Delivery).
www.digiuk.com are £1439 (£1433), and have actually had them in stock (I got mine from them today).
Prices inc VAT.

[[jF]]

Cheers 4 the pricing update boys :D

does anyone with the 80GB drive confirm that its 5400rpm please? 8mb-cache?

Thanks

Si

[bladerunner168]

Thanks for the updates comrades,

I'm just off to Tottenham Court Road (non UK residents: this is gadget central in London) to see if I can pick up a 8103 or 8104 today

Time for some serious bartering!!!

Keep you updated :dude:

[bladerunner168]

I have failed :mad:

Does any body know any UK websites that deliver to a work address???

[bladerunner168]

I have just ordered my 8103 from Digi-UK (www.digi-uk.com)

Thank you Digi-UK for your professional and courteous service, well done!!!

Will post a review as soon as I have got to know it better.

:cheers:

[olli3]

I have seen on one of the sites that the 8103 has 80gb 4200rpm disk.

[satanspawn71]

I have just ordered my 8103 from Digi-UK (www.digi-uk.com)

Thank you Digi-UK for your professional and courteous service, well done!!!

Will post a review as soon as I have got to know it better.

:cheers:

Spot on :)

Not a problem, we have always had trouble shipping laptops to addresses that aren't on your credit card statement, simply as our insurers will not cough up if a laptop is sold without proof (i.e. fax of credit card details) etc.

ITs out for delivery tomorrow and if you want to drop me an e-mail
scott.morris@digiuk.com i will try and get you a tracking number in the morning! :headbang:

[reg.t]

I have seen on one of the sites that the 8103 has 80gb 4200rpm disk.

I'm sure that I saw that too, but can't find any reference to spindle speed of UK-spec 8103 anymore. Maybe it was a mistake (like the first photos, which were of a diferent machine) that's since been corrected?

[MrMsyvc]

I'm sure that I saw that too, but can't find any reference to spindle speed of UK-spec 8103 anymore. Maybe it was a mistake (like the first photos, which were of a diferent machine) that's since been corrected?
4200 t'would be a bummer. I've read there's a noticeable perf. difference between 4200 and 5400, very less noticeable between 5400 and 7200.

[GalaxiePete]

Ok, spent as much time reading this review as I can... AWESOME job. I am looking to order today or tomorrow and I have a couple questions...

No sytem restore disks? I am assuming you have to make your own from the comment about the backup reminder every time you start the system, is that correct?

That minor little fact really irritates me. I hate to see manufacturers cheap out on $.02 CDs for installing the OS and apps.

[olli3]

If the disk speed is 4200rpm on the 03, then it shows that you are getting a better overall machine with the 04 other than just a faster cpu and more ram.

[MrMsyvc]

No sytem restore disks? I am assuming you have to make your own from the comment about the backup reminder every time you start the system, is that correct?
Don't have them in front of me but there's a System Disk, with Drivers, etc, with which you can start a Recovery, and 2 other CDs with a Ghost Image spread across them. The big drawback is that there is no actual OEM copy of WinXP. You can restore the original image (I presume) with the CDs and the Acer "eRecovery" software, but you can't actually format and install XP from scratch. Why it asks you to "backup now" on a new system is beyond me, since you already have the stock image on CD.

The eRecovery software is a fairly extensive effort by Acer, but it has other drawbacks too. You have Monitor.exe always running to see if you have hit the "hidden" Alt-10 keys to take you to recovery. You can do that or select eRecovery from the eManagement software (another running Acer thread). As noted in the Start\Programs|Acer Manual, your C: partition may be converted to NTFS if you want, but the D: must remain FAT32 in order for the eRecovery to function. (???) I used eRecovery to make a backup and it kicks off Ghost 8.0 and the familiar Ghost Image software if you've used that before. My options were to create an image on D: or on CD\DVD. I chose D: and it created 6-8 650MB .GHS files with others on the D: drive. It took up about 5-6GB and I wanted to move them to my external HDD but it kept telling me "files in use". I finally found that when I stopped Monitor.exe, and turned off the file attributes (RSHA) (don't know if that mattered) then I could copy them off the D: drive.

I like that Acer went to all the trouble for the eRecovery, I just wish they'd fine tune and upgrade it. The FAT32 has 32K clusters. I converted my C: drive to NTFS and it now has 4K clusters.

