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Review Acer Travelmate 8472TG Notebook

Desktop to go. Das 14,1" This business notebook comes with a matte display and has a unique feature to offer: Acer combines Intel HD with Nvidia Geforce GT330M, thereby optimizing use. How well that works is the subject of our test.

Acer's Travelmate series is one of the few product lines that continues to produce business devices with more powerful graphic cards. Even though they were originally made for business, the combination of a matte screen and dedicated graphics is so seldom that it has caught the attention of private users as well. The entire Travelmate 8472 series comes equipped with Intel HD, though currently only two versions are available with the additional Nvidia GT330M.

The entry-level model with Core i3-350M, Intel HD, 3 GB RAM and a 320 GB harddrive is priced at approximately 750.- euro and the top model with Core i5-450M, Intel HD + Nvidia GT330M, 4 GB RAM and a 640 GB harddrive is available at around  900.- euro. Our tester is equipped with Core i3-350M, Intel HD + Nvidia GT330M, 4 GB RAM and a 320 GB harddrive and is priced around 800.- euro. There is some confusion in the product description of our models since the names are different on the Acer website, some search engines and lastly on the packaging. We went with the name that is written on the packaging of our test model (Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk).

Case

The buttoned-down gray is too drab and boring for some, but for others, it is the epitome of understated, which is of course especially welcomed in business settings.  The surfaces have a nice look and feel, not to mention, a quickly made greasy exterior, as is common on some high-gloss surfaces, is a thing of the past.  While one hardly notices the light metallic surface of the case lid, the large chromed button in the middle is almost excessively massive.

The case dimensions at 345 (w) x 249 (l) x 32.1 (h) mm are somewhat smaller than on the larger 15.6" notebooks, but the plus offered by Acer is the minimal weight of only 2.2 kg.  These good specifications are backed up by the slim appearance.

As already established with the Travelmate 8172T, Acer did its homework  well on the newest revision in terms of case quality.  The base unit is very resistant to pressure and has good torsional stiffness.  The palm rest can't be dented and the area in the rear, which is somewhat weakened without the battery, is also very robust.  Less impressive is the area around the optical drive, where significant pressure can induce a bit of give. But this is hardly an issue for normal use.

The display also exhibits outstanding stability and can be twisted only slightly.  Pushing on the inner display frame does produce some corrugation, but who really does that in day-to-day business?  The lid doesn't let anything from outside through and fulfills its protective function outstandingly.  The hinges hold the display in place well and prevent it wobbling in a commendable fashion. The display screen can be opened to almost 180° which allows for optimum positioning for use on one's lap or in a standing position. 

In order to upgrade, one only has to open the lid on the underside, which is however secured with multiple screws.  This is an asset for stiffness and the base is rock solid.  The Travelmate is still secure with the battery removed and can be easily used with only a power pack.

Connectivity

As it is geared entirely for business buyers, the Acer has an Easyport IV docking port, a V.92 modem and a fingerprint scanner.  Those are often welcomed features which simply can't be left out on such a product.  But what baffles us is the dogged adherence to analogue monitor ports and the vehement withholding of quicker interfaces like eSATA or USB 3.0.  While rendering via the VGA port is quite noticeably unclear at a resolution of 1280x1024, one can, oddly enough, speak of good rendering with a resolution of 1680x1050. This is unusual as increased resolution normally makes the image worse on an analogue VGA port.  We didn't test any other resolutions.

The 3 USB 2.0 interfaces also don't really shine with exceptional performance potential.  The transfer rates we tested were in the lower mid-range with 26.1 MB/s.  Especially as other options are missing, we had expected more.  The card reader gave similar results as the Travelmate 8172T with 7.2 MB/s XD Picture Card and 16.9 MB/s SD Card.  Gigabit LAN, webcam and audio ports (line in, line out) are up to the current standards and don't exhibit any abnormalities.  The Bluetooth module already supports 3.0+HS specifications.

Front: Cardreader
Front: Cardreader
Left: Kensington, Easyport IV, LAN, VGA, USB, Audio
Left: Kensington, Easyport IV, LAN, VGA, USB, Audio
Rear: Battery with 66 Wh
Rear: Battery with 66 Wh
Right: 2x USB 2.0, modem, DVD burner, network connection
Right: 2x USB 2.0, modem, DVD burner, network connection

Apart from DVI-D, the available Easyport IV dock (ca. 100 Euro) doesn't offer any new interfaces on the Travelmate, but it does simplify the otherwise tedious plug-in and plug-out procedure when changing from mobile to stationary operation.  In that way, printer, display and other peripheries can be connected with a simple "click".

