Do you want powerful performance in your laptop or convenient mobility? For a long time, you could choose only one of the two, but thanks to laptops like the new Acer TravelMate X3 TMX3410-M-30Q6/5608/866T, that is distant history. The 14” laptop makes it entirely possible to experience immense power for all your personal and professional needs—on the go. Equipped with an eighth-gen Intel Core i7 processor, a larger touchpad, and a backlit keyboard, the TravelMate sports several travel-friendly features to justify its name. Not the least of this is super-long battery backup that lasts for 15 hours and a chassis that weighs surprisingly low for this form factor (3.5lbs or 1.6kg).
Presently, the TravelMate is available in several models—including TMX3410-M-30Q6, TMX3410-M-5608, and TMX3410-M-866T—differing primarily in their processing configuration. The price point starts at $899.99 for the starting TMX3410-M-30Q6 model and goes up to $1299.99 for the TMX3410-M-866T.
Let us explore the offerings of Acer’s new launch and judge its fitment to a contemporary lifestyle high on both travel and the thirst for greater power.
Table of Contents
The Processing Muscle
Acer has distinctly upped its game in this department. This TravelMate offers much more processing strength than many earlier models. Powered by an Intel i7 processor (the TMX3410-M-866T model), 16GB RAM, and up to 512GB of storage space, it is competent enough to tackle everyday tasks as well as intensive endeavors like video transcoding. You are likely to enjoy a smooth experience when you multitask on this machine or work on complicated, heavy-duty spreadsheets. Simply put, this device proves able at handling your requirements in the office, school, home and vacations, delighting with quick booting and loading.
The cherry on the cake is the long battery life—and we mean insanely long. On a single charge, you can work unplugged for as long as 15 hours. This is phenomenal, especially for a 14” machine, and frees you completely of the need to be tethered to a workstation or a charging point.
If you’d be happy with a lower (and cheaper) CPU configuration, you can opt for an Intel i5 (TMX3410-M-5608) or i3 (TMX3410-M-30Q6), priced at $999.99 and $899.99 respectively. The former offers 256GB of storage space while the latter provides 128GB.
Display & Graphics
On this front, things are looking up and how. An FHD monitor with an IPS panel ensures ultimate viewing comfort and accurate rendition of colors and details. The wide-angle view works up to 178o, which gives you the ability to experience distortion-free imagery across angles. This is excellent for comfortable multimedia experiences like watching movies or indulging in some amount of gaming.
Note that the supported screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 which is optimum for various kinds of content (including most modern-day gaming titles).
One thing that the latest TravelMate misses out on is a dedicated GPU. Instead, it supports Intel UHD Graphics 620. You might be a tad disappointed with the graphics support during high-speed gaming or while working on design software.
Build, Design & Portability
The TravelMate is, not surprisingly, designed to be travel-friendly. It is a lightweight computer, weighing about 3.5lbs. Its profile is also slim at 0.8” or 20mm. These dimensions (12.9” x 9.4” x 0.8”) enable you to carry your laptop about in backpacks without feeling bogged down by the weight. The last thing you need when on the run is a behemoth slowing you down! The detachable service door is also a nifty feature, letting you access internal components with limited effort.
Fortunately, Acer has ensured that this laptop is as sturdy as it is portable. It has undergone eight U.S. military tests, including extreme temperatures (-32oC–49oC), mechanical shocks, and exposure to vibrations. You can be certain that it won’t break into a sweat when met with rain, drops, or one of the many rigors of movement. (Friendly advice: This is not a suggestion to try these tests out by yourself!)
Acer has also bestowed this product with other convenient features to aid portability. For instance, the touchpad is much larger and more precise than what you have been used to in earlier models (the X3 generation). The official specs suggest that the touchpad now has 27% more surface space; indeed, the claim seems justified upon use. In fact, the keyboard (chiclet) as a whole is tailored for travel, with its comfortable key-travel distance of 1.3mm and backlighting. The backlighting allows you to work even in lowly lit environments—a handy feature when you are on the move.
A special note on the inbuilt security that this device offers: very useful! A fingerprint reader is embedded into the power button. This lets you log in without having to key in your password (in conjunction with Windows Hello). Imagine the ease this offers when you need to send in an e-mail from a shaky public bus and can’t be bothered with long-winded passwords. Bonus: The fingerprint reader also facilitates simpler online payments through Intel Online Connect. This is a welcome provision for businesspeople who frequently need to make secure payments through their computer.
Device Support & Connectivity
The highlight in this department is the reversible USB Type-C port that supports high-speed data transfer to the tune of 5Gbps. You can conveniently use it to connect to any peripherals you might need, such as mice. Additionally, the computer is also fitted with three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI, and an SD card reader. Using the HDMI, you can connect to external displays, say for last-minute presentations that require a larger-than-life screen.
The laptop also supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac for consistent internet connectivity.
The Verdict
If you are hunting for a powerful but portable laptop that fulfils your work and play commitments without being an encumbrance to travel, you can definitely pick up the Acer TravelMate X3 TMX3410-M-30Q6/5608/866T.
| Acer TravelMate X3 TMX3410-M-30Q6 | Acer TravelMate X3 TMX3410-M-5608 | Acer TravelMate X3 TMX3410-M-866T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-8130U | Intel Core i5-8250U | Intel Core i7-8550U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD | 14-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD | 14-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD |
| Weight | 3.53 lbs | 3.53 lbs | 3.53 lbs |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours | Up to 15 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Where to buy | See Price at Amazon | See Price at Amazon | See Price at Amazon |
It is an efficient and hardworking device with a satisfyingly vivid display, ample options for connectivity, and a lightweight but sturdy build that keeps your mind at ease.
