X-bit labs

14" Widescreen: Most Optimal Solution? 10 Contemporary Notebooks Roundup (page 5)

Category: Mobile

by Vasily Melnik

[ 06/07/2006 | 10:56 PM ]

Acer TravelMate 2423NWXMi

This model is not like the rest of the notebooks discussed in this review. It doesn’t seem to differ much from the above-described TravelMate 3222WXMi in appearance, but the design concept is the only thing they have in common. The 2423NWXMi is a completely different computer:

And this sticker explains why:

This is a low-end 14” widescreen notebook we decided to include in this review for a very simple reason. We just want to see if such notebooks have any chance at all in this market sector and if purchasing it makes any sense. You do save a lot of money: the 3222WXMi costs about $1800 whereas the 2423NWXMi can be acquired for only $800. The difference in price is impressive, but we’re yet to see how the difference in configuration (see the table of specifications) is going to tell on the performance and if the low-end model can ensure you any comfort at work. You’ll get the answers in the Test Results section. Right now let’s have a closer look at this model.

The notebook doesn’t look any worse than its more expensive mate. It is the Acer style everywhere down to the color and type of the plastic. This is good in the sense that the notebook’s case doesn’t show any traces of cost reduction. I guess it is next to impossible to tell the two models from Acer at a glance:

The protruding bottom part and the different design of the front panel are the only points where the TravelMate 2423NWXMi differs from the 3222WXMi.

Besides the integrated speakers, the front panel carries two groups of elements. Audio connectors and power indicators are in the middle: