Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
We are facing an interesting laptop in the form of the TravelMate X349 by Acer. With the 14-inch business computer, Acer is targeting small businesses, self-employed, pupils, and students. The device looks and feels like a premium-range business laptop. Its configuration and price level correspond to the entry-level of the business sector. We have the top model of the lineup that is priced at around 1050 Euros (~$1155). The prices within the series start at just under 600 Euros (~$660). Devices like Lenovo's ThinkPad 13, Acer's TravelMate P238-M, Asus' ZenBook UX303/UX305, and Apple's MacBook Air 13 are among its competitors.
Case
The casing of the TravelMate is made entirely of aluminum with one exception: The hinge cover is made of plastic. Acer speaks of "brushed aluminum" in its advertising text, but we cannot confirm this. There is nothing "brushed" in sight. Acer relies on a dark, charcoal black color and matte surfaces for its device. The laptop makes a very high-quality impression in terms of looks and feel. A maintenance hatch is not installed, and the casing has to be opened for accessing the hardware. More about this later. The battery cannot be removed.
Acer does not mess up in terms of the build, and the stability does not give any major reasons for complaint. Only the base unit's stability could have been slightly higher for our taste. However, this is still within limits. The lid's robustness is satisfactory. Pressure on the lid's back does not cause image distortions. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position and rock only slightly. The maximum opening angle is 180 degrees, and the lid can be opened with one hand.
The TravelMate is slightly larger and thicker than its rivals since the latter have 13.3-inch screens. However, the TravelMate can compete in terms of weight.
Connectivity
The TravelMate's interfaces are no surprise. The laptop comes with two Type-A USB ports, one of which supports the USB 3.0 standard. In addition, a Type-C USB port (USB 3.1 Gen 1) is present. This port can be turned into a DisplayPort via a corresponding adapter (not included). Acer mentions this in the TravelMate's manual. The laptop's interfaces are distributed over the rear areas on both sides. Consequently, cables will not clutter the areas beside the wrist rest.
SD Card Reader
The installed memory card reader is one of the slow representatives of its kind. A maximum transfer rate of 26.1 MB/s is achieved when copying large data blocks. Transferring 250 JPG image files (approx. 5 MB each) is performed at a speed of 19.1 MB/s. We tested the memory card reader with a Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II reference card.
| SD Card Reader | |
| average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs) | |
| Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 | |
| Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 | |
| maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
| Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 | |
| Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 | |
Communication
The Wi-Fi module in the TravelMate carries a chip by Intel (7265). In addition to the 802.11 a/b/g/h/n Wi-Fi standards, it also supports the fast ac standard. The ascertained transmission rates in ideal conditions (no other Wi-Fi devices in the vicinity, short distance between laptop and server PC) are very good. The connection between the router and laptop remained stable even a story away.
| Networking | |
| iperf Server (receive) TCP 1 m | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 (jseb) | |
| iperf Client (transmit) TCP 1 m | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 (jseb) | |
Security
The TravelMate is equipped with a fingerprint scanner that supports the Windows Hello function. A Trusted Platform Module (2.0) is also present. In addition, the laptop comes with Acer's ProShield software ex-factory, which enables securing the device.
Accessories
The TravelMate is shipped with the usual accessories: A quick start poster and warranty conditions. The TravelMate's interface diversity can be expanded via a USB docking station when required. Every manufacturer has corresponding options in its lineup. Acer also advertises a USB Type-C docking station in connection with the TravelMate. It is priced at roughly 180 Euros (~$198).
Travelmate X349 and Windows 7
In addition to Windows 10, Acer's laptop also supports Windows 7. The corresponding drivers can be found on Acer's website. Note: Users who want to install Windows 7 will have to extend the Windows 7 installation media with a driver for the Skylake memory controller. Otherwise, installing the OS is not possible. Users who want to install Window 7 via a USB flash drive and their laptops have only USB 3.0 ports should also incorporate the corresponding USB 3.0 driver. Windows 7 does not come with any USB 3.0 drivers. The software NTLite, for example, is a possibility to integrate the drivers in the installation files.
Maintenance
The base tray has to be removed for accessing the innards. This is not a problem: all screws on the underside will have to be released and the base tray can then be removed with the aid of a putty knife. The battery, SSD, Wi-Fi module, BIOS battery, and fans can then be accessed. Working memory banks are absent; the memory is soldered.
