Acer has added to its CULV-based laptop series with the TravelMate Timeline ultrathin workhorse systems. Aimed at business users, the TravelMate Timeline 8371, 8471 and 8571 measure 13.3, 14.1 and 15.6-inches, respectively.

Base configurations between the different sizes are mostly identical, including a 1366x768 display resolution, a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 processor and GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics, 4GB of DDR3 1066MHz RAM, a 320GB HDD, and a DVD burner. Additional features include a webcam, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, gigabit Ethernet, a five-in-one card reader, three USB 2.0 ports, HDMI-out, a six-cell battery and Windows 7 (with an XP disc included).


Some alternate – and less expensive – configurations use a 1.3GHz Core 2 Duo SU7300 and a 250GB HDD. Interestingly, all of the systems (no matter the size) are listed with a weight of 3.5lbs. The better-equipped models start at $919 (13.3-inch) and $999 (14.1 and 15.6-inch), while the slower processor and smaller hard drive knock off about $100. All of units ship with a one-year parts and labor warranty.