Acer Ferrari 1004WTMi

Acer has had a marketing deal with Ferrari for some time to produce branded computer systems. Typically they were developed to have a lot of style and performance. Now they have begun producing a smaller highly portable notebook computer with the latest Ferrari 1004WTMi. Let's take a closer look at what it has to offer...

Processor:
Rather than using the extremely popular Intel mobile processors, Acer users the AMD line for its Ferrari products. In the case of the Ferrari 1004WTMi, they are using the new Turion 64 X2 TL-56 dual core processor. This provides a good level of performance thanks to its dual cores but it does trail behind the new Core Duos from Intel. In addition the battery life is a little lower due to high power requiremenst.

Memory:
Since most ultraportables are not used for high levels of computing, most companies tend to reduce the amount and speed of the memory they include with the system. The Ferrari 1004WTMi comes equipped with a full gigabyte of memory that should allow it to run most applications without too much difficulty. The memory is also of the faster PC2-5400 DDR variety that matches will with the processor.

Hard Drive:
Storage space is typically an issues with smaller notebook computers. Companies have even begun using smaller 1.8-inch drives to space on physical space. The Ferrari 1004WTMi is very unique because it includes the latest hard drives using perpendicular technology to allow a very large 160GB of storage space in the system. There is plenty of fast storage space available with this notebook that rivals even some high end desktop replacements.

CD/DVD Drive:
Because space is at a premium, many ultrapotables including the Ferrari 1004WTMi remove the optical drive from the computer. It still comes with a multiformat DVD burner but instead it is an external unit. This can save on space if you don't need the drive, but it is something to consider if you need to carry one with you during travel. Most companies use the USB interface for their external drives, but Acer instead has decided to use the FireWire interface instead.

Graphics and Display:
Screen sizes are a significant issue for ultraportable systems. The Ferrari 1004WTMi uses a fairly standard 12.1-inch widescreen LCD with a resolution of 1280x800. This provides a very clear screen that is still easy to ready with its small size. While the larger Ferrari systems had dedicated graphics, the small 1004WTMi instead users a ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 integrated graphics that provides very limited 3D graphics. An HDMI connector is included on the system.

Networking:
Networking is a fairly important function for portable computers and the Ferrari 1004WTMi is cutting edge. Rather than using traditional 802.11a/b/g standards, this unit instead includes a draft 802.11n wireless. While this does offer potential speed increases, the standard will likely change making the unit potential not work with the release standard gear. One unique feature is the BlueTooth 2.0 connection and software that allows the system to function as a VoIP phone.

Ports:
Ultraportables are typically restricted to the number of external ports for peripherals due to their small size. The Ferrari 1004WTMi provides a large number of ports for external devices. A total of four high speed USB 2.0 ports are included along with a FireWire port that will typically be used for the external DVD burner. Also included is a Type II PC Card slot and a 5-in-1 media card reader.

Software:
Acer tends to not bundle a huge amount of software with their computer systems and the Ferrari 1004WTMi is no different. The system does not feature any productivity software such as a word processor or spreadsheet. In fact, other than the Windows XP Professional operating system only a few OEM and trialware applications such as WinDVD, Norton Anti-Virus and NTI CD-Maker are included.