Acer TravelMate 17 Gen 4

Basic Information

The Acer TravelMate P4 series represents Acer's line of business-oriented laptops, designed for productivity, security, and durability in hybrid work and SMB environments. While a specific "Acer TravelMate 17 Gen 4" model is not clearly identified in available information, this article synthesizes details from the latest generations of the TravelMate P4 series, which typically feature 14-inch or 16-inch displays and incorporate recent Intel Core or AMD Ryzen PRO processors.

• Model: Acer TravelMate P4 series (e.g., TMP414, TMP416, TMP414RN, TMP416-52, TMP414-53).
• Version: Latest hardware configurations, including 12th, 13th Gen Intel Core, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen PRO 6000/7000/8000 series processors.
• Release Date: Refreshed models were announced around May 2022, with availability in Q3 2022 for configurations featuring 12th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen PRO processors. Newer iterations with 13th Gen Intel Core or Intel Core Ultra processors and AMD Ryzen PRO 8000 series have since been introduced.
• Minimum Requirements: Not explicitly detailed, but designed for modern business applications.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11 Pro is the primary supported operating system. Some configurations may have shipped with Windows 10 Pro.
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the most current hardware and software configurations offered by Acer for the TravelMate P4 series.
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly stated for the series; support is ongoing for current models through driver updates and OS lifecycle.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated for the series.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Dependent on the operating system (Windows 11 Pro) and specific software components.
• License Type: Typically commercial/business licenses for pre-installed software, such as Windows 11 Pro.
• Deployment Model: Designed for enterprise and small-to-medium business (SMB) environments, supporting streamlined deployment and management via solutions like Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Technical Specifications

The Acer TravelMate P4 series offers a range of configurations tailored for business use, with a focus on performance and portability. Specifications vary by specific model and region.

• Processor: Options include 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (e.g., i5-1240P, i7-1260P), 13th Gen Intel Core i5/i7, Intel Core Ultra (e.g., Ultra 5 125U, Ultra 7 155H, Ultra 9 185H), or AMD Ryzen PRO 6000/7000/8000 series (e.g., Ryzen 5 Pro 6650U, Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U, R5 8540U, R7 8840U).
• RAM: Configurable up to 32GB or 64GB of DDR4, LPDDR5, or DDR5 system memory, often starting with 8GB or 16GB.
• Storage: PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, with capacities typically ranging from 256GB to 512GB, and options up to 4TB in RAID 0.
• Display: Available with 14-inch or 16-inch IPS LCD panels. Resolutions include FHD (1920x1080) or WUXGA (1920x1200) with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Features include Acer ComfyView, LED backlighting, and non-glare finishes. Touchscreen options are available on some models. Brightness typically ranges from 250 to 300 nits.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics (with Intel processors) or AMD Radeon Graphics (with AMD processors). Some configurations may offer discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX series GPUs.
• Ports:
  • USB: Multiple USB 3.2 Type-A ports (some with power-off charging), USB Type-C ports supporting Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort over USB-C, and Power Delivery. Some models feature USB4.
  • Video Output: HDMI, DisplayPort (via USB-C).
  • Network: Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45).
  • Audio: Headphone/microphone combo jack.
  • Other: microSD card reader, Kensington lock slot, SmartCard reader (on select models).
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro.
• Dimensions & Weight:
  • 14-inch models: Approximately 325 x 236 x 17.9 mm (12.8 x 9.29 x 0.7 inches), weighing around 1.42 kg (3.13 lbs) to 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).
  • 16-inch models: Approximately 1.68 kg (3.7 lbs) to 1.8 kg (3.96 lbs).
• Battery: 3-cell or 4-cell Lithium Ion batteries, typically 53Wh or 56Wh.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The TravelMate P4 series offers a balanced set of technical specifications for its target audience. The choice of modern Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen PRO processors ensures strong performance for business applications and multitasking. Ample RAM and fast NVMe SSD storage contribute to responsive operation. The displays, while not always the brightest, provide sufficient resolution and anti-glare properties suitable for office environments. Connectivity is a strong suit, with a comprehensive array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4/USB4, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet, catering to diverse peripheral and networking needs. The varying dimensions and weights across 14-inch and 16-inch models provide options for different portability requirements, all within a reasonably lightweight chassis for their size class. The battery capacities suggest good endurance for mobile professionals.

Support & Compatibility

Acer provides robust support and ensures broad compatibility for its TravelMate P4 series, aligning with the needs of business users.

• Latest Version: Refers to the most recent hardware configurations available, featuring Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen PRO 8000 series processors.
• OS Support: Primarily supports Windows 11 Pro, with drivers also available for Windows 10.
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly defined for the series. Support is maintained through regular driver and BIOS updates available on Acer's official support channels.
• Localization: Available in various international markets, including North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), and China, with corresponding language and keyboard layouts.
• Available Drivers: Drivers, firmware, and manuals are accessible for download from the official Acer support website. Additionally, basic drivers are often managed and updated through Windows Update.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The Acer TravelMate P4 series demonstrates strong support and compatibility. The focus on Windows 11 Pro ensures access to the latest features, security updates, and broad software compatibility. Acer's commitment to providing drivers and manuals online, coupled with Windows Update integration, simplifies maintenance for IT departments and end-users. The global availability and localization options make it a versatile choice for international businesses. The absence of specific end-of-support dates is typical for laptop series, with support generally tied to the lifecycle of the operating system and component availability.

Security Status

Security is a cornerstone of the TravelMate P4 series, featuring multi-layered protections at hardware, OS, and system levels to safeguard sensitive business data.

• Security Features:
  • Hardware-level Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) for secure boot and cryptographic functions.
  • Microsoft Pluton security processor integrated with AMD Ryzen PRO processors for enhanced identity and data protection.
  • Biometric authentication options, including a fingerprint reader (often on the power button) and an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition.
  • Physical camera shutter for webcam privacy.
  • Acer PrivacyPanel, a built-in privacy screen feature to limit viewing angles and prevent shoulder surfing.
  • Acer User Sensing technology, which can automatically lock the screen when the user is not detected.
  • Secure Boot processes to prevent unauthorized software from loading during startup.
  • Acer ProShield Plus software suite for comprehensive security management, including file encryption and secure file deletion.
  • BIOS, Supervisor, and HDD password protection.
  • Kensington lock slot for physical security.
  • Microsoft Secured-core PC designation, indicating advanced security down to the firmware level.
• Known Vulnerabilities:
  • A vulnerability (CVE-2022-4020) in the HQSwSmiDxe DXE driver on some Acer notebooks allowed modification of UEFI Secure Boot settings. Acer released BIOS updates (version 1.11 or newer) to address this issue.
  • Other general Acer software vulnerabilities (e.g., in Acer ControlCenter, Quick Access) have been identified, requiring software updates for resolution.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status is indicated for the TravelMate P4 series.
• Certifications: Meets MIL-STD 810H durability standards, signifying resistance to drops, humidity, and spills. Some models are EPEAT Gold registered for environmental performance.
• Encryption Support: Supports BitLocker Drive Encryption through Windows 11 Pro and offers hardware-level encryption. Acer ProShield Plus provides additional file encryption capabilities.
• Authentication Methods: Multi