Acer TravelMate 8104WLMi

When it comes to connecting other devices, you'll find a fabulous range of options. At the back there's a DVI-D port for a digital connection to a monitor or projector, complemented by an analog D-SUB on the left of the case. Accompanying sound is tinny but easily loud enough for presentations. Acer has packed in four USB ports and a mini-FireWire, with a Type II PC Card slot above the smart card reader. Bluetooth and 802.11a/b/g cover all the wireless bases, while there are accompanying LEDs/switches on the front and a 5-in-1 card reader. If those connections aren't enough, Acer's optional ezDock docking station plugs into a custom connector on the back.

The only real disappointment was battery life, with the two hours, 38 minutes on a light workload just about acceptable, but certainly not exceptional (we were unable to test its intensive battery life due to insufficient time). It's enough to see you through a couple of meetings though.

Since the TravelMate 8104WLMi is the flagship of Acer's Sonoma range, the company has made sure it's a top performer. And with 1GB of RAM and a 100GB hard disk, you won't have to worry about imminent upgrades either. It's a touch pricey but worth considering for home or small-business buyers who don't travel too often, but who need tight data security and can utilise the all-round power on offer.

Author: Roger Kirckwood