Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
For many years 14-inch laptops have been considered classic business devices: Lenovo's T440p, HP's EliteBook 8440p, Toshiba's Tecra M11 or Dell's Latitude E6410 have been upper-range models. 15-inch typing machines normally included the entry-level sector.
Today, the entry-level market has more options. For example, Dell provides the Latitude 3440, Fujitsu the LifeBook E544, Lenovo the ThinkPad L440, and HP the ProBook 645 G1. Acer also invaded this territory with 14-inch laptops years ago, for example, with its TravelMate 8471 (2009). Today, the TravelMate P2xx is the entry into Acer's mobile business world; the TravelMate P6xx is the upgrade. The latter features a better-quality chassis, a real docking station, Pro Dock II, as well as better-quality display options such as Full HD. Consequently, the review sample's higher-quality upgrade is Acer's TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk that passed our tests with flying colors (85%), but is also quite expensive at 1500 Euros (~$1700).
The strongest rival for our TravelMate P246-M is obviously the ThinkPad L440 because it is traditionally equipped with very good input devices. The LifeBook E544 received a surprisingly good rating of 80%, due to its well-conceived overall concept. We will use these two models as the main rivals in the comparisons.
Case
The casing, made entirely of plastic, does not look good and is rather unassuming. The keys' white lettering are the only spots of color on the entire work surface. The sleek finish with a subtle sheen is continued on the lid. The surfaces give a solid, hard impression, but they are relatively smooth and slippery. Fingerprints accumulate quickly despite the matte quality.
The build is moderately robust; this is true for both the base and the lid. We could warp the chassis with both hands to some extent. Once again, the area below the optical drive proved to be the weak point. Users who carry the 14-inch device around with one hand holding one of the front corners, will notice that the base warps under its own weight. However, this is the case in many laptops, and is not a serious flaw. The crucial palm rest area, including the touchpad and key bed, do not dent or sound hollow, therefore, the quality impression during normal typing work is not the worst.
The display can be opened to almost 180 degrees, which is sometimes useful in the office when only an external monitor is used. The lid does not throw shadow over the keyboard. The battery can be removed in the traditional manner; however, the TravelMate P246-M does not have a maintenance hatch.
Connectivity
Acer provides only the basics of the consumer world, including VGA d-Sub, RJ45 Ethernet, HDMI, and 1 USB 3.0. Unfortunately, all ports are located in the very far front. This could lead to a very unsightly cable clutter on the desk. Only a universal USB 3.0 docking station solution can be connected. The cord would also be in full sight, and might interfere with a left-handed mouse. Interfaces on the rear are practical in office laptops, but the deep hinge construction prevents this.
Communication
Realtek is responsible for cabled connections, and Broadcom supplies the low-cost BCM43142 (b/g/n) Wi-Fi chip. The latter incorporates a Bluetooth 4.0 module. The wireless signal was good in the author's test setting, but not very good. Our TravelMate P246 did not manage the 40 meter (~131 ft) point outside the building; the last signal bar disappeared just before that. With only one bar, websites took much longer than usual to open. The TravelMate had a stable and fast connection to the router with four out of five bars at a distance of 15 meters (~49 ft) outside the building. The manufacturer does not offer an optional 3G modem configuration.
Security
Despite the implied business characteristics of the TravelMate P246-M, security features are just as nonexistent as in most consumer devices. The P246-M does not offer either a fingerprint reader or TPM module, anti-theft or special BIOS settings. The InsydeH20 BIOS allows only a supervisor or HDD password (e.g. password on-boot). The keys are not splash proof. Apart from software, the Kensington lock on the left appears to be the only security feature.
Accessories
The box contains only a power supply unit and warranty information.
Warranty
The Acer Advantage Light warranty upgrade to 3 years costs 60 Euros (~$68), and 140 Euros (~$159) for four years. Every TravelMate includes a one-year International Travelers warranty.
Input Devices
Keyboard
The keys are embedded in a shallow tray that is tapered off to the edges. The key bed rocks very subtly on the left side, and the stroke then seems somewhat wobbly. The right is fitted tight, and the stroke is firm here. The drop is deep for a laptop keyboard; we find two millimeters in only very few review samples. Unfortunately, the keys are rather slippery and therefore the accuracy of the fingers is affected. On the other hand, we liked the layout and lettering very much. Important keys have been greatly enlarged (enter, space, shift), and the arrow keys are separated, but reduced. The lack of a number pad is typical for a 14-inch device. However, it can be mapped over some multi-functional letter keys via the Fn key.