The software configuration is for the most part limited to the operating system and an older version of the Intervideo DVD playback software, which has in the meantime been taken over by Corel.  Numerous tools and test versions are installed, though whether they help or annoy is a matter of personal preference.  In emergencies: de-installation.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The keyboard on our tester has large keys in a 19mm grid, which can be controlled with a good hit ratio.  The short stroke ends with a good pressure point, thereby making for overall pleasant stroke characteristics. The entire width of the keyboard rests securely and can only be deflected a small bit above the drive's shaft: In practical use irrelevant.  The space to right of the Return key was used width-wise and an additional slot was reserved for functions like "picture on", "picture off" as well as media controls.

Additional FN combination can be found both in the area of the function keys as well as around the arrow keys.  As usual, these are in turn somewhat small and could be somewhat bothersome, especially to causal gamers.  The layout is otherwise to the normal standards and doesn't raise any questions.  The well-contrasting inscriptions also help in bad lighting conditions, though it must eventually strike its sails when compared to the competition offering keyboard illumination.

As is normal, the keyboard layout has...
As is normal, the keyboard layout has...
...multiple FN combination and...
...multiple FN combination and...
is free of any unpleasant surprises.
is free of any unpleasant surprises.

Touchpad

Compared to the touchpad of the Travelmate 8172T, we like the one on our test model far better thanks its agreeable size alone. One rarely goes out of bounds here and can also work easily with it for an extended period of time.  The gliding characteristics are good.  Inputs are correctly received and the precision is also quite good.  Some multi-finger maneuvers are supported and make conventional navigation much easier.  The separate touchpad keys positioned to the left and right of the fingerprint reader are somewhat higher as the sensor surface and pick up inputs reliably with a short stroke and a quiet "clack".

Keyboard
Keyboard
Touchpad
Touchpad

Display

Acer only offers a single display variant on the Travelmate 8472. Acer does not provide for higher resolutions, such as for instance on the HP Probook 6440b or the Latitude E5410 available with 1600X900. All model configurations are equipped with an HD ready 14.1" LED WXGA (1366x768) display with a matte surface.  The panel on our tester is from AU Optronics and offers a dot density of 112 dpi. That is only minimally more than is common on other 15.6" machines with WXGA resolution, but also significantly less than on the 11.6"er Travelmate 8172 with 135 dpi. The balance of display size and desktop surface is quite good in the 14.1" format and doesn't seem to have any disadvantage on the mainstream class in the 15.6" format.

213
cd/m²
193.5
cd/m²
195.7
cd/m²
209
cd/m²
189.1
cd/m²
197.4
cd/m²
204
cd/m²
187.3
cd/m²
205
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 213 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 199.3 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 189.1 cd/m²
Contrast: 130:1 (Black: 1.45 cd/m²)

The days of matte displays with poor brightness values are finally history.  The panel from AUO achieves values between 187 cd/m² to 213 cd/m² on maximum brightness settings.  Together with the other 7 measuring points, we get an average maximum brightness of 199 cd/m² and can confirm the manufacturer's specifications with a clear conscience. The illumination's distribution is also good and achieves a very impressive value of 88%, which is very good by notebook standards. Differences in the brightness are only noticeable on monotone backgrounds and upon very close inspection.

The Travelmate can be used well outdoors with maximum brightness settings without bothersome reflections popping up.  But in very bright ambient lighting situations or under direct sunlight, images on the screen are only recognizable with painstaking effort, and it it only sensible really to use it for a short time. But that can be settled by simply turning the screen around or by seeking out a small shaded place.

Unfortunately, the weak contrast ratio of 130:1, which is further impeded by a  limited color space, is much more noticeable. Whites seem grayish and the otherwise important full black in films is displayed as dark gray.  That is rather unimportant for office use, but as soon as one uses multimedia applications, any expectations of splendid colors should be forgotten.  The color space also gets only 54% of the sRGB color space and is in that way in line with the lower standards of current notebook displays.

