Good performance, great for work, reliable, very rigid/strong build quality
Disadvantages:
Poor battery life, small screen
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I purchased this laptop second-hand for £370 in March 2003. The specifications are: Audio Input / Type Microphone Audio Output / Type Sound card Battery / Average Run Time 2.5Hour(s) Battery / Technology Nickel metal hydride Cache Memory / Installed Size 128KB Cache Memory / Max Supported Size 128KB Colour Black Colour Support 24-bit (16.7M colours) Diagonal Size (inches) 12.1 Dimensions / Depth 10.2In o 10In Dimensions / Height 1.5In Dimensions / Weight 6.2Lbs -6.4Lbs Dimensions / Width 12.2In Display (Projector) / Tech. TFT active matrix Input Device / Type Keyboard, Touch pad Installed OS Windows 98 or Windows ME Mainboard / Data Bus Speed 100MHz Max Resolution 800 x 600 Max Resolution 1024 x 768, 1600 x 1200 Modem / Max Transfer Rate 56Kbps Optical Storage / Type CD-ROM 24 speed Processor / Clock Speed 600MHz Processor / Manufacturer Intel Processor / Type and class Celeron RAM / Installed Size 64MB RAM / Max Supported Size 512MB RAM / Technology SDRAM Storage Floppy Drive / Type 3.5" HD Storage Hard Drive 5GB Video Memory / Installed Size 4MB Video Memory / Max Supp. Size 4MB
These are the default specifications. However, my laptop was fitted with extra memory (128MB), a bigger hard drive (30GB), network card, Graphics accelerator card and a PCMCIA card. Consequently the computer runs at a better speed and I can access programs with minimum delay.
One can also control/use the following functions via the keyboard: Brightness, Contrast, Snooze/Sleep, Audio control, Touch pad on/off and you can turn the monitor on or off whilst keeping the PC operative. I also found other drivers for the Acer 201T that enhances it’s operation. I am completely happy with this laptop and use it for games, research and work. I have no problems with running complicated mathematical programs as the processor has a built in numeric co-processor that makes calculations easier to perform. I do recommend that you upgrade the memory from 64MB to 128 MB at least. I have done this and have noticed a marked improvement in the performance. The standard graphics card was not too bad, but the previous owner installed a better one. You should only do this if you intend on playing high profile computer games. The limitation of this computer is that it only allows you to install up to a 4MB video card and if you are really looking to play the latest high quality games, then this computer is not readily compatible. However, I have played a few good games on this computer with no problems (CM 00/01, CM4, Need for Speed I, II and III, Fifa 2000/1/2 etc.).
I did, however, purchase this laptop with the primary aim of doing research and engineering related work. Having said that, I am very impressed and happy with the performance. One major disappointment is the screen size. It’s not unreasonably small, but an extra inch in size increase would have been better. USB connectivity is excellent and the plug and play sensitivity is good. This means that when I plug a printer, for example, the computer helps me set up drivers for the device so that I can use it.
The display itself is more than satisfactory and with my updated graphics card, I can view graphics in 32-bit mode (true colour). Power management features built into the laptop are excellent. You can customize settings and create warnings when your battery runs low. The battery performance deteriorates with time and you might need a new one after 2 years. Currently, the battery on my laptop is just over 2 years old and it needs replacing.
The keyboard layout is good and you can rest your hands on it whilst typing. Touch pad sensitivity can be controlled but being an old fashioned kind of guy, I still prefer adding an external mouse to one of the 2 existing mouse ports.
The installed CD-ROM is reliable and fairly quiet. You can also remove it and use it as a portable device.
As I tend to get rather busy with my research work, I tend to use the laptop for days on end without ever switching it off and it gives me no problems. There are 2 fans that are installed and only work when required.
One thing that I must point out is that the installed operating system (Windows ME) does crash one in a while – but note that this is because of the Windows software and not the computer hardware. I prefer Windows ME for this laptop as, although it crashes once in a while, it optimises the laptop’s resources efficiently. This makes performance all the more pleasing.
Currently, I have a modem, printer, digital camera and external mouse attached to the laptop and it is still running efficiently.
I find that this laptop provides very good value for money and is perfect for doing your work or playing a few good games. The design offers unrivalled rigidity. A while ago, I accidentally dropped the laptop onto a thinly carpeted concrete floor and was pleasantly surprised when I noticed that nothing was damaged (not even my hard drive). Please don’t deliberately drop yours.
I have thought about buying a new laptop (because I have the money), but am sticking with this one for a while longer as I don’t really need a higher specification laptop. For my requirements, this laptop is perfect and reliable and I would recommend this as a fantastic second-hand buy (if you don’t find any new ones out there).
More details
Memory / capacity
Satisfactory
Ease of use
Easy
Range of Extra Features
Good
Instruction manual
Satisfactory
Manufacturer Support
Satisfactory
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