Acer busts out TravelMate Timeline laptops for the business type

Acer's just outed a new line of laptops, the CULV TravelMate Timeline series. Aimed at business customers, the TravelMate Timeline 8571, 8471 and 8371 are 13.3, 14.1 to 15.6-inchers, respectively, with a range of Core 2 Duo CPU options, Intel GM45 Express chipsets, up to 4GB of SDRAM, also boast 802.11a/b/g/Draft N WLAN, Bluetooth and gigabit LAN. These Windows 7 bad boys also come with Acer's Bio-Protection fingerprint security, which might furnish you with some small peace of mind on the road. The TravelMate Timeline series range in price from $899 to $999, and are available now. For full specs, check the press release after the break.

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December 22, 2009
08:45 AM Eastern Time
Acer Debuts TravelMate Timeline Series of Notebook PCs for Business Customers
Excellent performance combined with up to eight hours of battery life deliver ultimate mobility and convenience

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Acer America, part of the world's second largest PC vendor (1), today introduced its new TravelMate Timeline series of notebook PCs for business customers. The new TravelMate Timeline 8571, 8471 and 8371 are ultra-thin mobile workhorse notebooks designed for on-the-go professionals who need prolonged productivity. A long lasting six-cell battery provides up to eight hours of power(2) when Acer PowerSmart Manager is enabled. With prices ranging from $899 to $999, the TravelMate Timeline series delivers excellent performance and the capabilities most important to travelling professionals. Offering a choice of Intel Core 2 Duo Processors supporting Intel 64 architecture and equipped with the Intel GS45 Express chipset, and either 3GB or 4GB of fast SDRAM, the TravelMate Timeline notebooks provide the horsepower business professionals need for multi-tasking, e-mail, Internet browsing or powering through advanced applications.

Keeping sensitive work information safe and secure, each TravelMate Timeline series notebook features the Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution, providing the peace of mind and security that business travelers, in particular, will appreciate. For traveling professionals and off-site workers who need to stay in touch with the home office and clients, the TravelMate Timeline notebooks makes it easy to browse websites, check email or make VOIP calls through a range of communications capabilities, including 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WLAN, Bluetooth and gigabit LAN. In addition, an integrated webcam is included for face-to- face interactions and videoconferencing sessions.

The TravelMate Timeline notebooks offers displays ranging from 13.3, 14.1 to 15.6 inches, keeping the notebooks thin and light, providing an ideal size and weight for most traveling professionals. Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with full support for Microsoft DirectX10 delivers bright, crisp graphics and video. In addition, the wide keys of the Acer FineTouch keyboard allow for comfortable typing while on the road, and the multi-gesture touchpad lets users navigate, zoom and scroll with remarkable ease. A touchpad lock prevents accidental cursor movement. Back in the office, an optional Acer EasyPort IV port replicator provides quick connection to desktop peripherals, such as a keyboard, monitor and printer. A 5-in-1 card reader makes it easy to transfer photos from a camera or camcorder. Giving businesses flexibility and convenience when it comes to their operating systems, the TravelMate Timeline series comes with Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) pre-installed, and can be easily overwritten with Windows XP Professional, which Acer provides on a CD.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability

Available now from Acer's reseller partners, the new TravelMate Timeline series includes the following models:

Acer TravelMate Timeline TM8571-6465
* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU9400 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)
* Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) pre-installed; Windows XP Professional CD included
* 15.6-inch display (1366 x 768) * Intel GM45 Express chipset
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* 4GB (2/2) DDR3 1066 SDRAM
* 320GB(3) SATA hard drive
* Integrated Super-Multi drive
* Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* 5-in-1 digital media card reader
* 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WLAN, Bluetooth, gigabit LAN
* 3 – USB 2.0 ports
* HDMI port
* Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
* Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
* Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) battery
* 3.5 lbs.
* 12.67" (W) x 0.92" to 1.13" (H) x 8.97" (D)
* Energy Star® 5.0 compliant * MSRP $999 Acer TravelMate Timeline TM8471-6306
* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU9400 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)
* Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) pre-installed; Windows XP Professional CD included
* 14.1-inch display (1366 x 768) * Intel GM45 Express chipset
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* 4GB (2/2) DDR3 1066 SDRAM * 320GB(3) SATA hard drive
* Integrated Super-Multi drive * Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* 5-in-1 digital media card reader
* 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WLAN, Bluetooth, gigabit LAN
* 3 – USB 2.0 ports
* HDMI port
* Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
* Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
* Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) battery
* 3.5 lbs.
* 12.67" (W) x 0.92" to 1.13" (H) x 8.97" (D)
* Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
* MSRP $999

