Review of the laptop Acer TravelMate P2 (TMP215-41-R9SH): office Ryzen

AMD Ryzen 4000 and 5000 series mobile processors no longer need advertising when it comes to gaming PCs, workstations or compact ultrabooks. Even with the advent of Tiger Lake silicon in Intel’s arsenal, “red” CPUs hold the lead in terms of speed in a number of tasks, and still only AMD can offer up to eight x86 cores in the entire range of notebook SoC power consumption. On the other hand, due to the fact that AMD’s achievements strongly associate the Ryzen name with high-performance machines, they talk much less about budget home and office laptops on the “red” platform.

 

 

And we, to be honest, rarely pay attention to inexpensive mobile PCs. Notebook Acer TravelMate P2, or rather its version with an AMD processor, will be a happy exception. Let’s find out what the lower Ryzen models are capable of compared to common Intel chips in this price category.

⇡#Specifications, prices

The “red” version of the TravelMate P2 doesn’t allow much variability in the selection of components. As the central processor, Acer chose the Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U, the junior model of the 4000 series marked PRO. The SoC contains four x86 cores with SMT support and integrated Radeon graphics – also the most entry-level. There is no discrete video adapter here. The stable power consumption of the CPU is configurable between 10 and 25 W and is set at 15 W in this case.

The TravelMate P2 has 8 GB of RAM, enough for most office tasks. The only pity is that the laptop has a single SO-DIMM module, and, as a result, the memory operates in a slow single-channel mode. The NVMe SSD holds 256GB or 512GB of storage, the only variable in the notebook. The screen is an IPS-matrix with a diagonal of 15.6 inches and a resolution of 1080p under anti-reflective coating.

 

Manufacturer	Acer
Model	TravelMate P2 (AMD)
Display	15.6”, 1920 × 1080, IPS
CPU	AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U (4/8 cores/threads, 2.5-3.7GHz)
RAM	DDR4 SDRAM, 3200 MT/s, 8 GB (single channel)
GPU	AMD Radeon 5 CU (512 MB from system memory)
Drive	WD PC SN530 (PCIe 3.0 x4) 256/512 GB
External I/O connectors	3 × USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A; 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C; 1 x HDMI; 1 x VGA; 1 x SD; 1 x TRS 3.5mm
Network	Gigabit Ethernet; IEEE 802.11ax; Bluetooth 5.0
Battery capacity, Wh	54.6
Weight, kg	1.8
Overall dimensions (L × W × H), mm	363 × 255 × 19.9
Retail price in dollars.	From 900 (SSD 256 GB)

 

As can be seen from the characteristics, TravelMate P2 belongs to the budget category of office laptops. The official Acer online store has a price of $1,000. for the lower configuration, with 256 GB of ROM and Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, but we found options from other sellers even cheaper – from $ 900. Approximately the same amount of money ($810 converted at the current exchange rate) costs a computer in distribution channels through which IT departments of organizations purchase equipment.

The competitive environment of the TravelMate P2 and similar machines with a Ryzen 4000 series processor consists mostly of laptops based on Intel silicon of the previous, 10th generation or already the 11th, but in the face of the younger model, Core i5-1135G7. All these are quad-core CPUs, and for a six-core one, any of the two chipmakers will already have to pay a large amount.

⇡#Look and Ergonomics

In terms of weight and dimensions, the Acer device is a fairly thin and light business laptop: the machine weighs 1.8 kg, and the height from the working surface in the closed position is 19.9 mm. Metal is not used to make the body at such a cost as the TravelMate P2: all panels are made of black plastic with a practical rough texture. As a result, claims to insufficient chassis rigidity are inappropriate in this case – plastic is plastic.

The screen bezels are wide both at the top and bottom, but this is a feature of almost any laptop with a 16:9 screen aspect ratio. The webcam eye is protected by a sliding cover. Opening the laptop with one hand will not work, but again, this was not worth expecting from a plastic case. But the hinges allow you to tilt the screen a full 180 °.

The large screen size and, accordingly, a decent area of ​​the working surface made it possible to place a keyboard with a numeric keypad. There was not enough space just to keep the full width of the “~” key. The keyboard is backlit with a single level of brightness, which, by the way, is not available in all budget laptops. As you might guess, plastic does not provide the case with the necessary rigidity (especially if there is a lot of free space inside) so that the keyboard does not jump under your hands during typing. And the mechanics of the keys itself leaves much to be desired: the actuation moment is fuzzy, the return to the neutral position is slow. However, it’s hard to criticize Acer’s budget office laptop when there are plenty of more expensive and even premium models whose keyboard is no better than the TravelMate P2.

