Acer TM C104Ti Tablet PC (900-MHz Pentium III-M, 256 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive)

by Acer Computer

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 14 pounds
• ASIN: B000083GKV
• Item model number: TM C104Ti
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,660 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 31, 2003

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
While clearly not the most powerful portable computer on the market, Acer's entry-level TMC104Ti Tablet PC is nevertheless convenient, ultra-flexible and affordable. Small and lightweight for maximum portability, the unit also offers total input freedom. Users who prefer traditional data entry may take advantage of the integrated 84-key keyboard with scroll feature and programmable touchpad. Those who prefer "handwriting" via digital ink can simply use the enclosed stylus to freehand sketch their ideas on the system's swiveling, flip-open 10.4-inch LCD screen. And for those who'd rather speak than write, the TMC104Ti Tablet also supports voice recognition. If power and speed aren't your priorities but mobility, input versatility and your budget are, the TMC104Ti Tablet may be just what you're looking for.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The TMC104Ti Tablet features an Intel Mobile Pentium III-M operating at 900 MHz. In the world of modern notebooks, this is not a particularly potent processor. But for most common mobile tasks -- such as word processing, contact management, light 2D graphics, photo organization, email and Internet surfing, it is sufficient. Moreover, it's easy on the batteries. More on that later.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The TMC104Ti Tablet incorporates 256 MB of RAM. This is currently considered the minimal allotment for a notebook, sufficient for basic duties but far less ideal for RAM-hungry applications such as games, multimedia, etc.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output, particularly that of 3D graphics, to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. The budget-conscious Lynx 3DM+ graphics controller installed inside the TMC104Ti Tablet is integrated to the mainboard and features just 8 MB of shared video memory. Therefore, the unit is not suitable for anyone who deals with applications such as 3D games or 3D graphics design.

Display:
Being a subcompact computer, the TMC104Ti Tablet features an understandably smallish 10.4-inch XGA TFT display. But it's more than just a display -- it's also the screen you'll use to enter data with the enclosed stylus. Merely grab the stylus as you would a pen and write or draw as you would on traditional notepaper. Built-in handwriting recognition software takes care of the rest.

Hard Disk:
In a time when some notebooks offer hard drives of 100 GB and more, the 30 GB hard drive inside the TMC104Ti Tablet may not seem overly spacious. However, in the miniscule world of ultra-compact tablets, 30 GB is not an uncommon size. Though you won't have enough room for a library of space-gobbling multimedia files, you will have space for a typical number of mobile apps and user-created files.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system does not feature an optical drive in its stock configuration, though external CD and DVD drives can be connected via its two USB ports. It should be noted that the unit supports older, slower USB 1.1 technology rather than the much faster new standard of USB 2.0.

Audio:
The TMC104Ti Tablet is equipped with an integrated mono speaker, a built-in microphone, and a mono line in and out.

Keyboard and Controls:
Most users will control the unit by touching "virtual" controls displayed on the screen and utilizing the built-in scroll button, though a USB-connected keyboard is also enclosed.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The TMC104Ti Tablet offers an assortment of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and 802.11b wireless technology for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include two USB 1.1 ports (substantially slower than today's USB 2.0 standard) for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), a PC Card Slot and a SmartCard interface.

Operating System and Software:
Acer will pre-install a copy of Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system.

Dimensions and Weight:
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The TMC104Ti Tablet is exceptionally small and comfortable at a mere 3.2 lbs (with primary battery but no optical drive) and just 9.9 by 8.2 by 1.1 inches in diameter.

Power:
Under ideal conditions, the unit's lithium-ion battery will deliver up to 3.0 hours usage.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the very best but not well known, February 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Acer TM C104Ti Tablet PC (900-MHz Pentium III-M, 256 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive) (Personal Computers)

OK I confess, I worked for Acer and I'm familiar with the high quality; durability; innovative products and great support they have been quietly building and becoming know for over the last five years. OK who is Acer? They are the company since 1972 (as MultiTech) who built, in addition to their own high quality line of servers, notebooks, monitors & desktops; IBM, Dell & other desktop, server and notebook products. They have been part of Acer Labs Inc, AOpen, etc. They bought Altos (pioneer server & desktop company) & Texas Instrument (notebooks & Texas service center). Unfortunately I left the company before this Tablet product was a twinkle in Stan Shih's eye (Acer CEO). When I felt it was time to give up my Travel Mate 610, I researched all notebooks in my price range and found this Tablet (TMC104CTi) offered more functionality, more features, improved usabilty and better value than the other brands both notebook and tablet. It has built in 802.11 wireless (the better to drink your cappuccinos with), 10/100 & data/fax modem. The display "converts" from notebook to a Tablet mode. It has over 3 hour battery life, an external FireWire DVD-CDRW, a smart card reader (for security) and a 40gb hard drive. What more can I say except, its the best computer I've owned and the most fun to use.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars NICE TABLET PC, October 26, 2003

By 

Jean Calvino (FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acer TM C104Ti Tablet PC (900-MHz Pentium III-M, 256 MB RAM, 30 GB Hard Drive) (Personal Computers)

I get my tablet pc for my school is a great computer is very small, very nice screen resolution, built in Smart card reader ( you don't need passwords any more) the computer never get hot, 3 to 4 hours of battery, built in wireless card 30 GB hard drive 2 USB and fireware port ultra silent fan built in microf but the problem is that the computer don't have a s-video out and the dvd Cd-r unit is a external unit and you need a plug to used I hate it, don't have a good video card foget the games NO more QUAKE!!. and is just have 1 memory card slot so if you want to update your memory card you need to find one of 512

is a great pc for students( you don't need anymore paper for your notes)
but is not good for gamers