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ACER TravelMate 8104 "Sonoma" Review - Page 11

post #201 of 293
5/8/05 at 11:05pm

Travelmate 8103 reboots -- gpu/cpu problem???

Hey guys....I've just received my Travelmate 8103 from Newegg.com 2 days ago....everything works fine...i've installed an additional 512mb RAM and flashed my system to the new bios 3c22....HOWEVER my problem occurs when I play Warcraft 3 at the highest possible in-game settings. After 2 to 3 minutes, the computer just reboots. Did anyone faced a similar problem? Is it due to the overheating of the graphics card or CPU? Considerable heat is coming out of the vent on the top left of the notebook. Am i having a defective unit? This reboot problem only happens when my laptop is plugged in to the adapter and not running off the battery. I also tried running a 3dmark05 test at a very comfortable 1024 x 768 and it gives me at best around 13-15fps and then reboots early in the run(3-4 minutes)....What is going? I would really appreciate any help/comments. Thank you.
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post #202 of 293
5/9/05 at 6:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by comeonorg
Hey guys....I've just received my Travelmate 8103 from Newegg.com 2 days ago....everything works fine...i've installed an additional 512mb RAM and flashed my system to the new bios 3c22....HOWEVER my problem occurs when I play Warcraft 3 at the highest possible in-game settings. After 2 to 3 minutes, the computer just reboots. Did anyone faced a similar problem? Is it due to the overheating of the graphics card or CPU? Considerable heat is coming out of the vent on the top left of the notebook. Am i having a defective unit? This reboot problem only happens when my laptop is plugged in to the adapter and not running off the battery. I also tried running a 3dmark05 test at a very comfortable 1024 x 768 and it gives me at best around 13-15fps and then reboots early in the run(3-4 minutes)....What is going? I would really appreciate any help/comments. Thank you.
Surf around the Acer forums, I recall some people having adapter problems AND some of the new BIOS may have done that (dunno about 22 tho). Wow should (and does for me) run at max settings for a maximum number of hours. Definitely a bug in something.
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post #203 of 293
5/9/05 at 10:11pm

Longhorn!!!!

Thank you for all the info. I was just wondering that if Acer 8100 is compatible with this new 64bit Longhorn that Microsoft is planning to release.
Again, I thank you all, and keep up the good work...
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post #204 of 293
5/22/05 at 4:09pm
Is it possible to release the optical driver from the laptop? If yes, does Acer provide any thing like "traveler drawer" as Asus does? Thanks!
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post #205 of 293
5/22/05 at 5:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fskidd
Is it possible to release the optical driver from the laptop? If yes, does Acer provide any thing like "traveler drawer" as Asus does? Thanks!
Yes, there is a "weight-saver" - an empty plastic shell that you can plug in instead of optical drive. TM810x comes standard with it.
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post #206 of 293
5/22/05 at 6:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarthAcer
Yes, there is a "weight-saver" - an empty plastic shell that you can plug in instead of optical drive. TM810x comes standard with it.
Thanks DarthAcer. Is it possible to use the "weight-saver" to install the second hardisk?
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post #207 of 293
5/22/05 at 7:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fskidd
Thanks DarthAcer. Is it possible to use the "weight-saver" to install the second hardisk?
Technically, it's the same shell that Acer uses (or at least planned to use) for secondary/swappable HD option. But it lacks connector/adapter and hence cannot be used directly. Finding adapter alone is an (almost) impossible task. You'll be better off with external USB enclosure for the 2.5" drive.
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post #208 of 293
5/27/05 at 11:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zakkaz
Hi

I'm considering buying the travelmate 8104... even after reading about all the trouble people have had...

Cheers
zak
What troubles do you mean?
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post #209 of 293
5/28/05 at 3:03pm
I'm buying Acer TM8104 soon and have a few concerns. Maybe you can help me.

1. New drivers. I read the comments on this thread on how to install Ati's new drivers. Download this, run that... Can't I just update the drivers from Acer's webpage or don't they release new Ati drivers at all. The reason why I'm asking this is that I'm not much of a programmer so I do not want to mix up my notebook by updating drivers 'the unofficial way'.

2. Dead pixels. The truth is that I'm really afraid that I'll get a TM8104 with dead pixels on the display because I have heard horror stories about dead pixels and how companies don't let you exchange the notebook into a new one even if there's 6 dead pixels on the screen. What's Acer's reputation on this matter and did any of you ger dead pixels on your TM8104s?

3. Performance in games. Do you think this is a good notebook to get if you do not travel almost at all and want to play games (mostly HL2) on it. On the other hand, I do not want to sacrifice the relatively small size for superior performance found on notebooks such as Dell I9300 or Alienware.
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post #210 of 293
5/28/05 at 11:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBurrows
I'm buying Acer TM8104 soon and have a few concerns. Maybe you can help me.

