Acer TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi (LX.T5106.112) Laptop (1.8 GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD-Dual Drive)

by Acer

Product Details

• Item Weight: 6.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0006MQWNG
• Item model number: LX.T5106.112
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 16, 2004

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
Sporting virtually no weak links apart from its average 3D graphics performance yet priced comparably to notebooks that aren't as well equipped, the Acer TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi (LX.T5106.112) Notebook PC is an ideal choice for the savvy road warrior. Equally at home in the office or on the road, the unit features plenty of processing speed and oodles of memory while at the same time delivering admirable battery efficiency and easy portability. Acer hasn't skimped on the options either, equipping the unit with a massive hard drive, a state-of-the-art optical drive, and today's most popular connections and communication facilities. At this price point, the commanding yet efficient TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi is hard to beat.

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 TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi is driven by an Intel Pentium M processor 745 running at 1.8 GHz. This is one of three components comprising Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. Moreover, the new, upgraded Pentium M roster features an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for lightning fast access to recently opened files and applications. This particular 1.8 GHz model is one of Intel's faster Pentium M chips, far from the stunning speed of a high-end Pentium 4 but definitely competent enough to breeze through most common notebook tasks while going easy on the batteries.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they also 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 TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi incorporates a whopping 1 GB of memory. This is double the current standard notebook allotment, thus ensuring you won't need to upgrade your memory for many years down the road.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A standalone graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to an "integrated" controller that's permanently mounted to the mainboard and shares the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures without borrowing resources and delivering slow or jumpy images. This system's graphics controller is an Intel Extreme Graphics with 64 MB of shared memory. Though not as efficient as a standalone card for the reasons explained above, this controller nevertheless is part of Intel's recently upgraded Extreme Graphics technology, which more efficiently appropriates main memory than preceding models. As such, the unit will deliver top-notch images and smooth frame rates to virtually any 2D and some 3D applications, but is not recommended for serious 3D gaming or high-end 3D animation.

Display
You'll love the way your images look on the system's 15.4-inch WXGA display. Not only does it sport super-clean resolutions of 1280 by 800, but it also offers a 16:10 "widescreen" viewing ratio -- the same panoramic dimensions favored by Hollywood movie-makers and DVD producers.

Hard Disk:
One of the most surprising -- and welcome -- perks of the TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi is its storage capacity. At 100 GB, the system's hard drive is one of the largest found in any current notebook and will easily handle a massive selection of applications and user files and an extensive photo/multimedia/music library too.

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. The TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi features a modular DVD-Dual drive that supports all of the above and is also compatible with double layer DVDs, each of which delivers nearly twice the capacity of traditional DVDs (8.5 GB vs. 4.4 GB). Moreover, its modular format allows you to quickly detach it and thus reduce weight for those extra-long road trips.

Audio:
The unit features two integrated stereo speakers, a stereo headphones/speakers/line out port and a stereo microphone/line-in ports.

Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via an 88-key Acer FineTouch keyboard with an embedded numeric keypad and numerous hotkey controls, and a convenient touchpad with two mouse buttons and four-way integrated scroll button.

Connectivity and Expansion:
Whether you prefer wireless or corded connections, the TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi is ready. The unit offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a standard dial-up 56K data/fax modem for low-speed communication, a 10/100 LAN for high-speed wired network and Internet, and integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG for cordless e-communication at home, at the office or remotely via local public hotspots. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, a FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), an S-Video TV-out for high-quality digital feeds to a monitor or television, and an infrared port for interaction with cordless peripherals.

Operating System and Software:
Acer has equipped the unit with Microsoft's top-of-the-line version of the Windows XP operating system, Windows XP Professional Edition, CyberLink's respected PowerDVD DVD software player, and a small selection of multimedia and operational utilities.

Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. 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 lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. At 14.2 by 10.7 by 1.3 - 1.5 inches and 6.5 lbs with optical drive installed, the TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi is slightly under the current notebook average.

Power:
The unit is equipped with an eight-cell lithium ion battery that delivers an admirable 5 hours of use under ideal conditions. Average recharge time is 1.5 hours with power off and 3.5 hours with power on.