The viewing angle stability we ascertained also corresponded to the current standard.  Horizontally, the image remains easily recognizable even with color and brightness variations.  Vertically, this effect crops up earlier and stronger and results in an inverted colors or a heavily faded image.

Viewing angles: Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk
Viewing angles: Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk

Performance

The Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNKK is equipped with Intel's recent Core i3-350M CPU and offers a few interesting features.  It is a dual-core CPU which can control an additional two virtual cores thanks to the integrated hyperthreading technology.  With this, 4 threads can go to work simultaneously, which is especially an asset for multicore applications.  Additionally, the integrated Intel HD graphic unit is housed in the same case.  That increases the energy efficiency and the performance potential.  Still, the CPU including graphics brings a maximum thermal design power of 25 watts, which is about on level with the Core 2 Duo CPUs of the P-series.  Complimenting all this is a 3 MB L3 cache and a FSB of 2500 Mhz which do their part in inducing the good performance capabilities.  It does not have a turbo boost function known from higher-performing CPUs of the Core i-series.  Thus, it is not possible to overclock the CPU in single-thread operations.

Serving as the basis is the much-used Intel HM55 Express chipset, which was equipped with 4 GB DDR3 RAM and in its form as mass memory can access a Hitachi harddrive with 320 GB of memory.

In addition to the integrated Intel HD graphics, another special feature of our system is the built-in dedicated Nvidia Geforce GT 330M graphic card.  One can switch between the two graphic outputs via an icon on the task bar or the various energy savings profiles depending on the task at hand.  One can therefore do everything needed for the average workday with the frugal  Intel graphics and then switch over to Nvidia graphics for 3D-intense computing operations.

System info CPUZ CPU
System info CPUZ Cache
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info GPUZ Intel
System info GPUZ Nvidia
System info HDTune
System information Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk
iTunes MP3 zu AAC im Vergleich
iTunes MP3 zu AAC im Vergleich
Mediashow im Vergleich
Mediashow im Vergleich
Mediashow Espresso Ergebnis
Mediashow Espresso Ergebnis
Badaboom bei der Arbeit
Badaboom bei der Arbeit
Badaboom im Vergleich
Badaboom im Vergleich

In terms of the CPU, the results from the benchmark tests reveal its good performance capability, which currently ranks 49th on our comprehensive CPU benchmarks list. Wprime 1024m is processed in 1787s, SuperPi 32m in  1048s and the Cinebench R10 (64 bit) ended with 3019 points (single) and 6885 points (multi).

The graphic performance of the Nvidia GT 330M is entirely on level with previously tested systems (give or take a bit more or a bit less) and also offers good mid-level performance.  We got 2969 points in OpenGL Shading of the Cinebench R10 (64 bit) and 7013 points in the 3D Mark' 06.

With the pre-installed Nvidia graphic driver from the 8.16.11.8989 (27.04.2010) no resolution higher than 1366x768 pixels could be chosen on external displays. We were therefore limited to running the 3D Mark' 06 benchmark with only 1280x768 pixels and were prevented entirely from running the 3D Mark Vantage (1280x1024 minimum requirements).  The results of the 3D Mark' 06 are therefore of limited usefulness for comparisons due to the limited resolution.

The hybrid variations have clear done away with support for the more recent Nvidia drivers for the GeForce GT330M, as they can't be installed and only the driver in question is found on Acer's support page. The installed driver from the system was also declared as the most current version.  Higher resolutions on external monitors are thus only possible with Intel HD graphics which can theoretically be set for a maximum of 2560x1600.

Despite the driver dilemma, it is obvious that the performance of the GT330M is on the normal level and that no obvious losses in performance are to be expected.  For more on that, also refer to our gaming tests below.

Converting videos is done via Mediashow Espresso and Badaboom. There are already up-to-date versions of both programs.  For the sake of comparison, we continued to use Badaboom 1.2.1 and Mediashow Espresso 5. Mediashow Espresso does not support the CUDA engine of the Nvidia Geforce 330GT and the Core i3-350M must take over 86% of the load of conversion operations.