1. New drivers. I read the comments on this thread on how to install Ati's new drivers. Download this, run that... Can't I just update the drivers from Acer's webpage or don't they release new Ati drivers at all. The reason why I'm asking this is that I'm not much of a programmer so I do not want to mix up my notebook by updating drivers 'the unofficial way'.

2. Dead pixels. The truth is that I'm really afraid that I'll get a TM8104 with dead pixels on the display because I have heard horror stories about dead pixels and how companies don't let you exchange the notebook into a new one even if there's 6 dead pixels on the screen. What's Acer's reputation on this matter and did any of you ger dead pixels on your TM8104s?

3. Performance in games. Do you think this is a good notebook to get if you do not travel almost at all and want to play games (mostly HL2) on it. On the other hand, I do not want to sacrifice the relatively small size for superior performance found on notebooks such as Dell I9300 or Alienware.
1. You don't "have" to mess with your drivers. The laptop should run and game superbly, IMO, with what it comes with. Those of us that are driver freaks and fiddlers love to play with that, but it's not required. I don't know if and when Acer provides driver updates. If you are an avid gamer and want to keep up with future games you'll probably learn how to update your drivers. You don't have to be a programmer by a long shot. I have updated and restored drivers a couple of dozen times over the last two years (probably not much compared to a lot of people). For now, fuggeddaboutit.

2. Find out the exact Acer dead pixel policy and also see if you can purchase from a buyer that provides "pixel insurance" (an extra fee to guarantee you have no dead pixels). I have no info on either of these.

3. I fly very little but the Acer is a joy when I do. I game a lot (mostly WoW now) but HL2 is realllly gorgeous at 1600x1200. IMO based on my personal experience, and I'm not a super geek, my previous hyper-threaded Pentium P4 handled multi-tasking better than the Acer Dothan\Sonoma. It merely lacked the graphics performance available with more recently developed chips. It was also a LOT bigger and heavier. You'll have to read the 10,000 pros and cons for either type and flip a coin for yourself. Good luck.
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post #211 of 293
5/31/05 at 5:38am
What mouse are you using with your Acer TM8104? You know it has this design problem that the USB slot to which you connect your mouse is located exactly next to the mouse itself so you can't bring your mouse close to the notebook or it will hit the USB-male connector.

If you had to choose between Logitech MX1000 and MX518 for this notebook, which one would you choose?
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post #212 of 293
5/31/05 at 2:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by comeonorg
Hey guys....I've just received my Travelmate 8103 from Newegg.com 2 days ago....everything works fine...i've installed an additional 512mb RAM and flashed my system to the new bios 3c22....HOWEVER my problem occurs when I play Warcraft 3 at the highest possible in-game settings. After 2 to 3 minutes, the computer just reboots. Did anyone faced a similar problem? Is it due to the overheating of the graphics card or CPU? Considerable heat is coming out of the vent on the top left of the notebook. Am i having a defective unit? This reboot problem only happens when my laptop is plugged in to the adapter and not running off the battery. I also tried running a 3dmark05 test at a very comfortable 1024 x 768 and it gives me at best around 13-15fps and then reboots early in the run(3-4 minutes)....What is going? I would really appreciate any help/comments. Thank you.


I had similar issues with mine which is why I exchanged it for a new one. I think mine overheated because of bad gpu drivers but I can't be positive. The only reason I say this is because it was shortly after I reformatted to ntfs and loaded drivers that my errors arose. I'd send it back if I were you, you should be covered under an exchange policy depending on where you bought it. Good luck
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post #213 of 293
5/31/05 at 5:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBurrows
What mouse are you using with your Acer TM8104? You know it has this design problem that the USB slot to which you connect your mouse is located exactly next to the mouse itself so you can't bring your mouse close to the notebook or it will hit the USB-male connector.

If you had to choose between Logitech MX1000 and MX518 for this notebook, which one would you choose?
I use either a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse, or a Razer Diamondback. I'm using the Razer as I write this in "lap" mode, with the laptop and mouse on a Lapdesk 2.0 in my lap, with the Razer plugged in the one left side USB and nothing in the right side. When I'm in "desk" mode the Acer is back on the desk with my mouse and keyboard on the desk slide-out keyboard tray, so it doesn't matter if I'm using the right side USBs or my ezDock USBs. Agreed, the right side USBs are a bit of a design flaw.