Product Description

Acer TravelMate 4504LMI Notebook PC with Centrino Technology delivers powerful computing performance that opens new dimensions for research, business, creativity, and fun. With Intel Centrino technology, you can "connect" to the Internet at WiFi hotspots where available. Suitable for both office and on-the-go use, it strikes just the right balance between performance and mobility. Connect to workplace peripherals in one easy step with an optional EasyPort Port Replicator III. On the road, expect up to 5 hours of battery life (depending on configuration and usage) from this 6.5-pound notebook. And should you want to cut the weight, the modular optical drive is easily removed. Make the TravelMate 4504LMI your partner for exciting journeys. Port Connectivity - Three USB 2.0, DC in, RJ-11 modem, RJ-45 LAN, VGA, stereo headphones/speakers/line out, stereo microphone/line in, S-video TV out, FireWire IEEE 1394, FIR (fast infrared), connector for optional Port Replicator III PC Card slot for one Type II card, 32-bit PC CardBus architecture with Zoomed Video support Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG network connection supporting 802.11b/g wireless LAN with Acer SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency Up to 56K V92 Dial-up modem installed Wired Ethernet 10/100 capability through RJ45 port which may also be used for optional broadband Internet service upgrade Includes Windows XP Pro Edition, Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery, AC Adapter/charger, Acer bundled software suite (pre-installed) Integrated Keyboard and Touchpad Acer One-year parts and labor limited warranty

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Value with no Sacrifices!, May 23, 2005

By 

JERIC "24seven.FM" (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acer TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi (LX.T5106.112) Laptop (1.8 GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD-Dual Drive) (Personal Computers)

I purchased this based on three reasons.

- 4.5 star LaptopMag.com Review (of the older 4500)
- Tons of positive User Reviews
- After extensive research, it was by far the Best Value


You simply cannot get a laptop for around $1200 that has all this:
- 100G HDD
- 1G of RAM
- Windows XP Professional (Not Home Edition!)
- A decent Processor (Non Celeron!)
- DVD±R/RW

I am impressed by the quality of the material of this laptop. It is sturdy and you can tell it is well put together. I've heard negative reviews about Acer support. However, this was not a big factor in my purchasing decision. I contacted them via email about the laptop and they got back to me in about 3 business days. Their response was very professional and they answered my question to my satisfaction. I was surprised the hard drive came partitioned already. That shows that they really pay attention to the little things too.

I bought a TDK Bluetooth PC card for $15 and got a Bluetooth mouse up and running instantly. I was thinking I had to change a lot of the software and configuration when I got it but I didn't. It was ready out of the box. Wireless 54g was a breeze.

The only cons about it for me (and I'm knit-picking here) is the slow hard drive (sub 7200 RPM) which means slow boot times. UT2004 played well 1 on 1 but not multiplayer. If that bothers you, you will have to spend A LOT more money.

This is an awesome machine for people who are not sure what they want, or if they want the best of all worlds. The laptop looks sharp, battery life is good, it's not too heavy, and 15 inches of screen was adequate for me.

Highly Recommended!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am very satisfied., February 15, 2005

By 

SY - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acer TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi (LX.T5106.112) Laptop (1.8 GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD-Dual Drive) (Personal Computers)

I own this for 2 months and I am very satisfied. I had no problems and dvd runs and burns very well.

Battery runs up to 7 hours (no kidding, at low brightness)

Fast enough to do anything, 1gb ram is fantastic and 100 gig hard drive is awesome.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE it, July 5, 2005

By 

Karla R. Conzelman "krichelle (if you're hiri... (central coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acer TravelMate 4500 TM4504LMi (LX.T5106.112) Laptop (1.8 GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 1 GB RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, DVD-Dual Drive) (Personal Computers)

after buying and returning two laptops for various reasons, i have to say that the acer 4504 is by far my favorite.. and the 2nd benefit is that it was the cheapest of them all!

the screen is digustingly clear, the curvature of the keypad helps eliminate accidentally touching the touchpad, hinges are sturdy, etc.

**update, 7/25/05:
the silver case holds up much better than i thought... it looked like it was flaking off, like i've heard averatecs do occasionally.. wiped with an alcohol prep pad, and good as new!

switching between regular output/dual monitor output/external monitor is *too* easy.. i spent forever fiddling with it only to realize that fn+f5 was all it took