Touchpad
The large ClickPad (diagonal: 12.1 cm; ~4.8 in) with the sleek surface features a short drop that results in a firm stroke in the lower area. The pressure point can only be overcome with quite some force, and therefore, fast working with the pad is out of the question. The surface is sensitive up to its edges.
Display
The 14-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio has the traditional, quite grainy resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Some rivals offer optional 1600x900 pixels, which provides a better overview of the display. However, in some cases the price also increases considerably. The Chi Mei CMN 1492 screen has been AR-coated. It is a TN screen that typically involves tight viewing angles and usually disappoints with weak contrasts. However, this is not the case with 425:1. It could be higher (1000:1), but we do not want to complain in view of the price range. The rivals cannot compete with this; the ThinkPad L440 has a low 199:1, and Fujitsu's LifeBook E544 is almost on par, with 362:1.
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Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 238 cd/m²
Contrast: 425:1 (Black: 0.56 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 11.33 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 12.13 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
38% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.24% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.9% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.37
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B TN 1366x768 | Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE TN 1600x900 / opt. 1366x768 | Fujitsu Lifebook E544 TN 1600x900 / opt. 1366x768 | Dell Latitude 3440 TN 1600x900 | HP Probook 645 G1 TN 1366x768 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | 0% | 2% | 1% | -1% | |
Display P3 Coverage | 39.9 | 40.23 1% | 40.58 2% | 40.29 1% | 39.73 0% |
sRGB Coverage | 59.9 | 59.6 -1% | 60.6 1% | 60 0% | 58.8 -2% |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 41.24 | 41.68 1% | 42 2% | 41.71 1% | 40.86 -1% |
Screen | -15% | 1% | 12% | 10% | |
Brightness middle | 238 | 259 9% | 252 6% | 342 44% | 182 -24% |
Brightness | 222 | 233 5% | 255 15% | 320 44% | 170 -23% |
Brightness Distribution | 83 | 81 -2% | 67 -19% | 86 4% | 87 5% |
Black Level * | 0.56 | 1.3 -132% | 0.696 -24% | 0.78 -39% | 0.27 52% |
Contrast | 425 | 199 -53% | 362 -15% | 438 3% | 674 59% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 11.33 | 11.83 -4% | 9.1 20% | 8.96 21% | 10.49 7% |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 12.13 | 6.24 49% | 9.44 22% | 9.64 21% | 11.42 6% |
Gamma | 2.37 93% | 2.3 96% | 2.56 86% | 2.26 97% | 2.32 95% |
CCT | 15853 41% | 5429 120% | 10890 60% | 11592 56% | 12682 51% |
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 38 | 40 5% | 38.6 2% | 38.34 1% | 37.6 -1% |
Total Average (Program / Settings) | -8% /
-11% | 2% /
1% | 7% /
9% | 5% /
7% |
* ... smaller is better
As expected, the color space coverage is quite weak, sRGB is covered by 55%. The other rivals are not much better. However, the color space is only important for professional image editing or in multimedia post production, for example. But this is out of the question for the TravelMate P246 anyway, it is rather a relevant topic for workstations.
We assessed the screen in state of delivery with a spectrophotometer, and observed a strong bluish cast. Calibrating was possible, and it eliminated the visible bluish cast. The DeltaE color shift ranges from 11 to 12, which is typical for a low-cost TN screen. The competition hardly does a better job. DeltaE would have to be < 3 for a lower, invisible shift from the reference color card - and no rival listed in the chart accomplishes this.
The screen's matte surface makes the TravelMate suitable for outdoors, but the highest possible brightness is below the average of our test laptops. 300 cd/m² would be the minimum needed for working comfortably in sunlight.
The weak viewing angles and contrast deviations when looking from the sides are typical for TN. The user does not have much room for maneuver with the TravelMate P246. The best view on the desktop is only possible when looking from the front. Many consumer laptops feature better IPS equipment, but they are quite rare in the under 600 Euros (~$680) price range. Business laptops - usually with Full HD - cost over 1000 Euros (~$1133), for example the Acer TravelMate P645-MG sister model.
Performance
Intel's Core i5-4210U (1.7 GHz; 2.7 GHz Turbo) is not the only alternative for the TravelMate. Acer also offers a cheaper configuration with a Core i3-4005U. Our review sample with the low-voltage Core i5 CPU and a 500 GB HDD, should manage a good application performance that will serve the user well for many years. This is complemented with 4 GB of working memory from Hynix in single-channel mode (one module) and the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4400. The latter does not provide any performance miracles, but it keeps the power consumption and waste heat low.
