Nicely affordable as well as lightweight, the Acer TravelMate TM2480-2779 (model LX.TH30Y.024) is a great choice for budget-minded business travelers. It features a wide-aspect 14.1-inch WXGA LCD screen that’s great for multitasking between application windows–as well as watching DVD movies when you’ve got a moment of downtime. In addition to an integrated 54g wireless LAN, this notebook also includes Acer’s SignalUp technology–a super-efficient antenna is built into the case, creating an omni-directional sphere that extends signal range and quality. Other hardware features include a 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron M processor, 80 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), and combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, which delivers a safer, more reliable, and more productive computing environment. It integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

* Processor: The Intel Celeron M Processor 420 is designed specifically for mobile computing, offering a balanced level of mobile-optimized processor technology, good mobile performance, and exceptional value. The 1.6 GHz speed is complemented by a speedy 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system’s performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

* Hard Drive: The 80 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) is average in size for notebook PCs, and it’s roomy enough to store business productivity applications, all your important documents and presentations, and a good-sized digital audio and video library.

* Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (1 x 512 MB, 533 MHz) is a decent start for power users. But you’ll want to take advantage of the 2 GB capacity for working with today’s demanding business productivity applications.

* DVD/CD Drive: This notebook offers a combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive that enables you to quickly burn your favorite music mixes to CD (with its 24x write and 24x rewrite speeds) and comfortably watch DVD movies (with its 8x DVD-ROM read speed).

* Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook features an 88-key keyboard with inverted T cursor layout, embedded numeric keypad, hotkey controls, international language support, and 2.5mm minimum key travel. The touchpad has a four-way scroll button, and it includes a font-access wireless network on/off button.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 14.1-inch WXGA LCD has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels–perfect for watching movies in their intended 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. It also has an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectX 9.0 support. Encouraging multitasking on your widescreen LCD, the Acer GridVista feature allows you to view up to eight windows simultaneously on dual displays, while supporting “drag and drop” and “snap-to-grid” capability. This notebook provides both VGA and S-Video outputs.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This Acer notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that’s compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer’s SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency. It also includes a basic offering of external connections:

* 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals–from digital cameras to MP3 players
* Type II PC Card (PCMCIA) slot
* 1 VGA for external monitor
* 1 S-Video for connecting to a TV or projector
* 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack, 1 line-in
* 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, XD Picture Card)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Basic is the operating system for users with basic computing needs, such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks. Additionally, Windows Vista Home Basic integrates new search tools throughout the operating system to help you quickly find the precise file or program you need.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family’s use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
It also comes with the following selection of preloaded software titles: Acer eManager, Acer GridVista, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Acrobat Reader, CyberLink PowerProducer, Norton AntiVirus, NTI CD-Maker.

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 13.4 x 9.9 x 1.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.3 pounds.

Power
It comes with a four-cell lithium ion battery with up to 1.5 hours life depending on usage (2.0 hours recharge time with system off, 2.5 hours with system in use).

What’s in the Box
This package contains the Acer TM2480-2779 (model LX.TH30Y.024) notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.