Our test trailer "300" 1080p was converted in 43s into iPhone format (480x270 mp4). Badaboom on the other hand profited from CUDA and achieved 78.8 fps on average.  The movie "Seven" was completely converted in 38 minutes into iPhone format with a resolution of 426x320.  That even beats the Nvidia Quadro FX880 from the HP Elitebook 8540w by several frames (72.4 fps).

Using iTunes, we converted MP3 files into AAC format and got a speed of 26.4.  The i3-350M therefore falls somewhere between Core i3-330M and Core i5-430M.

DPC Latency Checker Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk
DPC Latency Checker
DPC with keyboard inputs
DPC with keyboard inputs

Using the DPC-Latency Checker tool, we tested the system for synchronization errors which could possibly arise due to latency problems when peripheral devices are hooked up.  Sound cracks and other interferences on external audio devices could be the result.  While the test initially shows  the Travelmate 8472 to be very compatible, several critical deflections appear as soon as one uses the keyboard.  A better driver or perhaps an external keyboard could improve the situation.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
3019 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
6886 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
2969 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
16.36 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
1.86 Points
Help
PCMark Vantage Result
5579 points
Help
4.7
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
6.3
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
4.7
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
5.2
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.6
3DMark 03 Standard
18704 points
3DMark 05 Standard
12754 points
3DMark 06 1280x768 Score
7013 points
Help

The overall good application performance suffers somewhat from the outdated and slow working Hitachi harddrive.  It comes out rather slow with 3247 points in the individual rating of the PC Mark Vantage. But overall, we got a good result of 5579 points which could be confirmed subjectively by means of multiple Photoshop, Open Office and Skype sessions.

Hitachi Travelstar 5K500.B HTS545032B9A300
Transfer Rate Minimum: 33.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 71.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 56 MB/s
Access Time: 18.4 ms
Burst Rate: 112.7 MB/s

As has already been mentioned, our tester has an outdated and slow drive from Hitachi as its harddrive.  It has over 320 GB of capacity, 8 MB cache and rotates with 5400 r/min.  Its not-so-quiet 2 drive which according to the data sheet from Hitachi can however offer good energy efficiency.

With an average of 56 MB/s and a maximum of 71.1 MB/s, the mass memory achieves average results at best.  The access time of over 18 ms also doesn't represent a blink of an eye, but rather more like one or two seconds of reflection when accessing the harddrive.  Read further in our comprehensive HDD Benchmarklist. According to their homepage, Acer generally offers harddrives with capacities from 160 to 640 MB and additionally also an Intel SSD X25-M1 with 160 GB of capacity.  Especially the latter should ensure a noticeable increase in performance.  However, configurations with SSD are not yet offered at this time.

Devil May Cry IV benchmark
Devil May Cry IV benchmark

Gaming Verdict

For gaming, the internal resolution of 1366x768 is the most that can be used on the Acer Travelmate.  That is also the case for external monitors.  All the games tested thus run fluidly and allow for room for some quality settings.  One can find additional ratings for gaming performance from notebook graphic cards here in our comprehensive comparison lists.

The Elder Scroll IV was tested with a resolution of 1366x768 rather than the SXGA resolution otherwise chosen, but considering the performance, this shouldn't make a difference.

We ran the Devil May Cry 4 benchmark alongside this, as this game should benefit especially from Nvidia cards.  The system got up to level B in the DX10 performance test and should allow for outstanding gaming with average frame rates of 43-83 with a resolution of 1366x768.

low med. high ultra
The Elder Scrolls IV - Oblivion (2006) 58
Racedriver: GRID (2008) 90 45
Sims 3 (2009) 233 68
Anno 1404 (2009) 58
StarCraft 2 (2010) 56 33

Emissions

System Noise

With a minimum of 33.4 dB(A), the system noise is not exactly on a level suited for the library. This level was achieved with Intel graphics at a mere idle or under only slight load. With a balanced energy savings profile, the high-performance profile or with Nvidia graphics in general, the volume of noise increases to an very discernible 36.5 dB(A).  Only the even louder operating harddrive with its 37 dB(A) lets itself be heard over this.

The driver noise of 38.5 dB(A) when playing a DVD is very intrusive and bothersome over time, especially during quieter film sequences.  Under medium load, the volume of the entire system rises once more to 43.6 dB(A) and at its peak under full load, the Travelmate is definitely disturbing at 51.5 dB(A).  Though this state is only achieved in extreme situations, one wouldn't imagine working on a task over an extended period of time.  Hearing protection or a headset is recommendable.