Warranty
Acer ships the TravelMate with a three-year warranty, including a pick-up service. The warranty period can be extended. A five-year on-site warranty will cost approximately 170 Euros (~$187).
Please see our Guarantees, Return Policies & Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.
Keyboard
The backlight of the installed chiclet keyboard is controlled via a function key. It has only one brightness level. The TravelMate's keys have a short drop and clear pressure point. The letter and number keys are concave and the other keys are flat. All keys have a smooth surface. The keyboard visibly yields in its center when typing on it. This, however, does not affect the typing experience. Overall, it is a very decent keyboard that is also suitable for frequent typing.
Touchpad
The multi-touch ClickPad has a surface area of 10.6 x 7.8 cm (~4.2 x ~3.1 in). Thus, there is plenty of room for gesture control. The smooth surface makes it easy for the fingers to glide. The pad responds to inputs over its entire surface - including the corners. It also pleases with a very audible and palpable pressure point.
Display
The matte, 15.6-inch screen in the TravelMate has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The panel achieves a good contrast (1150:1), but unfortunately, the screen's brightness is too low (225.6 cd/m²). We expect a minimum rate of 300 cd/m² here. The laptop's price level and field of use both demand this. After all, the TravelMate is a slim, mobile device that will be used in different places and consequently under a variety of light conditions. Positive: The screen never displayed PWM flickering.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 86 %
Center on Battery: 230 cd/m²
Contrast: 1150:1 (Black: 0.2 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.07 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.9
ΔE Greyscale 3.64 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
55% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
35% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
55.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
36.97% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.46
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 IPS, 1920x1080, 14" | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 TN LED, 1440x900, 13.3" | Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 1920x1080, 13.3" | Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 TN LED, 1366x768, 13.3" | Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T IPS, 1920x1080, 13.3" | Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T IPS, 1920x1080, 13.3" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 8% | 4% | 1% | 72% | 75% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 36.97 | 40.1 8% | 38.35 4% | 37.25 1% | 65.1 76% | 66.9 81% |
| sRGB Coverage | 55.6 | 59.8 8% | 57.4 3% | 56.1 1% | 92.8 67% | 92.3 66% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 38.2 | 41.51 9% | 39.66 4% | 38.49 1% | 66.3 74% | 67.6 77% |
| Response Times | 1% | 0% | 20% | -44% | ||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 42 ? | 43.2 ? -3% | 42 ? -0% | 25 ? 40% | 68 ? -62% | |
| Response Time Black / White * | 28 ? | 26.8 ? 4% | 28 ? -0% | 28 ? -0% | 35 ? -25% | |
| PWM Frequency | 50 ? | 178 ? | ||||
| Screen | 1% | -7% | -78% | -4% | 20% | |
| Brightness middle | 230 | 329 43% | 233 1% | 226 -2% | 358 56% | 385 67% |
| Brightness | 226 | 310 37% | 227 0% | 216 -4% | 351 55% | 394 74% |
| Brightness Distribution | 86 | 82 -5% | 86 0% | 91 6% | 86 0% | 89 3% |
| Black Level * | 0.2 | 0.405 -103% | 0.22 -10% | 0.49 -145% | 0.4 -100% | 0.41 -105% |
| Contrast | 1150 | 812 -29% | 1059 -8% | 461 -60% | 895 -22% | 939 -18% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 5.07 | 3.96 22% | 5.41 -7% | 13.15 -159% | 5.96 -18% | 3.84 24% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 10.07 | 7.51 25% | 13.61 -35% | 21.96 -118% | 10.99 -9% | |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.64 | 3.51 4% | 4.15 -14% | 14.47 -298% | 8.93 -145% | 3.79 -4% |
| Gamma | 2.46 89% | 3.83 57% | 2.45 90% | 2.73 81% | 2.28 96% | 2.23 99% |
| CCT | 6521 100% | 6711 97% | 6773 96% | 19989 33% | 6548 99% | 6499 100% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 35 | 38.4 10% | 36.52 4% | 36 3% | 60 71% | 60 71% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 55 | 59.8 9% | 57.16 4% | 56 2% | 93 69% | 92 67% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 5% /
3% | -1% /
-4% | -26% /
-51% | 29% /
14% | 17% /
23% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM not detected | ||
In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8684 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | ||
The screen presents a very decent color reproduction in the state of delivery. The DeltaE 2000 color deviation is approximately 5. A rate less than 3 would be desirable. Calibration could improve this. The screen does not exhibit a bluish tint. The AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces cannot be reproduced. The coverage rates are 35% (AdobeRGB) and 55% (sRGB) here.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 8 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 20 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 68 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 42 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 15 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 27 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 64 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms). | ||
Acer has equipped the TravelMate with a viewing angle stable IPS panel. Thus, the screen remains legible from every position. The laptop can only be used outdoors when the sun is not shining very brightly; otherwise, the screen's low brightness prevents this.
