There’s
a lot to be said for always having the fastest and most up-to-date notebook,
but most schools are still using Windows XP and can’t afford Windows 8, the
latest Intel processors and solid state storage. That’s where Acer’s TravelMate
B113 comes in. At roughly $550, it may not have the fastest and latest hardware
and software, but it is an excellent value.
That’s
because the system avoids the newest and most expensive hardware and instead
uses reliable components. For instance, instead of a third-generation
processor, the system has a second-generation Intel Core i3 processor that runs
at 1.5GHz. It has two processing cores and 3MB of processor cache but doesn’t
have turbo boost technology that allows news chips to run faster for brief
instances.
Plus,
the system has neither a touch-screen nor Windows 8, instead relying on Windows
7 and a traditional 11.6-inch display that can show 1,366 by 768 resolution. It
uses Intel’s older 3000HD graphics engine with 128MB of dedicated video memory,
which can be boosted to 1.7GB by using extra system RAM. The B113 comes with
4GB of RAM and can hold up to 8GB.
Instead
of expensive solid state storage, the B113 relies on a traditional hard drive
that can hold 320GB. It might be confining for some, but should do just fine in
schools as a general purpose system that live on carts or are issued to
students at the start of the year.
The
black plastic system is as small and light as a netbook, but will prove to be
more reliable and powerful. At 11.1 by 7.9-inches it doesn’t take up too much
desktop space and is size just right for smaller hands. At between 0.9- and
1.1-inches thick, it’ll fit into any bag.
I
really like the fold down screen hinge that can keep the display from providing
a place for kids to hide behind. Plus it has a simple monolithic touchpad and
full-size keys.
It
weighs in at 2.9-pounds and with its AC adapter can go from room to room at
just 3.3-pounds. The best part is that the adapter plugs right into a wall
outlet and its two-prong plug can rotate so that it doesn’t cover the other
outlets.
It
has all the ports that any school could want, including wired LAN, VGA, audio
and HDMI. The system offers the bonus of a USB 3.0 port as well as connections
for a pair of USB 2.0 devices. It has a Webcam, built-in microphone and an SD
card reader.
The
system comes with Bluetooth and Intel’s Centrino 802.11n WiFi wireless
networking. I’m disappointed, though, that there’s no way to connect wirelessly
to a projector via WiDi, a technique that makes projecting simple, quick and
easy.
I
gave it a heavy workout doing simulated lessons and general work, and the
system kept its cool and never locked up or crashed, including when I ran the
University of Colorado’s PHET simulation of vibration modes, watched HD videos
from YouTube and connected on the first try with an Epson projector.
While
its 863 score on Pasmark’s Performance 7.0 benchmark suite of software tests
won’t set any records, it is right in the middle of the pack for school notebooks
with roughly double the performance potential of a netbook.
Its
small 2,500 milli-amp hour battery pack can run for 4 hours and 10 minutes on a
charge while playing back YouTube videos continuously. Unlike many of the
latest small notebooks, you can change the battery with a fully-charged spare.
Plus, rather than having a latch that’s out in the open for kids to play with,
the B113 has a tiny recessed latch that you need to flick with a screwdriver or
pencil to release the battery. This should mean that fewer batteries will be
dropping out of notebooks during class.
With
Office Starter, Evernote and Windows 7 Professional, the system comes with a
nice assortment of software. The system
includes a 1-year warranty.
While
the system I looked at goes for about $550, you can get one for as little as
$400. All told, the TravelMate B113 may not be exciting, but it is a good,
reliable notebook that will instantly fit into any school’s infrastructure and
can be purchased at a reasonable price. And, that’s exactly what schools are
looking for these days.
A
Acer
TravelMate B113-M-6460
Price:
$550
+
Inexpensive
+
Good performance and battery life
+
Small and light
+
Flexible AC adapter
+
USB 3.0
-
No WiDi