Processor
Theoretically the Turbo should boost to 2.4 GHz (dual-core), which we can also confirm based on tests. Cinebench R15 operated stably with 2.4 GHz in multi-mode. We presume the same clock behavior in battery mode since identical Cinebench multi-scores were achieved here (High Performance mode).
As the ThinkPad L440 and Fujitsu LifeBook E544 both prove, the 4210U lags behind by 20 to 30% compared to a standard voltage Core i5. Therefore, users who run applications that generate permanent load, should preferably use a 4210M in order to save a few minutes time. The performance difference is insignificant for basic office tools.
Cinebench R11.5 | |
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value) | |
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B | |
Fujitsu Lifebook E544 | |
HP Probook 645 G1 | |
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value) | |
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B | |
Fujitsu Lifebook E544 | |
HP Probook 645 G1 |
System Performance
Our TravelMate fares quite well in PCMark 7, and can even stand up to Dell's Latitude 3440 with a GT 740M. However, only in the overall score; the Latitude and the test system are very close in detail (Productivity). PCMark 7 and PCMark 8 show visible to very significant advantages for the standard voltage rivals, ThinkPad L440 and LifeBook E544. They have a lead of 15 to 22% depending on the score in PCMark 8. The L440 obviously comes off so well due to its SSD. Naturally, a comparison with the identically priced HDD model would be more relevant to the TravelMate P246-M.
PCMark 8 | |
Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B | |
Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE | |
Fujitsu Lifebook E544 | |
HP Probook 645 G1 | |
Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B | |
Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE | |
Fujitsu Lifebook E544 | |
HP Probook 645 G1 |
PCMark 7 Score | 2405 points | |
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2246 points | |
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3239 points | |
Help |
Storage Devices
The Western Digital Scorpio Blue (model: WD5000LPVX) is a standard unit that achieves fairly good results. For example, the Seagate ST500LM000 SSD hybrid drive in the LifeBook E544 outperforms the pure data rate in sequential read. However, only in CrystalDiskMark; the system test, PCMark 7, awards the LifeBook's SSD cache with a plus of 88% over our review sample. The conventional HDD in the Latitude 3440 is 21% worse. An SSD can speed up access times signifitly, but the price per storage capacity ratio is still considerably worse than that of a low-cost HDD. An SSD is only available in the more expensive configuration of the ThinkPad L440.
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B HDD | Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE SSD | Fujitsu Lifebook E544 SSH | Dell Latitude 3440 HDD | HP Probook 645 G1 HDD | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PCMark 7 | |||||
System Storage | 1600 | 3008 88% | 1454 -9% | 1814 13% | |
PCMark 8 | |||||
Storage Score | 4899 | ||||
CrystalDiskMark 3.0 | 3808% | -38% | -35% | -23% | |
Read Seq | 108.5 | 455.7 320% | 74.2 -32% | 82.3 -24% | 112.8 4% |
Read 4k | 0.478 | 24.05 4931% | 0.314 -34% | 0.326 -32% | 0.323 -32% |
Write 4k | 1.368 | 85.8 6172% | 0.721 -47% | 0.707 -48% | 0.82 -40% |
Total Average (Program / Settings) | 3808% /
3808% | 25% /
-6% | -22% /
-28% | -5% /
-14% |
Graphics Card
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4400 does its humble duty with the CPU core in the SoC. Performance miracles are not an issue here, but it unloads the processor with QuickSync (encoder). As 3DMark 11 clearly shows, the HD Graphics 4600 counterpart in the rivals based on a standard voltage SoC is not much. Either way, both integrated solutions are positioned at the lower end of graphics performance found in modern laptops.
It is easy to compare here. Both the ThinkPad L440 and LifeBook E544 had only one memory module in the test, which resulted in a slightly lower performance due to the single-channel mode. We have added the TravelMate P276-MG-56FU, a 17-inch device with a GeForce 840M, and more than 200 to 235% power at its disposal to the end of the chart.
