4. A Curvy Keyboard And More

The business end of the 2304LCi features an adequately large keyboard. However, the keyboard and its keys curve upward, as is easily seen in the photo. Some will like this feature, while others will not. In our experience, it doesn't take long to adapt to the unique shape, though moving between the 2304LCi's keyboard and a typical rectangular keyboard does require some adjustment, at least initially. The notebook's keys are almost silent, and their length of travel up and down is about right.

The Acer 2304LCi keyboard is slightly concave.

The mouse pad has a smooth surface making it easy to control the pointer. Like most mouse pads, at its default setting, the pad allows you to tap the pad instead of the left mouse button. And again, like most mouse pads, the 2304LCi's is too sensitive to taps. This can lead to everything from unexpected program launches to the disappearance of folders or program icons due to unintentional dragging and dropping. We like to shut off this feature, which on the Acer is done by accessing Control Panel > Mouse > Device Settings > Tapping, and then clearing Enable Tapping.

Above the keyboard are a built-in microphone and four keys for launching applications. Three are marked for specific applications - email, Internet browser and Acer's eManager application - but all four keys can be programmed to start any program of the user's choice. Acer's eManager makes it easier for a novice to set general system and power management options. It also helps a user set up the notebook for group presentations.

The notebook's screen is adequate for the applications the computer was designed to support. However, we would have preferred a little more resolution than 1024x768, so that text displayed just a bit more crisply. We also would have liked a slightly wider angle of view. Though screen content was still visible at near 90 degrees off the perpendicular, brightness and contrast dropped noticeably as we approached about 25 degrees. The Acer will certainly not replace your home TV set for watching DVDs; see Testing below for more on screen brightness and resolution.

Given the two very small speakers mounted on the front of the 2304LCi's base , it is not surprising that it does not exactly deliver audiophile quality sound. Whether it's the New York Philharmonic, Sinatra, Elvis or Anthrax the speakers deliver tinny sound and the maximum volume is too low. Sound is much better with our Sony amplified external speakers with subwoofer. The mono (yes, mono) headphone jack feeds decent sound to our JVC headphones, but mono is so, so... yesterday.

The TravelMate 2304LCi has a pretty standard USA/Canada notebook warranty. Parts and labor for repair of the computer and power supply are covered for one year. The computer may be mailed or carried into an Acer support center. Hardware and software technical support are available for one year and ninety days respectively. There is also a 1 year international traveler's warranty on parts and labor that runs parallel to the USA/Canada warranty; it is in effect only when the owner is traveling outside of those two countries.