The touchpad panel, of course, is plastic, not glass, and it has its own drawback, typical for laptops in a plastic or thin-walled metal case: when the touchpad is lightly touched, the panel hits the switch. The main thing is that the cursor does not slow down and does not break.

A fingerprint scanner is built into the corner of the touchpad, another detail that is not guaranteed to be available in inexpensive mobile PCs. TravelMate P2 has no other means of biometric authentication (that is, an infrared camera).

What makes the TravelMate P2 unconditionally good is the variety of wired interfaces. There are four USB ports – three types A and one type C, a network adapter connector and a full-size SD card reader slot. HDMI and VGA are used to connect an external screen. The latter is hardly needed for a home laptop, but it is appropriate in an office one, because a lot of monitors and projectors in organizations still do not have any digital interfaces.

To power the computer and charge the battery, the laptop comes with a very light and compact voltage regulator with an extension cord on one end and a standard barrel plug on the other.

⇡#Internal design and upgrade options

Due to the fact that the TravelMate P2 does not have a discrete video adapter, and the compact cooling system handles heat removal from the 15-watt CPU, there is plenty of free space left in the case. Theoretically, the void to the left of the motherboard can be filled with a SATA hard drive or SSD, but this will require a special mounting frame and cable.

In any case, the second drive is not the first upgrade for the TravelMate P2. The best a user can do is install a second RAM module in an empty SO-DIMM slot to enable dual-channel mode, not to mention additional storage.

The battery has a capacity of 54.6 Wh – far from the limit for a 15-inch laptop, but this is quite enough for long battery life when there are no discrete graphics.

⇡#Test Methodology

 

 

Synthetic tests
Application	Settings
3DMark Time Spy	—
Geekbench 4	—
CINEBENCH R20	—
GFXBench 5 (Aztec Ruins – Normal Tier, High Tier)	Windows: Vulkan, macOS: Metal
fio 3.16	Sequential Read/Write, Random Read/Write (Unbuffered I/O)

Working Applications
Application	Benchmark	Settings	API
			Intel Graphics	AMD Graphics	NVIDIA Graphics
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019	PugetBench for Photoshop CC 0.8 (test structure at link)	Basic Benchmark	OpenGL + OpenCL + Metal (macOS)	OpenGL + OpenCL + Metal (macOS)	OpenGL + OpenCL
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic CC 2020	PugetBench for Lightroom Classic 0.8 (test structure at link)	—	DirectX 12 (Windows)	DirectX 12 (Windows)	DirectX 12
Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019	PugetBench for Premiere Pro 0.8 (test structure at link)	Standard Benchmark	OpenCL (Windows)/Metal (macOS)	OpenCL (Windows)/Metal (macOS)	CUDA
Blender 2.8x–2.9x	Class Room Demo from Blender Foundation	Cycles renderer. Feature Set: Supported. Tile size: 32 × 32 (CPU) or 256 × 256 (GPU)	N/A (CPU rendering)	OpenCL	CUDA/OptX

 

Display testing is performed using the X-Rite i1Display Pro Plus colorimeter in the DisplayCAL 3 application.

Notebook battery life is measured at a display brightness of 200 cd/m²in the following usage scenarios:

• web surfing: alternately opening and closing tabs of sites, Computeruniverse.ru and Unsplash.com with an interval of 25 seconds in the Google Chrome browser (cache and cookies are disabled);
• Continuous playback of 4K HEVC (H.265) video.

⇡#Test participants

The following devices took part in testing:

 