3DMark 11 Performance | 794 points | |
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 33438 points | |
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 3838 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 472 points | |
Help |
Gaming Performance
Office and games are just not compatible – so you might think. However, Acer offers all-round devices with a dedicated solution for the home office that are also suitable for demanding games. We would, for example, mention the TravelMate P276-MG (GT 840M, lower mid-range, +250%; see chart).
low | med. | high | ultra | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tomb Raider (2013) | 37.1 | 18.2 | 10.6 | |
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) | 16 | 10 | ||
Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) | 14.6 | 8.1 |
Emissions
System Noise
The fan is sometimes inactive while idling, and when it does spin, it is slowly and gently. The review sample renders DVD movies with a relatively low noise. We measured just under 35 dB(A). Most review samples produce between 36.5 and 39 dB(A). The hard drive produces a consistent noise of 31.1 dB(A), mixed with the quiet crackling and clacking of its read and write heads.
The DVD drive could not drown out the fan even in the stress test. We measured only 34.6 dB(A) here. Simple load provoked just 33 dB(A). Both are good and low emission rates. The low-voltage SoC is noticeable in this case. The rivals with, for example, an i5-4210M develop a noise of up to 41 dB(A) during load. However, there is not much difference in idle mode.
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX | Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE HD Graphics 4600, 4300M, Intel SSD 520 Series SSDSC2BW180A3L | Fujitsu Lifebook E544 HD Graphics 4600, 4210M, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive | Dell Latitude 3440 GeForce GT 740M, 4200U, Seagate Momentus ST750LM022 HN-M750MB | HP Probook 645 G1 Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noise | -5% | -4% | -6% | -7% | |
Idle Minimum * | 31.1 | 30 4% | 30.3 3% | 31.8 -2% | 31.6 -2% |
Idle Average * | 32.2 | 30 7% | 30.3 6% | 31.8 1% | 31.6 2% |
Idle Maximum * | 32.4 | 36.2 -12% | 32.5 -0% | 33.6 -4% | 34.9 -8% |
Load Average * | 33.2 | 36.8 -11% | 36.2 -9% | 35.1 -6% | 36.9 -11% |
Load Maximum * | 34.2 | 38.8 -13% | 41.5 -21% | 40.6 -19% | 40.2 -18% |
* ... smaller is better
Noise Level
Idle |
| 31.1 / 32.2 / 32.4 dB(A) |
HDD |
| 31.1 dB(A) |
DVD |
| 34.8 / dB(A) |
Load |
| 33.2 / 34.2 dB(A) |
| ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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min: , med: , max: Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) |
Temperature
As shown above, the Core i5 maxes out its Turbo during load (2.4 GHz). This was also the case during the stress test. The full clock rate was stable even after two hours of permanent load. The internal temperature on the SoC climbed to a maximum of 76 degrees Celsius (~169 °F). The manufacturer has created a good cooling system here, especially since almost nothing of the 76 degrees is passed on to the surface. We measured a "hot spot" of just 35 degrees Celsius (~95 °F) on the upper side, and 30 degrees Celsius (~86 °F) on the underside. The HD 4400 operated with 1000 MHz under stress. The GPU maintained this clock even when the CPU part was under full load.
The described maintenance of both the GPU's and CPU's Turbo rate is not a matter of course. In our tests, small/slim laptops in particular, recurrently reached thermal limits and throttled the clock of both components because of the overheating risk. For example, the LifeBook E544 throttled the clock to its base rate of 2.6 GHz and stayed there in the stress test. The Turbo was first reactivated after the stress stopped.
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B | Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE | Fujitsu Lifebook E544 | Dell Latitude 3440 | HP Probook 645 G1 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heat | -9% | -6% | -21% | -32% | |
Maximum Upper Side * | 35.3 | 36.5 -3% | 32.6 8% | 44.3 -25% | 36 -2% |
Maximum Bottom * | 30 | 36.8 -23% | 34.6 -15% | 46.9 -56% | 52.1 -74% |
Idle Upper Side * | 26.5 | 28.8 -9% | 28.7 -8% | 27.3 -3% | 31.5 -19% |
Idle Bottom * | 28.6 | 28.7 -0% | 31.6 -10% | 29 -1% | 37.8 -32% |
* ... smaller is better
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 35.3 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 30 °C / 86 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.4 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 30.8 °C / 87.4 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (-3.2 °C / -5.7 F).
Speakers
The stereo speakers are located on the underside of the base. As expected, it is not possible to coax out a balanced spectrum of high and low pitches. We only heard unclear mids. Listening to music is not enjoyable with these speakers, but they can at least be turned up quite high without the speakers scratching or humming. Headphones can be connected to the 3.5 mm jack.
We can say something positive about the microphone. It was possible to record our voice virtually without noise at almost a meter (~3 ft) away from the laptop. The voice gets quieter the further the user moves away from the device, but the noise does not increase. The microphone (not a dual array) is located by the status LEDs on the front of the TravelMate. This position could be a drawback when using the device on the lap.