Performance
With the TravelMate X349, Acer has a 14-inch business laptop in its lineup that is aimed at small businesses, self-employed, pupils, and students. The laptop offers features that are standard in the entry-level business sector in form of TPM 2.0 and a fingerprint scanner. Our review sample is priced at roughly 1050 Euros (~$1155). Other configurations also exist. Acer's entry-level model (X349 M-3373; Core i3-6100U, 4 GB, 128 GB SSD, Full HD IPS) is a hot option in the range. The laptop costs less than 600 Euros (~$660).
Processor
Acer's slim computer is equipped with Intel's Core i7-6500U (Skylake) dual-core processor. The CPU should satisfy the needs of most users. If maximum CPU power is not needed, buyers should consider a Core i5 model of the TravelMate. Although the slightly lower computing power is not noticed in everyday use, the much lower purchase price is, however, noticed favorably in the wallet. With a TDP of 15 watts, the processor is one of the power efficient ones of its kind. The CPU clocks at a base speed of 2.4 GHz, which can be boosted to 3 GHz (two cores) and 3.1 GHz (one core) via Turbo. Turbo is utilized in both AC and battery mode. The high work speed can also be maintained over prolonged periods. The score of Cinebench R15 benchmark multi-thread test remained stable even after 10 runs.
In the meantime, laptops based on the successor of the processor installed here - the Kaby Lake Core i7-7500U - are on the market. The new CPU scores approximately 10 to 15% better in the CPU tests that we performed. This is primarily due to the higher speeds (2.7 to 3.5 GHz). The Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs do not differ technically.
| Geekbench 4.0 | |
| 64 Bit Single-Core Score | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 | |
| 64 Bit Multi-Core Score | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 | |
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
| Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 | |
| Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 | |
| Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 | |
System Performance
The system runs smoothly and we did not encounter any problems. The PCMark benchmark scores are very good. Overall, the laptop offers more than enough computing power for all common application scenarios. It is not possible to increase the total performance. Acer has already exhausted all options.
| PCMark 7 Score | 5281 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3545 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 4166 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4361 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device
A solid-state drive in the M.2 format (2280) serves as the system drive. It has a total capacity of 512 GB of which, roughly 440 GB can be used. The Windows installation and recovery partition claim the rest of the storage capacity. The SSD's transfer rates are good.
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 Liteonit CV3-8D512 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 Apple SSD SD0256F | Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN256HCHP | Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 Samsung SSD PM871 MZNLN256HCHP | Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND) | Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T Micron M600 MTFDDAK512MBF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrystalDiskMark 3.0 | 70% | -9% | -6% | -10% | -1% | |
| Read Seq | 484.1 | 1352 179% | 461.7 -5% | 517 7% | 469.1 -3% | 484.2 0% |
| Write Seq | 449.8 | 1111 147% | 297.8 -34% | 307.6 -32% | 412.1 -8% | 444.9 -1% |
| Read 512 | 399.1 | 880 120% | 351.6 -12% | 459.9 15% | 301.6 -24% | 387.8 -3% |
| Write 512 | 355.1 | 1023 188% | 298.4 -16% | 305.1 -14% | 327.1 -8% | 386.3 9% |
| Read 4k | 33.44 | 21.93 -34% | 31.85 -5% | 33.03 -1% | 28.08 -16% | 28.74 -14% |
| Write 4k | 67.5 | 30.94 -54% | 68.5 1% | 85.2 26% | 71.9 7% | 90.5 34% |
| Read 4k QD32 | 368.5 | 339.5 -8% | 360.9 -2% | 235.6 -36% | 262 -29% | 300.5 -18% |
| Write 4k QD32 | 280.6 | 342.9 22% | 276.2 -2% | 234.4 -16% | 274.7 -2% | 243.3 -13% |
Graphics Card
Intel's HD Graphics 520 GPU is responsible for video output. It supports DirectX 12 and clocks at up to 1000 MHz. Thanks to the working memory that operates in dual-channel mode, the 3DMark benchmark scores are better than comparable laptops that operate in single-channel mode.
