The 8371 has an adequately large 320GB hard drive. Should your documents contain sensitive information, the 8371's biometric security system -- a fingerprint reader between the mouse selector buttons -- should ensure they stay safe from unauthorised snoopers. The system isn't completely fool-proof -- we've heard stories of determined hackers lifting fingerprints from the surfaces of stolen laptops -- but it's far more convenient than remembering a lengthy password.
The 8371 proudly sports the Intel Centrino logo, a nod to the fact it has strong wireless capabilities. The machine is also fairly versatile in this regard, packing a Wi-Fi adaptor that's capable of connecting to high-speed 802.11n Wi-Fi networks in addition to the more common 802.11a/b/g networks used in most homes and public hotspots. Bluetooth 2.1+EDR also makes an appearance, and there's even an optional WWAN module. This allows users to insert a 3G SIM card into a slot beneath the battery to enable go-anywhere Internet access. That's a useful feature for anyone that doesn't want to use a bulky USB dongle.
Handy horsepower
We weren't expecting a great deal in terms of the 8371's performance, but it put in a relatively impressive showing. Its 1.4GHz SU9400 CPU scored 2,982 in the PCMark05 benchmark test, which is roughly 33 per cent more than we've seen from the Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500, a commonly used chip in laptops of this class. As a result, the laptop lends itself well to just about anything you can throw at it, barring hardcore video encoding. It scored an embarrassingly low 742 in 3DMark06, though.
Predictably, battery life proved more solid. The 8371 lasted an impressive 3 hours and 48 minutes in Battery Eater's intensive Classic test. It's not quite the 8 hours and 30 minutes that Acer claims it'll last, but it's not bad.
Conclusion
We like the Acer TravelMate Timeline 8371. It's attractive in an understated sort of way, offers strong performance and boasts good battery life. Laptops such as the MSI X340 might suit a more fashion-conscious crowd, but, all things considered, we'd rather spend our money on the 8371.
Edited by Charles Kloet
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters
User reviews3
Add your review
RobAtHome 7 March 2011
Good: Makes a great paper weight
Bad: Screen, overheating, powering off and Acer Support
Comment: Bought around 30 of these laptops and over half have now been returned to have the screen replaced after the backlight went. Those that have managed to hold on are now out of warranty and Acer wants paying for them to be replaced. Totally ridiculus. Also please be aware that Acer take the date that they sold the product to the store that you bought it from as the start of the Warranty, on what planet!?! Total Cowboys.
This is also becoming apparent on the Aspire 3810tz (basically the same machine with a slightly grey finish to the case), which is what we began to replace these with when the problems began appearing. Will never buy an Acer product or recommend them to anyone.
If it hasn't already happened to you it will, since we purchased for business use they have been heavily used from day one, if you only use it for a few hours every few days it may last a while but you'll end up in the same boat.
Jake St-Pierre Scheide 20 November 2010
Good: Design, Price
Bad: Webcam, Fingerprint Scanner
Comment: Got this laptop for school, and it is a reasonably priced laptop, but it is definitely not suited for gaming. Webcam quiality isnt the best, Skype is very slow (on my side).
Fingerprint Scanner almost always gets in the way of me when I'm moving the mouse, in fact I've done it 3 times while writing this paragraph! :P
paul.k 14 August 2010
Good: for me - everything
Bad: so far - nothing
Comment: just had it for a week. an excellent machine for someone who travels a lot. low-key styling, not brash, excellent ergonomics, good build. sure, maybe it does not play games well, but I am in business, not gaming! TM8371-944G16n: intel x25 SSD 160 RAM, WWAN, Bluetooth, WIFi abgn, fingerprint scanner. Battery lasts 5.5 hours with WiFi and not dimming the screen completely. the screen is excellent, too. even with onboard intel graphics I connect a 19" monitor at home office. and all this for less than half price that I would have paid for similar specs Latitude or Thinkpad. Highly recommended.
See all 3 user reviews