I'm not familiar with the Logitech mice.
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post #214 of 293
5/31/05 at 6:42pm
Speaking as a non-owner of an 8103/4 (or really any working laptop at the moment, for that matter), I'd say the MX518, closely followed by a Diamondback. Why? Even though the MX1K seems like it would be better, it's actually very strange and uncomfortable to use for me. I prefer the shape of my MX510 (MX500 shape=MX510=MX518, FYI) to everything else. That said, the Diamondback is nice for gaming considering its much improved click rate (helpful with the Glock or the Dual Berettas in CS) and slightly better ergonomics (no extruded logos under your palm!), despite the odd placement of function buttons.
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post #215 of 293
6/1/05 at 8:43am
Actually I have never understood why so many people think that Razors are the best mice. If looks was the only criterion I would buy Razor Diamondback Plasma L.E. in a heartbeat. But to me, the most important thing is the comfortlevel and ergonomics.

It's been pointed out on countless reviews over and over again that Razors ergonomics are not the best. I'm not bias to Logitech or anything but doesn't logic tell you that if a mouse is designed for say the right-handed only its ergonomics are going to be better than of a mouse that is designed for both the right-handed and the left-handed. I know things aren't quite that simple, but still that's the bottom line. Moreover, it has been constantly said in numerous reviews that Razors fit best for small-handed people and because Razor is not curvy enough, you can't really rest your palm at the top of the mouse. Then it's always mentioned that Razor's side buttons can be accidentally pushed while playing intensively. Sorry about this Razor-bashing but sometimes it feels like some people defend Razor just because it's Razor.

Well, it's a high probability that I will get the MX518. Now if only I could decide which mousepad would be the best...
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post #216 of 293
6/1/05 at 1:00pm
Is ebay the only place where Ican recover the money I spent for my 8104. I bought it brand new from cdw have since had problems with it, mother board was replaced, was sent back with the front ports and wifi, bluetooth buttons not connected. hopefully will be sent back working. I opting to purchase the travelmate 3004 if and when it comes to the states; the travelmate 3002 is available for around $1200. I think as far as always being on the go the 3004 will fit my lifestyle better. So, again whats the best way to get my money back? I should also say that I made the purchase more than 30 days ago so CDW will not take it back. any thoughts would be great.
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post #217 of 293
6/1/05 at 5:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBurrows
Actually I have never understood why so many people think that Razors are the best mice. If looks was the only criterion I would buy Razor Diamondback Plasma L.E. in a heartbeat. But to me, the most important thing is the comfortlevel and ergonomics.

It's been pointed out on countless reviews over and over again that Razors ergonomics are not the best. I'm not bias to Logitech or anything but doesn't logic tell you that if a mouse is designed for say the right-handed only its ergonomics are going to be better than of a mouse that is designed for both the right-handed and the left-handed. I know things aren't quite that simple, but still that's the bottom line. Moreover, it has been constantly said in numerous reviews that Razors fit best for small-handed people and because Razor is not curvy enough, you can't really rest your palm at the top of the mouse. Then it's always mentioned that Razor's side buttons can be accidentally pushed while playing intensively. Sorry about this Razor-bashing but sometimes it feels like some people defend Razor just because it's Razor.

Well, it's a high probability that I will get the MX518. Now if only I could decide which mousepad would be the best...
I totally agree with your Razer comments. I much prefer the fit of my fat Microsoft wireless right-handed mouse in the claw of my hand, much like a baseball in a good glove pocket. Also I like the separate left side buttons as there were practically no mis-hits of the wrong button. The Razer is quite "zippy" performance wise, but too bad it trades off the one-size fits all for it.
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post #218 of 293
6/1/05 at 5:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JuanFlahn
Is ebay the only place where Ican recover the money I spent for my 8104. I bought it brand new from cdw have since had problems with it, mother board was replaced, was sent back with the front ports and wifi, bluetooth buttons not connected. hopefully will be sent back working. I opting to purchase the travelmate 3004 if and when it comes to the states; the travelmate 3002 is available for around $1200. I think as far as always being on the go the 3004 will fit my lifestyle better. So, again whats the best way to get my money back? I should also say that I made the purchase more than 30 days ago so CDW will not take it back. any thoughts would be great.
Check out the For Sale category in these forums also. Lotta notebook lovers!
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post #219 of 293
6/18/05 at 6:15am
can anyone tell me where i can get a cable that fits the audio socket?

i can get my amp to decode the optical signal if i hold a optical cable in front of it but i dont intend to watch many movies stood there holding the cables!!
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post #220 of 293
6/18/05 at 10:11am
Just go to any good hifi shop and ask for a 3.5mill jack to toslink cable. Its an optic fiber cable, I recommend Monster Cable branded ones but any cheapo will do really
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