Acer America Corporation, one of the leading worldwide suppliers of laptop and Tablet PC solutions, today changed the landscape of mobile computing with the announcement of the TravelMate 250PE. Featuring natural pen-input functionality which lets users write directly and comfortably on the display, the TravelMate 250PE is the first mobile PC to combine digital inking with Intel(TM) Pentium(TM) 4 performance in a full-sized notebook PC. The TravelMate 250PE allows users to work in ways that are familiar without sacrificing the convenience they have come to expect from conventional Microsoft(TM) Windows®-based laptops.

The TravelMate 250PE is designed as a traditional, three-spindle clamshell notebook computer. Outfitted with Acer’s Tablet Input Panel Support (TIPS) and screen digitizer, users can adjust the LCD to a comfortable writing angle and annotate directly on the screen. Acer’s electro magnetic resonance (EMR) pen allows users to write, file and store handwritten text in documents and notes using digital ink and convert handwriting into typewritten text. And, of course, users can input data via a standard-sized keyboard and touchpad for conventional notebook functionality — it’s a laptop!

“The TravelMate 250PE is an exciting new option for users who want the convenience and flexibility of annotating directly on their LCD but prefer the size and performance of a traditional laptop solution,” said Jeffrey Friederichs, vice president, Notebook Business Unit, Acer America. “Users in such diverse fields as healthcare, insurance, and education as well as enterprise environments can now stay more productive during their entire business day by leveraging digital ink features either at their desk or on the go. The TravelMate 250PE was designed to empower mobile workers in a fast-paced business environment.”

“Extending the advantages of the Tablet PC operating system and rich digital ink to all laptop users is a key part of our long term vision for the Tablet PC,” said Bill Mitchell, vice president of the Tablet PC Division at Microsoft Corp., “With the addition of the TravelMate 250PE to their portfolio of products, Acer is poised to meet the unique needs of a variety of laptop users.”

TravelMate 250PE Features

The Acer TravelMate 250PE delivers a feature-rich, all-in-one computing experience featuring the Intel Pentium 4 processor at 2.2-2.8 GHz. It includes an Intel 852 GME chipset and a brilliant 14.1″ XGA TFT color display, 256MB of DDR266 or DDR333 SDRAM upgradeable to 2048MB, and integrated VGA with up to 64MB Intel® DVMT technology. In addition to wireless 802.11b connectivity, the TravelMate 250PE supports 802.11a/g and Bluetooth, offers 4 USB 2.0 ports, an infrared (FIR) port, 10/100 LAN connection, and a 56K ITU V.92 data/fax modem.

This newest TravelMate also incorporates up to a 60GB ATA/100 removable hard drive as well as a hot swappable Acer media bay, enabling users to access data on a variety of media including a DVD/CD-RW, DVD-R, or insert a second battery for maximum efficiency. Preloaded with Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition in addition to Franklin Covey® TabletPlanner(TM), Zinio Reader(TM), Norton AntiVirus(TM), Alias SketchBook Pro(TM) and other software options, the TravelMate 250PE provides a robust and flexible computing platform.

“The Acer TravelMate 250PE is a perfect marriage of the performance characteristics of a notebook and the functionality of the Tablet PC,” said George D’Errico, senior director of product management of PC Connection, Inc. “It offers the performance of a desktop, but is also ideal for environments that need a system that can leverage the annotation capabilities of the Tablet OS. The small footprint and mobile capabilities of the TravelMate 250PE make it an optimum solution for several vertical markets, including insurance and education.”

Pricing

The Acer TravelMate 250PE series is available through Acer authorized resellers throughout North America with prices starting at $1499.