X-bit labs

Two Office Notebooks: ASUS M6B00N and Acer TravelMate 803 LCi (page 2)

Category: Mobile

by Galina Sudareva

[ 08/31/2004 | 11:43 AM ]

The following components are located on the left side of the case:

• Four USB ports;
• One IEEE1394 port;
• One slot for Type I or II PC Cards;
• Smart-card reader;
• Line-In audio input;
• Microphone socket (Mic-In);
• Headphones socket (Line-Out).

Using the settings written on the smart card and the enclosed software (PlatinumPas, PlatinumSecure, PlatinumKey), you can fence your portable computer in with a multi-tier security system.

PlatinumPas is the first tier as it starts up before the BIOS POST procedure (if the smart card is not inserted, the notebook will not boot up). PlatinumSecure enhances the Windows XP logon procedure on the OS level. It offers user authorization, encryption/decryption services (except system files, subfolders and files encrypted with other programs) and protection against unauthorized access. The PlatinumKey program is employed to store passwords on a smart card and to automatically confirm the password at Web sites that require authentication.

At the right side of the case, you find only a network connector and a DVD/CD-RW drive (its eject button is rather inconvenient, being sunken deep into the surface).

The rear panel of the notebook has the following:

• Integrated modem’s connector (RJ-11);
• LAN connector (RJ-45);
• Expansion port (to which you can attach a port replicator or other EasyPort devices);
• 25-pin parallel port;
• D-Sub output for an external monitor;
• TV-Out port;
• Kensington lock and vent holes.

The bottom of the case has HDD, memory, miniPCI and battery bays, a pocket for the owner’s personal card, a DASP technology logo (Disk Anti Shock Protection) and vent holes.