The GPU-integrated decoder unloads the processor when playing videos. This includes standard formats, such as H.264, as well as its successor (H.265). The latter enables playing smaller video files at the same image quality. The TravelMate rendered our test video (4K, 60 FPS, H.265) with a CPU capacity of below 10%. Unloading the CPU only functions when the used playback software supports the hardware accelerated playback of a format. For example, the Windows Media Player does not support H.265. Windows 10, however, provides corresponding software in the form of the Movies & TV app.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 9977 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1648 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 57874 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5745 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 807 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The CPU-GPU combination in the TravelMate can render many games smoothly. However, the user will have to be happy with low resolutions and low to medium quality settings. The screen's native resolution (Full HD) cannot be used. Only games with moderate hardware requirements can be played. Performance-driven blockbusters, such as "Deus Ex: Mankind Divided" are not playable at all. The working memory that operates in dual-channel mode has also a positive effect here: The frame rates are higher than in single-channel mode devices.
Note: As the frame rates prove, the game "FIFA 17" runs smoothly. However, it crashed recurrently when we selected the "High" test scenario (1920x1080, high-quality level). The crash is accompanied by a DirectX error message in both Window 10 and Windows 7.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 78.1 | 39.8 | 24.3 | 12.2 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 49.9 | 28.3 | 23.4 | 7.6 |
| Battlefield 4 (2013) | 43.1 | 30.7 | 20.2 | 6.1 |
| GTA V (2015) | 35 | 29.5 | 6.9 | |
| Doom (2016) | 21.3 | 17.3 | 9.9 | |
| Deus Ex Mankind Divided (2016) | 12.9 | 8.8 | ||
| FIFA 17 (2016) | 60.8 | 50 | ||
| Mafia 3 (2016) | 8.2 | 6.1 |
Emissions
System Noise
The TravelMate barely produces noise over the entire load range. The fans are often inactive in idle mode. Otherwise, they spin at low speeds and are hardly audible. The fans do not speed up excessively during load either. We measured a noise level of 34.1 dB(A) during the stress test. The fans produce a quiet buzzing noise that is not distracting. The laptop occasionally produces a quiet, electronic sizzling noise. It is audible when large amounts of data are moved to the SSD. However, the user will have to listen very carefully to hear it.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 31.5 / 31.5 / 31.5 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 31.7 / 34.1 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 31.15 dB(A) | ||
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 5650U, HD Graphics 6000 | Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T 6500U, GeForce 940M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -8% | 6% | -4% | -5% | -5% | |
| off / environment * | 31.15 | 29.1 7% | 31.2 -0% | 31.3 -0% | ||
| Idle Minimum * | 31.5 | 29.2 7% | 29.1 8% | 31.2 1% | 31.3 1% | 31.5 -0% |
| Idle Average * | 31.5 | 29.2 7% | 29.1 8% | 31.2 1% | 31.3 1% | 31.5 -0% |
| Idle Maximum * | 31.5 | 29.2 7% | 29.1 8% | 31.2 1% | 32.2 -2% | 31.5 -0% |
| Load Average * | 31.7 | 40.2 -27% | 31.5 1% | 35.71 -13% | 37.6 -19% | 35.9 -13% |
| Load Maximum * | 34.1 | 46.3 -36% | 33.5 2% | 38.1 -12% | 38 -11% | 38.2 -12% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The TravelMate performed our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in the same manner in both AC and battery mode. The CPU and GPU only reached their full speeds at the beginning of the test. They then throttled to 1.4 to 1.5 GHz (CPU) and 900 MHz (GPU). The device does not get exceptionally warm. 40 degrees Celsius (~104 degrees Fahrenheit) was never exceeded on any measuring point.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.6 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.5 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.2 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 30.8 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 28.3 °C / 82.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (0 °C / 0 F).
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 5650U, HD Graphics 6000 | Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T 6500U, GeForce 940M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -12% | -20% | 4% | 0% | -19% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 38.6 | 43.8 -13% | 43.7 -13% | 34.2 11% | 40.8 -6% | 56.6 -47% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 39.5 | 42.1 -7% | 44.2 -12% | 31 22% | 37 6% | 54.3 -37% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 24.8 | 28.5 -15% | 31.4 -27% | 27.1 -9% | 25.2 -2% | 24 3% |
| Idle Bottom * | 25.4 | 28.9 -14% | 32.1 -26% | 27.7 -9% | 24.9 2% | 24.2 5% |
* ... smaller is better
Speakers
The TravelMate's stereo speakers are situated on the device's underside. They produce a muffled sound that lacks bass. Headphones or speakers will have to be used for a better sound experience.
Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 audio analysis
(-) | not very loud speakers (66 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 17.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.9% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (10.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.8% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (25.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 83% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 13% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 74% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 20% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 6% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 92% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 4% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 95% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Frequency diagram in comparison (checkboxes above can be turned on/off!)
Energy Management
Power Consumption
We recorded a maximum idle power consumption of 9.4 watts - this rate is acceptable. The requirement climbed to 34 to 36 watts during load. Overall, these are normal rates for the installed hardware platform. The power supply has a nominal output of 45 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0.4 / 0.56 Watt |
| Idle | 4.9 / 7.3 / 9.4 Watt |
| Load |
26 / 36 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 5650U, HD Graphics 6000 | Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 6200U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 6500U, HD Graphics 520 | Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T 6500U, GeForce 940M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 16% | 21% | 19% | 14% | -18% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 4.9 | 2.7 45% | 3.1 37% | 3.2 35% | 3.2 35% | 3.2 35% |
| Idle Average * | 7.3 | 5.7 22% | 5.5 25% | 5.5 25% | 6.5 11% | 7.6 -4% |
| Idle Maximum * | 9.4 | 6 36% | 6 36% | 6 36% | 6.7 29% | 8 15% |
| Load Average * | 26 | 32.1 -23% | 25.8 1% | 29.5 -13% | 30.6 -18% | 47 -81% |
| Load Maximum * | 36 | 36.2 -1% | 33.6 7% | 30.9 14% | 31 14% | 55 -53% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
Acer's laptop achieved a runtime of 6:32 hours in our Wi-Fi test. We simulate the load needed for opening websites via a script. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, the energy-saving functions are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The slim laptop lasted 6:40 hours on one charged battery in our video test. We loop the short movie "Big Buck Bunny" (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) for this test. The wireless modules and energy-saving functions are disabled, and again, the screen's brightness is dimmed to 150 cd/m².
| Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261 6500U, HD Graphics 520, 48.9 Wh | Apple MacBook Air 13 inch 2015-03 5650U, HD Graphics 6000, 54 Wh | Lenovo ThinkPad 13-20GKS01100 6200U, HD Graphics 520, 42 Wh | Acer TravelMate P238-M-5575 6200U, HD Graphics 520, 49.7 Wh | Asus Zenbook UX305UA-FC040T 6500U, HD Graphics 520, 56 Wh | Asus Zenbook UX303UB-R4100T 6500U, GeForce 940M, 50 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 60% | 18% | 55% | 50% | 16% | |
| Reader / Idle | 675 | 1572 133% | 944 40% | 1290 91% | 1427 111% | 997 48% |
| H.264 | 400 | 469 17% | 557 39% | 545 36% | 413 3% | |
| WiFi v1.3 | 392 | 620 58% | 372 -5% | 608 55% | 561 43% | 410 5% |
| Load | 109 | 97 -11% | 129 18% | 147 35% | 118 8% | 118 8% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The TravelMate's technology is enclosed in an elegant, slim aluminum casing. It does not lack computing power: The Core i7 provides enough processing performance in all common application fields. The laptop runs quietly and only heats up moderately. A fast SSD ensures a fast-running system. It is possible to replace the SSD after opening the laptop's casing. The backlit keyboard makes a good impression. The good battery life supplements that. The matte, viewing angle stable IPS panel shines with high-contrast and a very decent color reproduction. Unfortunately, the screen's brightness is too low. A three-year warranty rounds off the total package.
Acer has built a slim, very elegant office device that should find many fans.
We tested the premium model of the range. With a price of 1050 Euros (~$1155), it is not one of the cheapest laptops. The entry-level model (TravelMate X3 X349-M-3373) in the lineup will likely be more attractive for most potential buyers and costs less than 600 Euros (~$660). The entry-level TravelMate's configuration (Core i3-6100U, 4 GB, 128 GB SSD, Full HD IPS will be more than enough for its primary application field.
Acer TravelMate X3 X349-M-7261
- 10/14/2016 v5.1 (old)
Sascha Mölck
Price comparison
