Thanks to all for a well run & informative forum. I'm looking for some informed opinions to help me in my decision between the 8104 and 8204.
Quick Background:
I run a small business and regularly multi-task with numerious apps, including: Fireworks, Dreamweaver, FTP program, VoIP, Excel, several browser wins etc.
My biz isnt based around image editing, so I dont really perform *that* many memory intensive tasks, but I do need swift performance for customer service when multiple apps are open. I also really never do gaming.
Desires:
I'd like to find a very solid laptop which is advanced enough with the upcoming technologies to not require another purchase sooner than 3-5 years. I should mention that I *could* afford the 8204 if I had to, but I could certainly use the extra $1K for many other small biz things. So I'm in need of some guidance for the most cost efficient machine for my needs & timeline.
Key Questions:
-I noticed it doesn't list VoIP in the tech specs for the 8104 -- would it still be possible to utilize a service like Skype or AT&T's CallVantage service with this model?
-I've seen some lappers that say they are compatible with specific networks i.e. Vonage or Cingular -- would I be able to purchase a Data Connection card (i.e. from Sprint), and use it in either of these Acer models, or is the card built-in? If someone could provide a brief explanation about how internet connection works when not in a Wi-Fi area I would very much appreciate it.
-I read that future Acer's will include integrated 3G technology -- are either of the above models currently compatible with 3G -- if so, how is that achieved? Would you recommend waiting until it was integrated?
-Whats the main difference b/t the regular 8104 and the 8104WLMi?
So based on my brief job description, would you think the 8204/duo processor is over-kill for my situation, or is it really worth the extra $1K? Or with the large price diff b/t the two, would I practically be able to buy an 8204 next year with the $ I save on the 8104?
Sorry for all of the questions which are probably very elementary to some. I very much appreciate any information you can provide. :)
Chad
http://www.battingnets.com
Baseball & Golf Practice Equipment
czm2000
02-26-2006, 03:10 PM
That's easy. The 8204. You summed it up in the first sentance under "Quick Backgound" with "Milti-Tasking" and the apps you use. That combined with what you want under "Desires" and it's a no brainer (for me :) )
It's worth the additional $1,000 because it beats having to buy another system for another $1,500 in 2-3 years (if ou want it to be more future proof which nothing ever is 100% future proof anyway). The added advantage is you will have gotten to enjoy the faster of the 2 for a longer period of time, that is assuming you actually kept the 8204 for 3-5 years.
Filippo
03-02-2006, 12:06 AM
I actually think that its an overkill for your needs.
If you want your notebook to last 3-5 years, I suggest getting a 64bit processor (turion 64).
I think that you should look up the Acer Ferrari 4005 (or 4006) and the Travel Mate 4404.
Ransomed1
03-10-2006, 08:45 AM
I believe that the 8104 will do nicely for your needs for the next several years. It looks very professional, has great stats, and is very reasonable in price. I use it, and I'd rather have it than any other notebook available today. Everyone told me that it would be out of date in 1 year. This definitely hasn't been the case. Any notebook will be less than the top stats within one year, but it's only out of date when it stops being enough for your needs, compared to what is available on the market. For your money, it'll be a great investment.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
Ransom
nanobrain
03-10-2006, 10:50 AM
About the difference between the two 8104s: one has a PATA and a plastic lid cover, the other has a SATA drive (both are 100GB) and an Aluminum lid cover.
I would advise to go with the 8104. Invest some of the money saved in an extended warrenty, so if something goes wrong within the next 2-3 years you are at least covered.
HTH,
1e-9
katorga
03-10-2006, 11:11 AM
I actually think that its an overkill for your needs.
If you want your notebook to last 3-5 years, I suggest getting a 64bit processor (turion 64).
You cannot put more than 2GB of RAM in a laptop, and access to memory over the 2.8GB 32-bit limit is the main benefit of 64 bit.
64bit actually increases the memory of footprint of apps. It makes zero sense to have a suit of 64bit office apps for example.
64-bit requires a full suit of software, operating systems and drivers. None of which are available now. Even OSX is not fully 64bit.
