We used Battery Eater Pro 2.22 to measure the battery life of the Acer TravelMate 371TCi computer. We run the test at the maximum and minimum screen brightness levels. We also used several test modes:

• classic mode creates an evenly-distributed load on the system;
• reader’s mode emulates the user’s reading onscreen text;
• idle mode reflects the battery life time when the user’s watching a DVD movie.

When the screen brightness was the maximum, the time of battery life is a little below 3 hours in the classic mode, a little over 4 hours in the reader’s mode, and below 2 hours in the idle mode. Reducing the screen brightness to the minimum, we extended the battery life by:

• 51 minutes in the classic mode;
• 1 hour 8 minutes in the reader’s mode.

These are very good timings for a notebook of this class, positioned as a portable and mobile device for frequent use in “field conditions”. There’s no sense in diminishing the screen brightness to the minimum in the battery life test during DVD playback, as I think there are few people who like watching movies on a dark (if not completely black) display.

Conclusion

Our analysis and extensive testing of the Acer TravelMate 371TCi produced the following results: this notebook delivers good performance (very good for its size) and features excellent design and ergonomics, convenient placement of ports and connectors. With its compact dimensions and light weight, this portable computer is true to its purpose – to serve not only at home or office, but also in the open, in field conditions. It does this job well thanks to its long-lasting battery.

Overall, the Acer TravelMate 371TCi is going to make a good buy for people who live on the run, traveling this world for leisure or on business.