	Screen	CPU		RAM	GPU		SSD	HDD	Battery
Acer TravelMate P2 (TMP215-41-R9SH)	15.6”, 1920 × 1080, IPS	AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U	4/8 cores/threads, 2.5-3.7 GHz	DDR4 SDRAM, 3200 MT/s, 8 GB (1 channel)	AMD Radeon RX Vega 5	512 MB from system RAM	WD PC SN530 (PCIe 3.0 x4) 256 GB	No	54.6 Wh
ASUS VivoBook S15 (S533FL)	15.6”, 1920 × 1080, IPS	Intel Core i7-10510U	4/8 cores/threads, 1.8-4.9 GHz	DDR4 SDRAM, 2666 MT/s, 8 GB	NVIDIA GeForce MX250	2GB GDDR5	Intel Optane Memory H10 (PCIe 3.0 x4) 32 + 512 GB	No	50 Wh
HONOR MagicBook 14 (NDR-WFE9HN)	14″, 1920 × 1080, IPS	Intel Core i7-1165G7	4/8 cores/threads, 2.8-4.7 GHz	DDR4 SDRAM, 3200 MT/s, 16 GB	Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7	1 GB from system memory	WD PC SN730 (PCIe 3.0 x4) 512 GB	No	56 Wh
HP ProBook 455 G7 (2D235EA)	15.6”, 1920 × 1080, IPS	AMD Ryzen 5 4500U	6/6 cores/threads, 2.3-4.0 GHz	DDR4 SDRAM, 3200 MT/s, 8 GB	AMD Radeon Vega 6	512 MB from system RAM	Samsung PM991 (PCIe 3.0 x4) 256 GB	No	45 Wh
HUAWEI MateBook D 16 AMD (HVY-WAP9)	16.1”, 1920 × 1080, IPS	AMD Ryzen 5 4600H	6/12 cores/threads, 3.0-4.0 GHz	DDR4 SDRAM, 3200 MT/s, 16 GB	AMD Radeon RX Vega 6	512 MB from system RAM	WD PC SN730 (PCIe 3.0 x4) 512 GB	No	56 Wh
MSI Modern 15 (A11SB)	15.6”, 1920 × 1080, IPS	Intel Core i7-1165G7	4/8 cores/threads, 2.8-4.7 GHz	DDR4 SDRAM, 3200 MT/s, 16 GB	NVIDIA GeForce MX450	2GB GDDR5	Kingston OM8PCP3512F-AI1 (PCIe 3.0 x2) 512GB	No	52 Wh

 

⇡#Screen Quality

The TravelMate P2 is an inexpensive laptop designed primarily for office work, so it does not require a screen with high color fidelity. However, we admit: we have not seen a matrix that covers only 62% of the sRGB range for a long time.

As a result, the TravelMate P2’s color reproduction error rates within sRGB are over the top.

But in terms of other characteristics, the TravelMate P2 screen is very good. It has a sufficient margin of brightness – 276 cd/m² – and a high contrast ratio of 1137:1. The white current is set to D65 and accordingly the color temperature is finely tuned to 6500K.

The gamma correction curve follows the curve set by the sRGB standard over the entire brightness range, except for the lightest shades. The gray balance is not perfect, but quite stable over most of the scale.

⇡# Clock speeds, temperature and noise levels

The Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U CPU is rated for power consumption between 10 and 25W, but with the TravelMate P2, sustained CPU power does not exceed 15W, and as a result, when fully loaded, four cores run at a moderate clock speed of about 2.8 GHz. The laptop does not have any alternative power settings, and those that operate by default can be compared with the standard or balanced modes of those laptops that have these modes.

The integrated GPU supports clocks in the 1.4GHz region typical of Ryzen graphics. This is a rather weak GPU compared to the built-in solutions of older models, so it is enough for the laptop automation to reset the video adapter frequencies to 780 MHz in order to maintain the high performance of the x86 cores with an intense simultaneous load on the CPU and GPU.

 

Load Clock
	Cinebench R20 (Max thread no.)		LuxMark 3.1		Cinebench R20 (max thread no.) + LuxMark 3.1
	CPU clock speed, MHz		GPU clock speed, MHz		CPU clock speed, MHz		GPU clock speed, MHz
	Medium	Max	Medium	Max	Medium	Max	Medium	Max
Acer TravelMate P2 (TMP215-41-R9SH) – AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U / AMD Radeon RX Vega 5	2841	2873	1379	1400	2641	2848	781	1400

CPU and GPU power
	Cinebench R20 (Max thread no.)		LuxMark 3.1		Cinebench R20 (max thread no.) + LuxMark 3.1
	CPU Wattage		GPU power consumption (SoC as a whole, if integrated), W		CPU Wattage		GPU power consumption (if discrete), W
	Medium	Max	Medium	Max	Medium	Max	Medium	Max
Acer TravelMate P2 (TMP215-41-R9SH) – AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4450U / AMD Radeon RX Vega 5	15	15	10	13	15	15	N/A	N/A

 

Note The measurement is performed after the device has warmed up and all parameters have stabilized.

Despite the fact that the TravelMate P2 is a budget device, we were pleasantly surprised by the performance of the cooling system. The temperature of the SoC under any load scenarios does not exceed 77 ° C, and the noise of the laptop is noticeably less compared to the more compact or more powerful machines that we took for comparison.

⇡#Synthetic performance tests

We don’t have many computers in our benchmark database that match the TravelMate P2, but we did find several devices in screen sizes from 14 to 16 inches equipped with a quad- or hexa-core processor with an integrated GPU or entry-level discrete graphics. Most rivals are still technically more powerful than the Acer product, but due to the budget orientation of the TravelMate P2, the task that it faces in benchmarks is not to beat everyone, but to demonstrate an adequate level of performance for everyday work tasks. Let’s not forget that the TravelMate P2 is quieter than all rivals, and most importantly, it costs less.

In any case, the results of the long multi-threaded CPU test, the Acer laptop comes close to models on modern quad-core Intel processors and outperforms those equipped with 10th generation chips, and there are plenty of them in the sub-$1,000 price category.

In the comprehensive Geekbench benchmark, the TravelMate P2 scores worse due to slow single-channel memory.

As for the integrated Radeon graphics, this is the weakest solution from the entire range of GPUs built into the Ryzen 4000 series processors. It is suitable only for speeding up simple calculation operations in work applications and the most undemanding games. AAA titles, even with reduced effects, will not reach acceptable frame rates on this video adapter.

⇡#Performance in production applications

 

 

 

The TravelMate P2 test data in the Blender ray tracer generally repeats the picture of similar synthetic benchmarks: the Acer laptop is not far behind laptops with quad-core 11th generation Intel CPUs and comes close to a machine with a six-core Ryzen on board. However, the capabilities of the latter, like the TravelMate P2, are significantly limited by single-channel RAM, hence the similar results.

Although the Radeon integrated graphics are not as far behind Intel Xe in Blender as they are in games, both solutions are poorly suited for such tasks – compared to rendering on the CPU, the export time only increases.

The TravelMate P2 and a similar machine with a six-core Ryzen processor finished bottom of the Lightroom benchmark chart. Single-channel RAM is to blame, besides, Intel chips are traditionally strong in Adobe applications.

Note Scores are calculated as a percentage of the performance of a reference workstation with Intel Core i9-9900K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 and 64GB RAM.

The same thing happened in the Photoshop test, although here you can already put the Acer laptop on par with machines that are equipped with Intel’s 10th generation quad-core CPUs.

Note Scores are calculated as a percentage of the performance of a reference workstation with Intel Core i9-9900K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 and 64GB RAM times 10.

Note Scores are calculated as a percentage of the performance of a reference workstation with Intel Core i9-9900K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 and 64GB RAM.

The TravelMate P2’s closest competitor for effects rendering and video encoding is once again a computer with a previous generation quad-core Intel processor. However, such machines, especially without a discrete video adapter, are not designed for complex video editing, but they can handle it in a hurry to cut a video in a hurry.

⇡#SSD Performance

The TravelMate P2 is equipped with WD SN530 series solid state drives. This is not the worst solution among those that are equipped with affordable laptops. SSD develops random data access speed sufficient for everyday tasks, but lags far behind rivals in linear read speed. And most importantly, the throughput of the WD SN530 in linear write operations instantly drops to the level of 3.5-inch hard drives, which is obviously due to the small amount of storage (256 GB).

⇡# Battery Life

TravelMate P2 has a long battery life: almost 8 hours of continuous web surfing and 9 hours of HEVC video playback, but there is an important caveat: Acer laptop automatically dims the screen brightness to 162 cd/m² , while we usually test autonomy at a brightness of 200 cd/m².

⇡#Conclusions

Inexpensive work laptops are rarely the subject of reviews, but the Acer TravelMate P2 in its “red” version with an AMD processor perfectly illustrated what is now happening in the economy class. When the budget for a computer is limited to a conditional $ 1,000, most current offers contain a quad-core Intel CPU of the 10th (and some even 9th) generation or the younger model of the 11th. Here, as in the higher price segments, computers based on the Ryzen 4000 series (also with four cores) are a good alternative to the dominance of Intel – especially when compared with the prevailing 10th generation chips, which are inferior to the younger Ryzen both in terms of speed in most tasks, and energy efficiency. The TravelMate P2 is surprisingly quiet and cool by budget standards, qualities usually associated with more expensive products.

As for the rest of the performance characteristics of the Acer laptop, then with a retail price of the device below $ 1,000, or even $ 900, it cannot be treated with all severity. The only thing that upsets the standard configuration of the TravelMate P2 is the single-channel RAM. An inexpensive upgrade with a second SO-DIMM will allow you to squeeze a lot more out of this machine, in particular by doubling the amount of RAM. As for the rest, it must be admitted that for every compromise decision of the manufacturer, caused by the need to save money, there was a “but”. Thus, the TravelMate P2 screen has an extremely limited color range, but if photo processing is not part of the user’s tasks, high contrast is perhaps more important. The laptop does not have the best key mechanics, but models that cost many times more often do not shine with this either.