Acer TravelMate Timeline TM8371-6457

* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU9400 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)
* Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) pre-installed; Windows XP Professional CD included
* 13.3-inch display (1366 x 768)
* Intel GM45 Express chipset
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* 4GB (2/2) DDR3 1066 SDRAM
* 320GB(3) SATA hard drive
* Integrated Super-Multi drive
* Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* 5-in-1 digital media card reader
* 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WLAN, Bluetooth, gigabit LAN
* 3 – USB 2.0 ports
* HDMI port
* Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
* Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
* Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) battery
* 3.5 lbs. * 12.67" (W) x 0.92" to 1.13" (H) x 8.97" (D)
* Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
* MSRP $919

Acer TravelMate Timeline TM8571-8537

* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU7300 (3MB L2 cache, 1.30GHz, 800MHz FSB)
* Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) pre-installed; Windows XP Professional CD included
* 15.6-inch display (1366 x 768)
* Intel GM45 Express chipset
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* 3GB (2/1) DDR3 1066 SDRAM
* 250GB(3) SATA hard drive
* Integrated Super-Multi drive
* Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* 5-in-1 digital media card reader
* 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WLAN, Bluetooth, gigabit LAN
* 3 – USB 2.0 ports
* HDMI port
* Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
* Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
* Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) battery
* 3.5 lbs.
* 12.67" (W) x 0.92" to 1.13" (H) x 8.97" (D)
* Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
* MSRP $899 Acer TravelMate Timeline TM8471-8818
* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU7300 (3MB L2 cache, 1.30GHz, 800MHz FSB)
* Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) pre-installed; Windows XP Professional CD included
* 14.1-inch display (1366 x 768)
* Intel GM45 Express chipset
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* 3GB (2/1) DDR3 1066 SDRAM
* 250GB(3) SATA hard drive
* Integrated Super-Multi drive
* Acer Crystal Eye webcam
* 5-in-1 digital media card reader
* 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WLAN, Bluetooth, gigabit LAN
* 3 – USB 2.0 ports
* HDMI port
* Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
* Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
* Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) battery * 3.5 lbs. * 12.67" (W) x 0.92" to 1.13" (H) x 8.97" (D)
* Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
* MSRP $899

All models come with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. Additionally, some models have longer warranties offered through specific channel partners. All Acer notebook PCs are backed by toll-free service and support.

About Acer America
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has pursued the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Globally, Acer ranks top 3 for total PCs and No. 2 for notebooks1, with the fastest growth among the top-five players. A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to Acer's continued growth, while the successful acquisitions of Gateway and Packard Bell complete the company's global footprint by strengthening its presence in the U.S. and enhancing its strong position in Europe. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement in staging the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter and London 2012 Olympic Games. The Acer Group employs more than 6,000 people worldwide. 2008 revenues reached US$16.65 billion. See www.acer-group.com for more information. © 2009 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners.

[jaejae Posted Dec 22nd 2009 9:59AM]

Am I the only one that thinks 1366x768 is crap on 15" to 16" screens? Bring back 16:10!

[hari Posted Dec 22nd 2009 10:35AM]

@jaejae exactly. with that resolution i would go for the 13.3' or 14' . 15.6' is pointless.

[Bolo Posted Dec 22nd 2009 10:55AM]

@jaejae I with you brother. BTW, if it's a business laptop why would I need a "HD" made for entertainment desktop instead of a spacious one made for work? Think of MS Office with those tall menus. The standard menu is about 300 pixels height, so the effective working space is reduced to 468 pixels in height...