Noise Level

Idle
33.4 / 36.5 / 36.5 dB(A)
HDD
37 dB(A)
DVD
38.5 / dB(A)
Load
43.6 / 51.5 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Despite the significantly more potent hardware, the heat development of the system is clearly under the values ascertained from the smaller Travelmate 8172T.  That is due mainly to the very intensely working fan which doesn't allow anything to get "scorched" here. With a maximum of 42,7°C at the fan duct, it never heads for a dangerous zone, even during prolonged states of load.  If one lets its plot along leisurely, the temperatures don't exceed the 30°-C mark on any spot, even after extended operation.  Those are overall very good values which are certainly an advantage in terms of its long-term durability.

Max. Load
 41.7 °C
107 F
41.4 °C
107 F
35 °C
95 F
 
 42.7 °C
109 F
42 °C
108 F
35.1 °C
95 F
 
 36.8 °C
98 F
40.5 °C
105 F
39.2 °C
103 F
 
Maximum: 42.7 °C = 109 F
Average: 39.4 °C = 103 F
32.9 °C
91 F
37 °C
99 F
42.2 °C
108 F
31.1 °C
88 F
36 °C
97 F
41.1 °C
106 F
31.6 °C
89 F
32.9 °C
91 F
33.9 °C
93 F
Maximum: 42.2 °C = 108 F
Average: 35.4 °C = 96 F
Power Supply (max.)  55 °C = 131 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 39.4 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 42.7 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.2 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.4 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(-) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 40.5 °C / 104.9 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-12.8 °C / -23 F).

Loudspeakers

The sound quality of the office specialist is in dire need of external support as the overall over-toned sound with meagre mid-tones and bases is only enough for background music or short video pleasures.  Especially films or music which are meant to deliver a full sound or descent bass can only be enjoyed with external speakers or a headset.

Battery Life

Although the Acer is equipped with conventional technology, one obviously put a lot of stock in very frugal components. A LED display, sparing harddrive, Intel Core i3 with integrated graphics in the hybrid-tandem with Nvidias GT330M and a DVD driver which shuts off when not in use are essential elements which do their part for a good battery life.

The Acer Travelmate 8472TG can be had with two different batteries.  On the one hand, one can get the 6 celler with 66 Wh from the tester, but one can also have a 9 cell battery with 90 Wh included in delivery.  This is for example the case on the TM 8472-5454G32N with Intel HD graphics.  Separately, the 9 celler (LC.BTP01.030) cost around 120.- Euro at this time and the 6 celler (LC.BTP01.030) costs around 90.- Euro.

We reasonably tested the current consumption measurements twice on this model, once with Intel HD and once with Nvidia graphics.  Online and with the energy saving variant, we got very good values from 6.9 watt at idle to 54 watts under full load.  With the higher-performing Nvidia graphics we got a minimum of 13.2 watts and a maximum of 74.1 watts. As mentioned, some values could even be below that during battery operation as the DVD driver for instance only shuts off in this state.

Power Consumption
   Intel GMA HD
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 6.9 / 9.4 / 13.9 Watt
Load midlight 34 / 54 Watt
 color bar
   Nvidia GT 330M
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 13.2 / 15.2 / 17.3 Watt
Load midlight 58.4 / 74.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Maximum battery runtime (Readers Test) Intel
Readers Test Intel
Maximum battery runtime (Readers Test) Nvidia
Readers Test Nvidia
Minimum runtime  (Classic Test) Intel
Classic Test Intel
Minimum runtime (Classic Test) Nvidia
Classic Test Nvidia

The choice of graphic chips has of course a great influence on the battery runtimes.  In the Battery Eater Readers Test (longest possible runtime, energy savings settings, minimal display brightness, all additional consumers off), we achieved a very, very good 592 minutes and with Nvidia graphics 196 minutes.  That is after all a difference of just around 400 minutes or over 6.5 hours.  Though this runtime can't be achieved in practice with the display brightness adjusted and a few more actions undertaken, around 6-7 hours for office tasks is still pretty realistic.

