Acer Announces the TravelMate P243 Business Notebook

Acer America today introduced the new TravelMate P243 notebook PC for U.S. customers. Acer describes the P243 as being "designed for professionals seeking a solid business notebook that delivers robust productivity, manageability, security and reliability features" but the bottom line is this new business laptop packs several business-friendly features into an affordable laptop.

The TravelMate P243 features a standard 14-inch Acer "ComfyView" LCD LED backlit display with HD (1366x768) resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. With Wireless Display (Wi-Di) technology, users can connect the notebook to an HD display with a compatible adaptor, and wirelessly share presentations and HD videos.

The first configurations of the TravelMate P243 will feature third-generation Intel Core i5 processors with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and pack 4GB of DDR3 memory that is upgradeable to 8GB. The TravelMate P243 also offers up to 500GB of SATA hard drive storage.

The TravelMate P243 notebooks offer Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The included "Acer Video Conference" application allows users to quickly setup a video conference using the built-in high-def webcam and microphone.

For added durability, the TravelMate P243 features a spill-resistant keyboard, which allows for accidental spills on the notebook without damaging any of the internal components...although there is no mention of drain holes.

Security, Manageability and Warranty
During Windows startup, the TravelMate P243 utilizes the "Acer ProShield Security with BioProtection Fingerprint solution," designed to prevent unauthorized access via the notebook's built-in fingerprint reader.  

Acer ProShield features pre-boot authentication (PBA) and protects the notebook from the BIOS level all the way to the application level. It allows users to create a Personal Secure Drive (PSD) to store and encrypt all critical files; preventing unwanted access in the event that the notebook is lost or stolen. IT departments can also use the Acer File Shedder utility to remotely remove sensitive data in a way that important files or folders cannot be recovered.

The TravelMate P243 offers another layer of data security with Acer Backup and Acer eRecovery Manager which provides on-demand recovery.

The TravelMate P243 comes with Acer Office Manager (AOM), which allows small businesses to enforce security policies, monitor IT assets, and schedule maintenance tasks in one simple application.

All Acer TravelMate P243 notebooks are Energy Star qualified and come with a standard two-year parts and labor warranty which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. Additionally, some models have longer warranties offered through specific channel partners. All Acer notebooks and netbooks are backed by toll-free service and support.

Price and Availability
The Acer TravelMate P243 notebooks will be available in the U.S. in early August at authorized Acer resellers. Prices for the TravelMate P243 begin at $699.99. Soon after launch additional configurations of the TravelMate P243 series notebooks with older 2nd Generation Intel Core i3 processors will be available with prices beginning at $599.99.