[martan Posted Dec 22nd 2009 12:25PM]

@Bolo
Yop, same here for those screen sizes. Acually I do HATE those panoramic screens, long & narrow; do we always watching movies? MS Office and others - nobody ever thought about resizing the menus to accomodte better these screens??? I had a CAD, DynaCAD where ecould build the screen the way I wanted. Actually, also possible with SolidWorks.
Back to my 10' Acer One netbook; I have about 3- 4 lines to write may e-mail on the Yahoo; looking to switch out to more spacey e-mail provider...
Through - this is most painful on net-books and small size screens, 10 to12 inches.
I love to go back to my IBM T41 with 'regular' 14inch screen -so huge!, to do some serious work... I heard that Lenovo is still shipping laptops with regular screen sizes. ..

[AlaskanHandyman Posted Dec 22nd 2009 6:42PM]

@jaejae I for one could not work at that resolution no matter what the size of the screen was. I really like my 1920X1200 17" screen.

[Felix Fdot Posted Dec 22nd 2009 10:00AM]

Those were available in Europe for quite some time (Win7 Upgrade coupon style), i got mine in September and there was an article about them on Engadget then (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/acer-further-bolsters-timeline-lineup-with-new-8000-series/)

But that bitching aside I just wanted to say after thorough testing, dropping and hauling it around I can recommend that thing to everyone how is disappointed by the Touchpad-Buttons of the Aspire sister-series, I get around 6 hours out of my 8371 Core2Duo Model when just browsing and mailing around and the overall build quality is superb in that price range.

[Dafrety Posted Dec 22nd 2009 10:01AM]

No mention of a matte screen or not. It would make a rather poor business laptop if it doesn't have one. Why have something be useful to computing though if you can see your face in the shiny?

[Certifiedfryguy Posted Dec 22nd 2009 11:20AM]

@Dafrety

According to a review on newegg, the screen is matte.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115682&Tpk=TM8371

[Old fogie late bloomer Posted Dec 22nd 2009 12:06PM]

@Certifiedfryguy

Well, according to that picture, the screen's just as glossy as my non-TravelMate TImeline's....

[HaoleM Posted Dec 22nd 2009 10:13AM]

A 32-Bit OS? Hmm, I would have thought that in this day and age Core 2 Duo equipped machines would be packing 64-bit OS's.

[thewild Posted Dec 22nd 2009 10:21AM]

How long will we still have draft-N products now that the full 802.11n spec is published ?

[Certifiedfryguy Posted Dec 22nd 2009 11:06AM]

yea but is it really worth the extra cash?

[Gamer Posted Dec 22nd 2009 11:10AM]

there is a problem with your facts Laura
"TravelMate Timeline 8571, 8471 and 8371 are 13.3, 14.1 to 15.6-inchers, respectively."
It should be 15.6 (8571), 14.1 (8471), and 13.3 (8371)

it's in the press release

[artshark Posted Dec 22nd 2009 11:24AM]

and i ask again, what is a business laptop? what makes it different from any other?

[nikeairj Posted Dec 22nd 2009 11:38AM]

@artshark If I remember correctly, it's just that they provide longer support for "business" laptops.

[Peytral Posted Dec 22nd 2009 12:01PM]

@artshark
I always thought business laptop = matte screen haha....

[Old fogie late bloomer Posted Dec 22nd 2009 12:07PM]

@Peytral

That's what I thought too! lol

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2009 12:21PM]

A light business laptop needs 3G built-in!

[SNP Posted Dec 22nd 2009 12:26PM]

Someone was too lazy when C&P, all models are listed as 3.5lbs....

[dcamitta Posted Dec 22nd 2009 12:31PM]

Am I missing something? All three sizes 13",14",15"... they have the same dimensions and weight? No SSD options?

[aznofazns Posted Dec 22nd 2009 1:21PM]

SDRAM? This thing must be slowww...

[lifebot Posted Dec 22nd 2009 2:29PM]

Why can't any company get it straight?

Here is a perfect example of a business laptop.

14.1" 16:10 1440x900 Matte Screen LED.
Core 2 Solo CPU + Ion
DDR3 Ram
8+ hour battery life.
Ctrl Key on the Bottom Right Side not FN
Non flexy keysboar.
Tactile Keyboard Feel Like Lenovo.
No Integrated Optical Drive for less weight and more battery.
Under 5 pounds in weight.

Make that, and I'll glady pay $800 for it.

[Wwhat Posted Dec 22nd 2009 9:54PM]

Draft N? draft? What is this? 2008?