In the Battery Eater Classic Test (minimal runtimes, all consumers on, full display brightness), we got a significantly more limited difference of 120 minutes (Intel) to 108 minutes (Nvidia).  This is due particularly to the fact that the Nvidia chip is not fully burdened in the test and including the rest system also only achieves a computed consumption of 33 watts. A runtime of even an hour is therefore not to be expected with the Furmark and Prime tests.

For playing videos from the harddrive or as DVD, we used the fully capable Intel graphics and achieved runtimes of 233 minutes (harddrive) and 246 minutes when running a DVD.  This is easily enough even for exceptionally long films like "Lord of the Rings" Extended Edition. WLAN surfing works on the same settings (maximum brightness, energy saving mode) for 339 minutes and allows for some extended Internet sessions out in the yard.  Those working without WLAN, but rather a mobile UMTS connection instead can also wait for a variant with an integrated UMTS module or simply use a UMTS stick per USB.  With a Huawei E160, we also got 332 minutes of runtime in the energy savings mode with maximum brightness (W-LAN, Bluetooth off).

It should be mentioned that the Acer energy profiles take some time to get used to in this context as they switch over to the normally chosen profile on their own when plugging- and unplugging the power pack. We didn't find a configuration possibility on our tester.  If this is not to one's liking, de-installation remains the only way to leave this job solely up to the system's own Windows 7 energy settings.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
9h 52min
WiFi Surfing
5h 39min
DVD
4h 06min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 48min

Verdict

In the end, mobility paired with a high-performing graphic chip are the features which make the Acer Travelmate 8472TG into something special.  Weight, case stability, surface quality, battery life, input devices and display are all suitable for mobile use. Unlike the norm, one also doesn't have to do without performance but is delivered rather a balanced high-performance combination with Core i3-350M and Nvidia Geforce GT330M.  Responsible for this fusion of battery life and performance is the hybrid technology (two graphic chips) on our tester, which can be easily controlled via the task bar button or the profile setting.

But one does have to put up with some shortcomings in terms of the maximum resolution when using the Nvidia GT330M, the system noise development and the connectivity.  Especially the noise development, even with the selected Intel graphics, is not suited for those with a sensitive ear for noise. Those who can look past that get a very solid desktop replacement, which shows its strengths especially on the go.

Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk
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In Review:  Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk
In Review: Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk

Specifications

Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk (Travelmate 8472 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i3-350M 2 x 2.3 GHz, Arrandale
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M - 1024 MB VRAM, Core: 575 MHz, Memory: 790 MHz, Hybrid Graphics / Intel HD, nvlddmkm 8.16.11.8986 (Forceware 189.86)/ Win7/64 + igdumd64 8.16.11.8986/ Win7 64,
Memory
4 GB 
, 2x 2 GB DDR3 PC3-10600, max. 8 GB, 2 Slots
Display
14.10 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, AUO B140XW03 V1, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM55 Express Chipset
Storage
Hitachi Travelstar 5K500.B HTS545032B9A300, 320 GB 
, 5400 rpm
Soundcard
Conexant Cx20585 @ Intel Ibex Peak PCH - High Difinition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 Modem, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: Line In, Line Out, Card Reader: SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD, Fingerprintreader
Networking
Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000MBit/s), Broadcom 802.11n (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 3.0+HS
Optical drive
HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GT31N
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 32 x 385 x 249 ( = 1.26 x 15.16 x 9.8 in)
Battery
66 Wh Lithium-Ion, 6000 mAh, 11.1V, 6 Cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 1280x1024, 1.3 MP, Crystal Eye
Additional features
InterVideo, 24 Months Warranty, 1 Jahr International Travelers Warranty
Weight
2.21 kg ( = 77.96 oz / 4.87 pounds), Power Supply: 520 g ( = 18.34 oz / 1.15 pounds)
Price
820 Euro

 

The Travelmate 8472TG has features which aren't normally found in this combination
The Travelmate 8472TG has features which aren't normally found in this combination
A big disadvantage of the interface arrangement is how tight they are together...
A big disadvantage of the interface arrangement is how tight they are together...
... meaning that nearby connections get blocked depending on their extension
... meaning that nearby connections get blocked depending on their extension
Despite the optical drive, the 8472TG weighs only 2.2 kg
Despite the optical drive, the 8472TG weighs only 2.2 kg
The webcam has a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels
The webcam has a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels
No less mention can be made of the biggest selling point...
No less mention can be made of the biggest selling point...
...those of the larger component manufacturers
...those of the larger component manufacturers
Whereas the buttons for network, radio control and energy savings seem a bit flashy,  the ejection button for optical media is great
Whereas the buttons for network, radio control and energy savings seem a bit flashy, the ejection button for optical media is great
A single flap is enough for the most important components.
A single flap is enough for the most important components.
The RAM boards are worked to capacity, there is still room for a UMTS modem
The RAM boards are worked to capacity, there is still room for a UMTS modem
The harddrive is no longer up-to-date and would be more suited in a smaller netbook
The harddrive is no longer up-to-date and would be more suited in a smaller netbook
The thin rear end still houses a 66 Wh battery, the larger 9 celler jacks up the rear of the Travelmate
The thin rear end still houses a 66 Wh battery, the larger 9 celler jacks up the rear of the Travelmate
Easyport IV docking and Kensington are placed out back and to the left
Easyport IV docking and Kensington are placed out back and to the left
The matte display prevents annoying reflections
The matte display prevents annoying reflections
The thin case and low weight make life easy for the notebook carrying case
The thin case and low weight make life easy for the notebook carrying case
Intel HD and Geforce make for long runtimes and good performance
Intel HD and Geforce make for long runtimes and good performance
The display can be opened to a wide angle
The display can be opened to a wide angle
The hinges are free of problems and criticism
The hinges are free of problems and criticism
The power connection is positioned far back
The power connection is positioned far back
Blu-rays can not be read
Blu-rays can not be read
Modem and 2x USB 2.0 are placed far forward
Modem and 2x USB 2.0 are placed far forward
The card reader is easily accessed on the front side.
The card reader is easily accessed on the front side.
Left and to the front we find the bulk of interfaces with great potential for annoyance when connecting peripheral devices
Left and to the front we find the bulk of interfaces with great potential for annoyance when connecting peripheral devices
66 Wh together with the Intel HD give the 8472TG good runtimes
66 Wh together with the Intel HD give the 8472TG good runtimes

Similar notebooks

Devices with the same GPU

Review Acer TravelMate 8572TG Notebook
GeForce GT 330M, Core i5 430M, 15.60", 2.45 kg

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

Acer Swift Go 14 (2023) review: The 14-inch laptop with a 2.9k OLED panel for US$800
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Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Raptor Lake-U i7-1355U, 15.60", 1.776 kg
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GeForce RTX 2050 Mobile, Raptor Lake-U i7-1355U, 15.60", 1.794 kg

Links

Price Comparisson

Pros

+Solid case with a robust surface
+Matte display with good brightness
+Hybrid technology gives the user the choice between battery life and performance
+Long runtimes with Intel HD
+Good system performance
+Relatively light weight, including DVD burner
+Docking port (Easyport IV) and fingerprint reader
 

Cons

-Awkward interface arrangement
-No eSata or USB 3.0
-No digital monitor output
-Low contrast screen with pale colors
-No higher resolutions as 1366 x 768 are selectable with the GT330M
-Constantly running fan, loud when overloaded
-Slow hard drive

Shortcut

What we liked

solid and thin case with a very good keyboard, hybrid technology does a worthy balancing act between runtimes and performance

What we missed

better driver support for the hybrid technology, less system noise and an up-to-date and better positioned interface arrangement.

What surprised us

that so few models are equipped with hybrid technology and seem to have to make do with little support.

The competition

Hybrid technology aside, there are currently no notebooks other than the Acer offering a combination of matte 14.1" display and a relatively high-performing graphic card. With lower-performing graphics, one could perhaps consider the Toshiba Tecra M10, and with 15.6" display with a weight of up to 2.5 kg, perhaps also the Toshiba Pro L650 or the MSI FX600.

Bewertung

Acer Travelmate 8472TG-354G32MNkk - 12/04/2010 v2(old)
Tobias Winkler

Chassis
91%
Keyboard
93%
Pointing Device
86%
Connectivity
70%
Weight
85%
Battery
89%
Display
73%
Games Performance
78%
Application Performance
88%
Temperature
86%
Noise
65%
Add Points
88%
Average
83%
83%
Office - Weighted Average
Tobias Winkler, 2010-08-27 (Update: 2013-06- 6)