CPU on our Gateway MP8708 we've tested was Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz, and on Acer Travelmate 2312LM was Celeron M360 1.4GHz.
We think that MP8708 has better screen with its 17" inch size than Travelmate 2312LM with its 15" large screen.
Gateway MP8708 came with more RAM memory - 2GB comparing to 0.25GB on Acer Travelmate 2312LM.
Graphic card inside MP8708 is Intel 950 and other laptop uses i852GM DVMT.
Up to 64MB main RAM memory is in use for video on Travelmate 2312LM and up to 128MB on MP8708.
Gateway MP8708 had more hard drive space (160 GB) - definetly something which users who hold movies on it will certainly like.
Fast hard disk (5400 rpm) on Gateway MP8708 beats another model.
For some devices like mobile phones and cameras, you might need bluetooth which is internaly built only in Acer Travelmate 2312LM.
Infrared, which is useful for communication with some mobile phones is available only on Acer Travelmate 2312LM.
Only Gateway MP8708 have firewire needed for some camcorders.
Both laptops have PCMCIA which allows to connect some TV cards for laptops.
For some rare location without proper Internet connection, you might need modem which is available in both laptops in this rating.
Only model MP8708 have cardreader inside.
It is bad that these notebooks cannot be connected to some new LCD monitors since they don't have DVI.
Wireless is very useful nowadays especially in hotels and Acer Travelmate 2312LM has big disadvantage in lack of wireless.
These notebooks aren't very good for video conferencing since they haven't web camera embedded.
Operating system on MP8708 is XP Media Center and on Travelmate 2312LM is none.
Only Gateway MP8708 has special software pack : Works 8.5, Money 2006.
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Sony Vaio VGN-AR230G vs Asus Z 9266 VA.
Acer Aspire 5672WLMi vs Acer TravelMate 2414NWLMi.
Gateway MP8708 vs Asus Z5303JC.
Gateway MX6453 vs HP Compaq nx8220.
Acer TravelMate 4072NWLMi vs Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo M3438G.
Acer TravelMate 4602WLMI vs Panasonic Toughbook CF-29.
Acer TravelMate 4072NWLMi vs HP Compaq nx8220.
Sony Vaio VGN-FE660G vs Toshiba Satellite L100-1200.
Acer Travelmate 2312LM vs Toshiba Satellite L100-1200.
HP dv9008nr vs Gateway MP8708.
Acer TravelMate 4602WLMI vs Panasonic Toughbook CF-74.
Sony Vaio VGN-FE770G vs Acer TravelMate 8204WLMI.
Acer TravelMate 4602WLMI vs Sony Vaio VGN-FE28B.