Notebooks Configuration

As mentioned above, the TravelMate 803LCi and 6003LCi notebook models from Acer have a similar architecture but differ in their graphics subsystems (the former uses a discrete graphics processor with dedicated graphics memory and the latter employs an integrated graphics core).

The notebooks feature different chipsets, too. The 803LCi model is based on the Intel 855PM chipset, and the 6003LCi on the i855GME. They both have an Intel Pentium M 1.6GHz processor inside (0.13-micron Banias core, 400MHz FSB, 1MB L2 cache), and a Hitachi hard disk drive. The 803LCi uses a Hitachi IC25N060ATMR04-0 model (4200rpm, 8MB cache buffer, 60GB capacity), while the 6003LCi has a Hitachi IC25N040ATMR04-0 (4200rpm, 2MB cache buffer, 40GB capacity).

The integrated graphics subsystem of the Acer TravelMate 6003LCi is an example of shared memory architecture as the user can choose the portion of the system RAM to be used by the graphics core (8, 16 or 32MB). So you can increase the performance of 3D applications at the expense of the overall system performance, and vice versa.

The TravelMate 803LCi is equipped with a discrete graphics processor RADEON Mobility 9000 and 64MB of dedicated graphics memory, which allows playing modern 3D games with some comfort.

The integrated audio subsystems of the two notebooks give voice to the operating system, applications and games; the stereo speakers have a good volume reserve.

Each of the notebooks has two memory slots occupied with 256MB PC2700 modules of DDR SDRAM; the maximum possible memory amount for both notebooks is 2048MB. One slot is found at the bottom of the case in its bay that you access after unfastening two screws. The second slot is under the keyboard; to access it, you also unfasten two screws at the bottom of the case (labeled as K). Then, remove the panel near the screen hinges and shift the keyboard off its place towards the screen.

You can see the system coolers there, too. I should confess they are rather noisy at work, but the touchpad and the adjacent area (where your hands are resting as you’re typing text) were perceptibly hot at work (of course, not so much as to scorch you). I measured the temperatures of the notebooks as they were running Multimedia Content Creation Winstone 2004:

• Acer TravelMate 803LCi: 39°C top and 44°C bottom;
• Acer TravelMate 6003LCi: 40°C top and 47°C bottom.

The notebooks both have an optical DVD/CD-RW drive with the following speed characteristics: 8x DVD read, 24x CD read, 10x CD rewrite, 24x CD write. There’s no floppy-drive in either of the notebooks, but it is well compensated by the CD-recorder. Then, USB flash drives have also become widespread enough as to make the old floppy drive obsolete.

Both systems are equipped with Wi-Fi units of the IEEE 802.11b/g standard and network adapters from Broadcom. The TravelMate 803LCi can also establish Bluetooth connections.

The table below compares the technical characteristics of the two reviewed notebooks: