My first laptop when I was in collage is the Acer TravelMate 5510, spotting an AMD Turion 64 X2 with an ATi Express 1100. I successfully complete my exam and diploma with that machine and I will always soft spot for this series.

So here we are today 20 years later, the first time I touch another TravelMate. Now renowned as a trustworthy productivity, how much improvement can it offer? And more importantly, is it a worthy digital nomad machine.

What I like about the TravelMate P4 Spin 14

U.S. Military Standard MIL-STD 810H

The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 lives up to its name as a reliable companion for those on the go. Its compliance with the U.S. Military Standard MIL-STD 810H is a testament to its durability.

This certification ensures the laptop can withstand the rigors of travel, making it an ideal choice for professionals who demand a rugged yet capable device. It’s hard to imagine any situation, short of a warzone, where this laptop wouldn’t hold up admirably.

For more information about MIL-STD 810H, check out our dedicated article here: Link

Casing is build with recycle plastic along with the packaging made with recycled paper

Similar to Acer’s Vero series, the TravelMate P4 Spin 14 demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through its use of recycled materials. While not a primary selling point, the laptop’s chassis, crafted from recycled plastic, is commendable.

Although this eco-conscious choice doesn’t impact performance, it contributes positively to environmental responsibility. Unlike the visible recycled material in the Vero series, the TravelMate’s casing maintains a sleek, uniform dark grey finish that exudes both premium quality and durability.

Keyboard is great

The TravelMate P4 Spin 14 boasts an exceptional keyboard that is a standout feature. Unlike the typically soft, unresponsive keys found on many laptops, this one offers a satisfying tactile feel.

While not reaching the level of a mechanical keyboard, the keystrokes are firm and provide ample feedback. As a result, typing on the TravelMate is a genuinely enjoyable experience.

Display is great for its task

While not a top-tier panel, it delivers impressive performance, particularly in the sRGB color gamut with a coverage of 98.2%. This ensures accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for various productivity tasks without color distortions.

The display’s matte finish further enhances visibility by reducing glare, improving overall viewing comfort.

Color SpaceCoverageRange
sRGB98.2%112.2%
Adobe RGB74.6%77.3 %
DCI P378.4%79.5%

Long battery life, I think

Our benchmark tests using PCMark’s battery test come up with a result of 10 hours and 21 minutes. However, there is some problem with this result. Acer Battery Care feature intervened at the 20% battery level, bugging out the test and put it into limbo. We notice this and stop the test at 6% battery life, this suggests an overall battery performance that surpasses typical expectations. We tried the best again but face with similar bug.

Despite this, the initial results strongly indicate that the TravelMate P4 Spin 14 is capable of delivering excellent battery life, making it suitable for users who require extended periods of unplugged operation. The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 comes with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U. While it is powerful enough to handle any sort of professional task, it is hardly a powerhouse but keep the energy consumption low.

MicroSD card slot

Look I’m a sucker for any form shape and sizes of built in memory card reader. The microSD card reader is a welcome addition to the TravelMate P4 Spin 14. This allows content creator to pack one less thing or having a backup for any situation to come. It also expands the laptop’s capabilities and allows for easy storage expansion without needing to install new NVME drives.


What I don’t like about Acer TravelMate P1 Spin 14

I want my control button back, gosh you even made one for the TravelMate Sense

Acer removes the right control key in favor of a dedicated Copilot button. Additionally, the Print Screen key has been replaced with a TravelMate Sense button. This has inconvenient me, as not only I end up having to manually launch screenshot program, but the missing control button also make it hard to do simple short cut like copy paste.  

For users who have memorized shortcut like muscle memory, the absence of these essential keys hinders productivity and workflow efficiency.

Lackluster Audio Performance

While it’s understandable that audio quality isn’t a top priority for a workhorse laptop like the TravelMate P4 Spin 14, the speakers on this model fall short of expectations. The audio output is flat and hollow, making it an unpleasant listening experience.

While Acer’s inclusion of DTS audio processing helps to improve the sound somewhat, it doesn’t entirely compensate for the inherent limitations of the speakers. For those who prioritize audio quality, external speakers or headphones are strongly recommended.

Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 Conclusion – Honed Exceptionally

The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 is still how I remember it is, laser focus for the working professional. Its exceptional battery life, comfortable keyboard, and durable build make it a compelling option for professionals on the go. The usage of durable recycled materials is a sign of Acer’s continue commitment to sustainability. However, the laptop’s shortcomings in audio quality and missing essential keyboard keys detract from the overall user experience.

Costing RM5,600, the Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 offers a solid foundation for productivity, it falls short of being a truly exceptional device. Users who prioritize battery life and a comfortable typing experience will find value in this laptop. With that, we award the laptop with our Silver award and recommend this laptop for professional travel nomad.

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Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14

7.5

The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 offers a solid foundation for productivity with its impressive battery life and comfortable keyboard. However, shortcomings in audio quality, touchpad placement, and keyboard layout hinder the overall user experience. While it's a capable machine for professionals on the go, it falls short of being truly exceptional.

Positives
  • MIL-STD 810H Standard
  • Great quality recycle materials
  • Great typing experience
  • Display is great for what meant to do
  • Battery that endure
  • Hey is a MicroSD card slot!
Negatives
  • Missing 1 control button
  • Lackluster Audio Performance

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