I have no qualms about Acer notebooks. Worked on an Aspire gemstone series before and i liked the clear display and its impressive built in webcam clarity. The TraleMate you are mentioning also seems good. Some of the interesting features of the 3040 series:
- Core™ 2 Duo processor (supporting Intel® EM64T) , Mobile Intel® 945GM Express chipset
- Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG connectivity
- OrbiCam™ is a high-resolution 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera that relays high-quality images and streaming video
- VisageON™ technology, an enhancement feature of Acer OrbiCam™ , keeps the image of the subject's face in the center of the screen
- Anti-Theft technology senses unauthorized movement
- TravelMate 3040's clear and bright 200-nit 12.1" WXGA TFT LCD
- Weighing just 1.5 kg and measuring the size of an A4 notepad