Acer Ferrari 4000 Vs Compaq Presario M2000Z

Hamara Apna Nikhil Bhai has written an exhaustive review for the Acer Ferrari 4000, here is a bit of an addon:

This is a review solely based on the performance and not on the spec sheet. With courtesy to PCWORLD.com

Turion 64 mobile technology for notebooks represents AMD’s attempt to challenge Intel’s dominant Centrino platform. As of now, let us look at notebooks from Acer and Compaq that use the new processor and-wireless combo—Both these machines are well equipped and suitable for most uses. While neither model proved a performance powerhouse compared with some Centrino based systems, both possess strengths that should pique the interest of savvy buyers.The basis of Turion 64 mobile technology is the new
Turion 64 mobile processor,which AMD derived from its popular Athlon 64 CPU bylowering the chip’s power consumption. Turion 64 chips fall into one of two categories: ML, which consumes less power (for longer battery life),and MT, which favors performance over power savings.

Just as Intel calls Centrino a platform, AMD refers to Turion as a technology, and not merely a processor. Like Cen-trino, Turion includes a wireless
transmitter (802.11a/g) as part of the package. And, to one-up Centrino, Turion adds Bluetooth, a nice bonus.

DIFFERING PERFORMANCE

The Acer Ferrari 4000 and the Compaq Presario M2000Z, rely on the 1.8-GHz Turion 64 ML-34 processor and 1GB of RAM.Despite their similar Configurations, they turned in varying performance. The Acer managed a score of 85 in our WorldBench 5 tests, while the Compaq mustered a 73. The Acer’s score places it above the mark of 84 earned by a similarly configured notebook equipped with a 1.86-GHz Pentium M 750 processor. In battery life tests, the Acer and Compaq switched places. The Acer lasted just 3 hours—an average showing—on a single charge, while the Compaq powered through for 4 hours, 48 minutes. That isn’t the longest battery life we’ve seen—some Centrino-based notebooks we’ve tested have topped out at 6 hours—but it’s impressive, nonetheless.

FEATURES GALORE

the ferrari 4000, Acer’s latest model in its line of racecar-inspired notebooks, has candy-apple-red trim that’s visible even when its checker design lid is closed. The unit’s keyboard has a somewhat unusual ergonomic curve, which encourages quick, comfortable typing. And its 15.4-inch-wide screen with 1680 by 1050 resolution makes both working and viewing movies a pleasure. Acer has placed a five-in-one media card reader, battery and power status lights, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi LED button controls on the front of the notebook for easy access. On the side the notebook offers a slot-loading DVD Super-Multi double-layer drive. A DVI port on the back is a nice extra. The Compaq, on the other hand, has a more staid design, with a standard-aspect-ratio 15-inch screen and a muted silver exterior finish. A 12-cell battery forms a foot at the back of the notebook; it also gives the keyboard a slight downward slant when the unit is placed on a desk. A six-in-one media card reader resides on the left side, and a rewritable double-layer, dual-format DVD drive can be found on the right. Handy icons identifying all the ports and slots ring the keyboard, so you don’t have to wonder about the right connection.

MODERATE PRICES

In addition to sporting different designs, the Acer and Compaq have widely diverging prices. The Ferrari 4000 costs $1999, while the Presario M2000Z I reviewed is an incredible deal at just $914.

The Acer’s steeper price tag is attributable largely to its unique car-themed design and extra features, Which Include a larger Hard disk, More Ram, and all the rest of the goodies that are thrown in with it. Even so, the Compaq’s price makes it particularly appealing—in spite of its uninspired performance. If you’re looking for top-ofthe-line speed, neither Turion 64–based notebook is ideal.But if you seek reasonably robust configurations and easy-to-use designs, either one would make a fine selection.
Scaled Down Verdict

Acer Ferrari 4000

Sleek-looking notebook will appeal to those who love snappy design; delivers respectable performance but average battery life.
Price: $1999
Rating:Three and a Half Stars

Compaq Presario M2000Z

This model lacks style, and its performance isn’t stellar, but its solid battery life and bargain price make it worth considering.
Price: $914
Rating: Three and a Half Stars

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My Final Call: My Personal Observations:

If you have the money to spare and if you want a Laptop that can store huuge amounts of data and still offer decent performance - and if you are not much into gaming, but more into connectivity, I would Suggest the ACER FERRARI 4000.

Coming with 1gig of ram and 100GB of Hard-Disk space, you wont be needing an upgrade anytime soon. The Acer Ferrari Also Comes with a PCI express Slot, so you can convinently throw in a card and get going with the latest games.

Another Issue is the screen resolution - The Compaq maxes out at 1024X768 - that is even lesser than what my 7 year old 14inch monitor does while you can take the acer up to a resolution of 2048 x 1536.

Comparing Feature to feature - the ACER FERRARI is Leagues Ahead of the Compaq M200z - Had it been powered by a faster processor (Acer is powered by a 1.8GHz Turion 64, while the Compaq is powered by a 1.6Ghz version of the same).

If you ask me to Chose a laptop between these two:

I would go in for the Ferrari 4000 and if i do not have the money, I'd loan it from the bank, and to repay the loan, i would put the Ferrari 4000 on display and charge on a pay per view basis. With its stunning looks, I am sure it wouldnt take me long to repay the boffins at the bank.
 
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HUH??

The Acer Ferrari review was written by me!!!

But what soulweaver has posted in this thread is his own work or from PC World.

And the Acer Ferrari already has an X700 graphics cfard with 128mb of dedicated RAM. Dunno abt the Compaq though.

And the Acer costs more also due to the Ferrari branding.

The Acer Ferrari bought in India has only a 1.6GHz processor. Bought outside, it has a 2.0Ghz proccy.

Initially the lappys shipped to reviewers around the world were 1.8Ghz but all models shipped to customers are 2.0 ghz machines.
 
I dont think soulweaver wrote that article. It was taken from PCWorld. He says that in the very first paragraph.

Only the last few lines are his addition...
 
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