As discussed mainly in the big 8100 thread, you can create a bootable XP CD with SP2 slipstreamed and use your own license # from the bottom of your laptop, BUTTTT you must have a hard copy XP CD to start with. It's legal to do, but not everyone will have access to another XP CD. I'm still finishing my CD (can't get the bootimage.img to work, reboot gets "Cannot boot from this CD - Code 4) but I'm sure I'll get around that. I've created one that boots to PCDOS and from which I can run E:\I386\winnt.exe, which I think will get the same result, but I'd like to have the whole enchilada.

Here (http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?id=157&object=article.cfm) is the most detailed writeup on a CD. It has a link to those problematic boot images too. I'm going to try to complete with this when I get home.

PC Mag has a recent article on the same think (January I think) and I was using that but couldn't get the boot image right.

Surf on Eldergeek or Bart PE for further info.

Lemme know if you have more questions.

[MrMsyvc]

Spot on :)

Not a problem, we have always had trouble shipping laptops to addresses that aren't on your credit card statement, simply as our insurers will not cough up if a laptop is sold without proof (i.e. fax of credit card details) etc.

ITs out for delivery tomorrow and if you want to drop me an e-mail
scott.morris@digiuk.com i will try and get you a tracking number in the morning! :headbang:
YO, SATAN! You out there?! Are your 8103s with 80GB 4200RPM or 100GB 5400RPM?

Most of the Froogles in the states list the 8103 with 100GB (presumably 5400RPM) drives. Most of us have thought all along the only differences between 8104 and 8103 was slightly less cpu (1.8-2.0) and RAM (512-1024) which made the 8103s very appealing.

Thanks.

[GalaxiePete]

Wow, thanks for the extensive reply. I'm familiar with BartPE and have an XP Pro CD - quite a few actually. I was looking into how to do the install fully patched as you have mentioned (at least with SP2) just yesterday. I haven't had time to tackle the project yet and it may be a while. But you are right - I do crave a clean install despite all the Acer bells and whistles in SW. Much easier to do then cleaning up everything you don't want. I was figuring I would probably use one of my unallocated licenses, since I haven't had time to delve into Bart.

Very familiar with Ghost...

As for the backup, as long as you have restore CDs, I guess I don't see the value - unless it is for the purpose of on the road restores where you may not have your CDs with you.

IF I don't do a clean install immediately, my intention is to divide the main partition in half and install server 2003 on the second partition for the moment. I am working on my MSCE certification and I need a laptop that will run it and my day to day work requirements as well (not to mention my evening entertainment). I am sure with 1GB of ram and the 2ghz processor it will be sufficient power wise. Although, I have never thought about possible complications due to the mobile chipset until just now... Well regardless something like the Sager 9860 is out of the question - it is just too hot and has no battery life. I can deal with the size though...

[[jF]]

Agreed, we need to know Satan!! 8103 have 4200rpm or 5400rpm drive?

:D

[MrMsyvc]

Wow, thanks for the extensive reply.
Here's a link (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1747010,00.asp) to the PCMag article. Somewhere in there it tells where to download the Networking version of SP2. You just run it and it integrates itself with the XP copy you have copied to HDD.

The main thing I miss is HyperThreading. The 8104 "thinks" a little longer than I'm used to, but that's probably also because stock it has 30-40+ threads running. Lotta nice bells and whistles for consumers. A reformat will clean that up.

[bladerunner168]

The HDD speed of the 8103 is 4200, any one have definitive view on whether this is neglible or big time no no??? :scratch:

[padlon]

I'm sure that I saw that too, but can't find any reference to spindle speed of UK-spec 8103 anymore. Maybe it was a mistake (like the first photos, which were of a diferent machine) that's since been corrected?
In this post (http://notebookforums.com/showpost.php?p=682241&postcount=666) is a reference to Acer UK's Feb retail price list, that also contains specs for UK machines. UK edition 8103WLMi (part number LX.T7206.029) has 80GB 4200RPM :(

Of course, it'd be better if an owner or retailer could check a real, live UK-spec machine, rather than a document...

[olli3]

If its true that its 4200rpm I would be more eager to get an 8104

[bladerunner168]

does anyone know where to downlaod benchmark programs? I want to do a review.

Thanks :banana:

[MrMsyvc]

does anyone know where to downlaod benchmark programs? I want to do a review.

Thanks :banana:
Here (http://futuremark.com/products/) is a start. The freebies of 05, 03, and 2001 are popular.