I've been running 64-bit server hardware since the DEC Alpha was released. It absolutely rocks for large database servers, but I cannot tell the difference between running Firefox on a 64-bit system and a whitebox single proc P4 running Linux.
But to answer the original question, I'd choose the 8204 over the 8104 to get the x1600 over the x700 video card.
katorga
03-10-2006, 11:18 AM
If someone could provide a brief explanation about how internet connection works when not in a Wi-Fi area I would very much appreciate it.
It doesn't, if you don't have a wifi hotspot or a wired network connection, unless you purchase a 3rd party 3G internet access card and are in range of the towers you have no connectivity. Some of the new laptops include 3G cellular wireless cards built in now. The charges run $80 per month or more.
I noticed it doesn't list VoIP in the tech specs for the 8104
Any computer with a network connection can use VOIP. Some new laptops are including built in headsets otherwise you have to provide your own or use the built-in speakers and microphone. I use skype and work provided VOIP clients on my 8104 with a bluetooth headset.
chad6
03-13-2006, 11:44 PM
Thanks all for the flurry of replies. Great timing also, b/c Im getting very anxious to make my decision and begin enjoying my new Acer. :)
One add'l question about VoIP. Probably a dumb question, but want to be sure.
Here's my situation...
I'd like to use voip as my main business line, to use at the home office and when traveling. So assuming Im within WiFi range, will I simply be able to plug a headset into the 8104 and have access to voip, or even use a wireless BT headset -- or does it require some type of direct connection to a modem? Also, which voip service do you guys reco -- skype, vonage, AT&T... others ??
Thanks again!
jiopi
03-14-2006, 06:44 AM
If WSXGA+ was essential I would go with LG Electronics S1-MDGAG, which only difference to 8204WLMi is 1024MB, 100GB and lack of camera, but which has numpad, is lighter and cool 700€ cheaper. Otherwise I would go Asus A6Ja which is cooler 1000€ cheaper...
Ransomed1
03-14-2006, 08:13 AM
Some people I've talked to recently think that the x1600 isn't all that great of a graphics card. Maybe they're just saying that in comparison with some of the other options available (or maybe they're just NVidia geeks). It seems to me that it scores quite well in the 3dmark arena, so I would think that it's a great video card.
Thoughts?
Ransom
look@me
03-21-2006, 02:56 PM
I'm a serious buyer looking at both the Acer TM 8204 and the Sager 5320. Its for business and pleasure. Please tell me which one to buy. Explain it to me like am a 5 year old.
The Doctor
03-21-2006, 06:15 PM
Explain it to me like am a 5 year old.
Go for the Acer, it's got more pretty coloured lights on the front!
jbaconca
04-01-2006, 02:44 PM
Some people I've talked to recently think that the x1600 isn't all that great of a graphics card. Maybe they're just saying that in comparison with some of the other options available (or maybe they're just NVidia geeks). It seems to me that it scores quite well in the 3dmark arena, so I would think that it's a great video card.
Thoughts?
Ransom
I have the x1600xt 256mb card for my desktop and it works great. Runs WOW and anything else I through at it no slow downs.
About the difference between the two 8104s: one has a PATA and a plastic lid cover, the other has a SATA drive (both are 100GB) and an Aluminum lid cover.
I would advise to go with the 8104. Invest some of the money saved in an extended warrenty, so if something goes wrong within the next 2-3 years you are at least covered.
HTH,
1e-9
As for the extended warranty, I would seriously look into it. I bought an acer 802 2 1/2 years ago and bought the total protection warranty. We had an accident with the laptop, spilled soda on it, ooopps. They covered it, and I sent it in for repair. They paid shipping and everything. They were not able to get the parts so they just sent me an new 8104 as a replacement, nice. I just got it so we will see how it goes. So far it smokes.
My home system:
Intel 915pbl
Intel 630 3.0ghz
1gb STT Super-Rigid DDR2
Maxtor Maxline III 300g SATA 3.0gb/s
Sapphire x1600xt 256mb GDDR3 PCIe
Of course I bought most everything from www.newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com) they rock.