The unequivocal advantage of the TravelMate P2 lies in the set of wired communications: three USB ports are still the most popular type (A), network, full-length SD card reader and VGA video output – yes, the interface is outdated, but sometimes this is the only way to connect to an office monitor or projector. Finally, there is a fingerprint sensor, the presence of which is not at all guaranteed for such money. We summarize: in terms of price and features, the “red” version of the Acer TravelMate P2 makes a good impression. This is an affordable office laptop, which may be of interest not only to the IT department of the organization, but also to a private buyer.

FAQ Acer travelmate p2 (tmp215-41-r9sh)

What are the key features of the Acer Aspire series laptops?

The Acer Aspire series offers a range of user-friendly laptops, known for their solid performance, affordable price points, and versatility, catering to both everyday use and professional needs.

How does the Acer Aspire 5 stand out in the laptop market?

The Acer Aspire 5 is notable for its balance of power and price, featuring efficient processors, a range of connectivity options, and a lightweight design, making it ideal for both work and leisure.

What should users know about laptop batteries for Acer laptops?

When choosing laptop batteries for Acer laptops, it’s important to match the battery part number and voltage with your original battery to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Can you provide details about the Acer TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R9SH laptop?

The Acer TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R9SH is designed for business users, offering robust performance, durability, and security features, suitable for professional environments.

How can users ensure they are purchasing the correct Acer laptop battery?

To ensure the correct purchase, users should match the battery part number on their current Acer laptop battery with the replacement battery, checking compatibility listings for their specific laptop model.

What distinguishes the TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R1ZB in the TravelMate P2 series?

The TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R1ZB stands out in the TravelMate P2 series for its reliable performance, durable design, and features tailored for business use, such as enhanced security and connectivity.

Why should customers consider buying a premium quality Acer TravelMate P2 laptop replacement battery?

Purchasing a premium quality Acer TravelMate P2 laptop replacement battery ensures long-term reliability, safety, and compatibility with the specific model, enhancing the laptop’s overall lifespan and performance.

What makes the Acer Aspire 3 a good choice for consumers?

The Acer Aspire 3 is a popular choice due to its affordable pricing, reliable performance, and versatile features, making it suitable for everyday computing tasks and light multimedia use.

How does Notebookcheck.net contribute to the laptop buying process?

Notebookcheck.net provides reviews and other infos on various laptop models, offering detailed analyses, customer reviews, and performance benchmarks, helping users make informed decisions.

What should users consider when looking for a travelmate P2 laptop?

When considering a TravelMate P2 laptop, users should look at the processor in use, storage and memory options, battery life, and the overall build quality to ensure it meets their specific business or personal needs.

What type of battery does the TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R9SH laptop use?

The TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R9SH laptop typically uses an Acer AP19B5L or a compatible high-quality spare module type Acer TravelMate P2 battery.

How can Notebookcheck.net external reviews assist in evaluating the TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R74Q?

Notebookcheck.net external reviews provide detailed analyses of laptops like the TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R74Q, covering performance, battery life, display quality, and more, aiding in informed purchasing decisions.

What are the key features of the TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R7K5 model?

The TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R7K5 model is known for its robust build, reliable performance, and features suited for business use, including enhanced security and connectivity options.

Can the TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R8R5 handle demanding business applications?

Yes, the TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R8R5 is equipped to handle demanding business applications, thanks to its efficient processor, ample memory, and storage options.

What is the battery life like on the Acer TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R9TT?

The battery life of the Acer TravelMate P2 TMP215-41-R9TT varies based on usage, but it generally offers a substantial battery life suitable for extended work sessions without frequent recharging.

Does the TravelMate P2 TMP214-41G-R7BU come with an SSD or HDD?

The specific storage type in the TravelMate P2 TMP214-41G-R7BU can vary, but most models in this line come equipped with an SSD for faster data access and boot times.

What distinguishes the TravelMate P2 TMP214-41-R2C7 in terms of performance?

The TravelMate P2 TMP214-41-R2C7 stands out for its balanced performance, suitable for business and educational purposes, offering efficiency and reliability in daily tasks.

Is the TravelMate P2 TMP214-41-R2SP suitable for travel?

Yes, the TravelMate P2 TMP214-41-R2SP is designed for travel, featuring a durable design and a battery life that can support mobile working conditions.

How can users ensure compatibility when buying a replacement battery for the TravelMate P2 TMP214-41-R47B?

To ensure compatibility, users should match the part number on their current battery with the replacement battery and check that the voltage matches the original battery’s voltage.

What is the advantage of buying a premium quality spare module type Acer battery for the TravelMate P2 series?

Purchasing a premium quality spare module type Acer battery for the TravelMate P2 series ensures optimal compatibility, long battery life, and reliable performance, often at an attractive price point.