[maxzinc]

Um full directions on Slipstreaming XP and saving the bootable part of the CD available at http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm - works great. ISO Buster wonderful app.

-max

[MrMsyvc]

UNDER THE 8104 KEYBOARD:

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/16456415-M.jpg
Upper left: Fan. (Doh!) Right: DVD-CD player.

Lower left of center: Copper plate with ... heat pipe (?) going toward touchpad area.
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/16456410-M.jpg

Lower center: Flexible keyboard cable-strip.
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/16456411-M.jpg

I still suspect either the cpu or the X700 graphics is under the touchpad. Although the Wi-Fi on the bottom may generate some heat, I have it off a lot and there is still touchpad heat. When I'm gaming Wi-Fi is off, my laptop cooler is running, the bottom of the laptop is COLD, and the touchpad is still hot. When I'm done gaming the cpu temp is often up to 61-63C but drops quickly to the mid and low 50s.

Note the fan is in the upper left and the intake vents are scattered around the bottom of the laptop. Presumably the design is to pull air into the various areas and expel it by the fan (topside left).

No, I won't be disassembling my laptop any further. I'm not THAT curious.

[Alexey]

Wow, interesting pics! Hey, could you make some more pics of screen in action, like with Excel open, or with a greyscale gradient, front and angled? It'll be very important for many people, as we have to buy the laptop w/o seeing it "in person" first.

[MrMsyvc]

Wow, interesting pics! Hey, could you make some more pics of screen in action, like with Excel open, or with a greyscale gradient, front and angled? It'll be very important for many people, as we have to buy the laptop w/o seeing it "in person" first.
Mebbe some screen pics tomorrow. I'm crashin'. (Know what you mean about buying sight unseen.)

[MrMsyvc]

SCREENSHOTS

Oops, forgot the Excel and greyscale. Sorry.

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/16495627-S.jpg

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/16495628-S.jpg

http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/16495629-S.jpg

Dances With Wolves closeup on DVD
http://s91014781.onlinehome.us/images/16495630-S.jpg

[Alexey]

Awesome, thanks!!!

My judgement is: The brightness and sharpness are quite good, but the colors are not really "juicy", plus angles are not incredibly good also. Most importantly, the backlit seems to be really uneven, even the up-forward shot shows significanlty lighter bottom and darker top. Is this blue background one-color solid, or a gradient? Strangely, on a side-angled shot no visble gradient is present, colors at top and bottom seem equally faded... Therefore, people were probably right, and this is a TN+Film panel, and not the best one (not a crappy Dell though, just regular).

[MrMsyvc]

Awesome, thanks!!!

My judgement is: The brightness and sharpness are quite good, but the colors are not really "juicy", plus angles are not incredibly good also. Most importantly, the backlit seems to be really uneven, even the up-forward shot shows significanlty lighter bottom and darker top. Is this blue background one-color solid, or a gradient? Strangely, on a side-angled shot no visble gradient is present, colors at top and bottom seem equally faded... Therefore, people were probably right, and this is a TN+Film panel, and not the best one (not a crappy Dell though, just regular).
Agreed on the good but not juicy. The background is not a gradient but I think it's if you're not dead center it "changes", it's brightest when leaned back and dead center to vision. On mixed screens, like a browser or game, you don't notice it. I'm satisfied with it but it's not quite as crisp as my old UXGA. Definitely nowhere near as dull as some CRTs (Mags) I've had.

[Alexey]

Well, it is definitely not as crappy as something that I am staring at right now :-). However, I am thinking about the new Tecra S2, and it seems to be a "8104 killer": almost the same config (except GF Go 6600 and DDR333), seemingly lower battery life, and the screen 1600*1200 UXGA 15''. Same money till Monday. However: 1). Noone has seen this Tecra before, not a single review, no pictures anywhere. 2). Not much positive feedback about Tecra S1 or any other Tecra (yeah, everybody says it is a cool laptop for business, but nobody has it :-)) 3). 15 % restocking fee (matters for me), and 4). Horrbile quality and support for all lines of Toshiba laptops for the last year, reported everywhere on the web.
Sorry, I gave birth to an offtopic :-)
Anyway, have you seen (alive or pics) Toshiba UXGA non-TrueBrite screen, and how it compares?

[pwanda]

Hi,

I know acer supplies international traveller's warranty.

Is this international warranty exactly the same as the standard local warranty? ie..so i would be able to get the same repair/service in Australia, if purchased the 8104 in US?

