Acer has introduced two ultrabooks for the first time in the U.S. market aimed specifically for business users on the go. But, don’t expect to get either of these devices at a bargain price.
First, the Acer TravelMate P645 features:
- A 14-inch display with HD resolution.
- A lightweight thin design just 3.31 pounds and .81 inches thick.
- Longer battery life for up to 8 hours of enhanced productivity.
- Enhanced capabilities that let you review documents, compare spreadsheets and create multimedia with greater responsiveness and speed.
- Premium security features including Acer Recovery Management and ProShield Manager which let you protect your data.
In a prepared announcement on the device’s release in the North American market, Michael O’Beirne, senior director of commercial product marketing at Acer America explained:
“Business never ends for our customers, many of whom have global teams that run 24×7, so they need a notebook PC that will keep them at their most effective whether in the office or on the road.”
A second device, the Acer TravelMate X313 (pictured above), can function either as an ultrabook or tablet, the company says. Here is a brief overview from Notebook Italia:
This machine is designed to be even more lightweight and mobile, says Acer. The device’s specs say it is 1.74 pounds and .39 inches thick.
Other features include:
- Cradle expansion enabling it to function as a desktop PC.
- An 11.6-inch display with touchscreen capability allowing it to function in tablet mode.
- A 6-hour battery life allowing it to be used by members of a mobile workforce.
- Versions of Acer’s Recovery Management and ProShield manager for data security, like on the TravelMate P645.
A recent company announcement on this device says the company expects it to be used for Web browsing, checking email, scheduling appointments and more, all in a commercial business setting.
Unlike, other low cost consumer devices which might also work for business applications, Acer is clearly targeting these two devices for business use.
But since both start at a premium $949, they won’t likely appeal to all small business users.
Image: Acer
Aira Bongco
Here we go again with another gadget. I know that they are geared towards businesses. I also cannot deny the 8 straight hours of productivity that it provides.
$949 is quite expensive. I couldn’t justify buying it. I’m not convinced I can’t get something cheaper that can near-enough do the same things I need doing and most of the things Acer offers with these two.
Aira Bongco
That’s right. But that is exactly the reason why it is released during the holiday season – to catch people to buy it even though they can find a better deal. I just don’t know if it will click though.
Yep, I hear you! The holiday season is definitely good timing when it comes to releasing it —- but with so many other releases, I wonder how well this more expensive one will really do.