Energy Management
Power Consumption
Compared with the standard-voltage rivals, our review sample is a real power saver. We measured 4 to 35 Watts. The 14-inch laptop draws more energy from the outlet only when recharging the battery. The LifeBook E544 and the ThinkPad L440 both demand 50 to 100% more energy depending on the load. Although the idle differences are still in favor of our review sample, they are considerably lower. The Latitude 3440 is also equipped with a low-voltage SoC, but the GT 740M causes a higher load power consumption. The power supply needs 3:10 hours to recharge a completely depleted battery, which is relatively fast considering the long runtimes.
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B i5 ULV iGPU | Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE i5 Standard iGPU | Fujitsu Lifebook E544 i5 Standard iGPU | Dell Latitude 3440 i5 ULV GT 740M | HP Probook 645 G1 AMD A6 iGPU | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Consumption | -37% | -51% | -41% | -70% | |
Idle Minimum * | 4 | 3.9 2% | 5.4 -35% | 8.4 -110% | |
Idle Average * | 6.3 | 7.7 -22% | 9.3 -48% | 7.5 -19% | 10.5 -67% |
Idle Maximum * | 7 | 8.5 -21% | 10.2 -46% | 8.3 -19% | 11.5 -64% |
Load Average * | 23.7 | 46.5 -96% | 41 -73% | 43.6 -84% | 40.3 -70% |
Load Maximum * | 34.7 | 52.2 -50% | 52.4 -51% | 49.3 -42% | 47.8 -38% |
* ... smaller is better
Off / Standby | 0 / 0.1 Watt |
Idle | 4 / 6.3 / 7 Watt |
Load |
23.7 / 34.7 Watt |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Voltcraft VC 960 |
Battery Runtime
The TravelMate P246-M ascends to the winner's pedestal in the battery life comparison. The 14-inch laptop kept the Wi-Fi test running for over eight hours, and it was a good seven hours in 1080p video playback. We reduced the brightness to 150 cd/m² (dimmed 3 levels) for the test. None of the rivals managed this time although Fujitsu's LifeBook E544 (72 Wh) has a higher capacity. Lenovo's ThinkPad L440 (57 Wh) is more suitable for comparison because the review sample has 56 Wh.
Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B i5 ULV iGPU | Lenovo ThinkPad L440 20AT004QGE i5 Standard iGPU | Fujitsu Lifebook E544 i5 Standard iGPU | Dell Latitude 3440 i5 ULV GT 740M | HP Probook 645 G1 AMD A6 iGPU | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery Runtime | -39% | -29% | 5% | -36% | |
Reader / Idle | 941 | 594 -37% | 771 -18% | 568 -40% | |
H.264 | 434 | ||||
WiFi | 493 | 292 -41% | 262 -47% | 498 1% | 289 -41% |
Load | 120 | 95 -21% | 130 8% | 86 -28% |
Verdict
Simple, but not simply the best. Acer's TravelMate P246-M offers the standards of a consumer laptop, but adorns itself with the borrowed plumes of the business sector. What characterizes the latter, namely first-rate input devices, a decent and matte screen, user-friendly maintenance options, and low emissions, are only found to a certain degree in the review sample. The quality is only satisfactory, but in our opinion, the weak feedback and rigid input devices are the biggest points of criticism. This is followed by the meager connectivity and poor maintenance options.
The exemplary low emissions, the decent performance, and the long battery life of over 8 hours in the Wi-Fi test are on the plus side for Acer's TravelMate P246-M. But that is basically everything, and we can hardly name any real reasons for buying this model. The price is not an argument: The test configuration of the TravelMate is not overpriced with 620 Euros (~$702), but there are rivals with a more positive overall impression for that money.
We would mention the Latitude 3440 from Dell, the LifeBook E544 from Fujitsu, the ThinkPad L440 from Lenovo, and the ProBook 645 G1 from HP. The Latitude 14 3440 is available with a Core i5 for under 600 Euros (~$680), but it does not really have a good keyboard. A serious rival in this price range is the LifeBook E544, which is priced at 645 Euros (~$730). Useful input devices, low emissions, and high connectivity resulted in a strong rating of 80%. The ThinkPad L440 is sold at a starting price of 660 Euros (~$748) with an HD+ resolution and superior input devices. However, its chassis is considerably thicker. The ProBook 645 G1 boasts of a better overall rating, but features a relatively weak AMD A6-5350M at a higher price.