[orangeguy]

Hi,

I know acer supplies international traveller's warranty.

Is this international warranty exactly the same as the standard local warranty? ie..so i would be able to get the same repair/service in Australia, if purchased the 8104 in US?

Yes of course, that is what international warranty is all about.

[yeggster]

dont know if anybody has mentioned it in any of the 8100 threads, but what about this modular bay battery that was supposed to be availible?

[MrMsyvc]

dont know if anybody has mentioned it in any of the 8100 threads, but what about this modular bay battery that was supposed to be availible?
None of the accessories seem to be available yet. Surf neutronexpress.com (http://neutronexpress.com) and search for "acer notebook". It's in the list along with the EZport replicator. The replacement battery should be in there somewhere too. Personally I just want a second replacement so I can still use the CD, like on long trips. I definitely want a port replicator too. In "desktop" mode I currently use all USB ports, firewire port, LAN, and DVI.

[silverdragun]

can you upgrade the graphic card/chip urself?

[MrMsyvc]

can you upgrade the graphic card/chip urself?
So far there is no indication it will be upgradeable. It isn't even VISIBLE without taking the case apart (I assume, because it can't see it in anything I've taken off already.) If it was meant to be easily upgradeable they might have advertised that.

[bauermj]

Has anyone else tried to run Party Poker or Pacific Poker on their 8104? On the base system install I get messed up poker room windows, as well as bank/account balance text off formatted. I even formatted everything and reinstalled the system restore. Exacty same issues. Today I'm going to borrow a friends XP Pro and forget all of the acer stuff. I'm wondering if the Acer font could have some kind of issues on all this...

[MrMsyvc]

Has anyone else tried to run Party Poker or Pacific Poker on their 8104? On the base system install I get messed up poker room windows, as well as bank/account balance text off formatted. I even formatted everything and reinstalled the system restore. Exacty same issues. Today I'm going to borrow a friends XP Pro and forget all of the acer stuff. I'm wondering if the Acer font could have some kind of issues on all this...
I don't use those, but what screen res are you using? Turned off Clear Type? I don't know that Acer uses their own fonts. Post some pix\screenshots in the big 8100 thread if you can (or PM me and I'll give you an email where you can send me a couple of reasonable size JPGs, and I'll host/post em for u. I don't have unlimited resources!).

[bauermj]

I don't use those, but what screen res are you using? Turned off Clear Type? I don't know that Acer uses their own fonts. Post some pix\screenshots in the big 8100 thread if you can (or PM me and I'll give you an email where you can send me a couple of reasonable size JPGs, and I'll host/post em for u. I don't have unlimited resources!).

Figured it out. How silly, but you kind of led me to start looking at video settings. I went to some advanced settings and just happened to see that by default (on the system load AND restore discs) Acer sets DPI to LARGE 120 DPI. Changing this back to normal 90 DPI fixed everything. I will still try to get a screenshot to show you how this DPI setting totally freaked out the software.

Anyway, problem solved and thanks for getting me on the right track.

[MrMsyvc]

Figured it out. How silly, but you kind of led me to start looking at video settings. I went to some advanced settings and just happened to see that by default (on the system load AND restore discs) Acer sets DPI to LARGE 120 DPI. Changing this back to normal 90 DPI fixed everything. I will still try to get a screenshot to show you how this DPI setting totally freaked out the software.

Anyway, problem solved and thanks for getting me on the right track.
Oh yeah, that has been noted before. Sorry I forgot it.

[Blair]

Just thought id mention that clear type is well worth putting on. Of couse - reduce your DPI to 90 first :P

[EnF70]

2nd test: 2 hr 25 min: BatteryMon is predicting 2 1/2. MobilityMeter after an hour says I'm running at 800Mhz, steady 48C CPU temp and near-flatline 39C HDD temp. Made it to 2 hr 25 min before it went into hibernate...

I'm interested in this tool called "MobilityMeter". Where can I find it?

[MrMsyvc]

I'm interested in this tool called "MobilityMeter". Where can I find it?
MobileMeter actually, sorry. http://dssc3031.ece.cmu.edu/~tamaru/mobilemeter/mobilemeterreadme-e.htm
This link leads you to an English page, with a link to a Japanese page that has the download link. It's very nice for just watching CPU and HDD temp. I leave it running when I start a game then check the history afterwards. Stretch the MM window in all directions for more detail.