Acer releases new Aspire Z all-in-one and Revo nettop

When the Acer Aspire Revo series of mini desktop computers were released last year they were some of the first in a new generation of PC’s dubbed nettops. The Revo was one of the first nettops to pair the low powered Intel Atom CPU with Nvidia’s ION chipset – ION integrates a GeForce 9400 graphics card allowing net-tops equipped with it to function as a set-top box connected to your TV to play back video content. Using Window Media Centre or XBMC the Revo was a great little PC, sadly held back by under-powered first generation Atom CPU. With the new AR3700 Aspire Revo Acer has addressed that shortcoming by equipping it with the faster Intel Atom D525 dual-core CPU. The new Revo also sports a more home entertainment centre friendly dark finish. The new Revo will be available later this month for an MSRP of $389.99 CAD.

Another growing category of desktop PC’s are all-in-ones. In a form factor very much pioneered by Apple with their iMacs, all-in-one PC’s integrate the computer into the monitor, and with touch being all the rage this year most of them now have multi-touch screens. Acer has two flavours, the new Aspire AZ3 series with a 21.5” screen, and the Aspire AZ5 series with a 23” screen. While many people might scoff at purchasing such a limiting all-in-one solution, you have to remember that these kind of desktops have a very specific purpose. Nearly of all of today’s households have multiple computer’s, in the basement there might be a high powered gaming rig, and upstairs the teen-age daughter has her MacBook. Where an all-in-one fits in is in the living room as a communal computer to look at family pictures, surf the web, or quickly type up a short letter. The AZ3 is small enough that it would work well as a kitchen PC to watch the morning news on (if you add a USB TV tuner) or look up recipes when cooking. In these roles Acer’s Aspires would be excellent choices. The AZ3 series starts at $649 CAD, and the AZ5 at $849 CAD.

Below are the official press releases from Acer:

New Acer AspireRevo Nettop – A Svelte and Strong Performer

Popular for packing power and features in a small footprint, AspireRevo gets a new ID and dual-core processing

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 14, 2010 – Acer has made its popular, highly adaptable nettop and entertainment center for the home even more appealing. The AspireRevo AR3700-E3072 for Canada is sporting a new look and faster performance. Available this month via computer resellers with prices starting at $389.99 CAD, this sleek one-liter nettop now comes in a handsome dark blue chassis with a faster dual-core processor.

About the size of a book, AspireRevo can be mounted on a small foot stand or easily hidden from view by attaching it to the back of a television or LCD with a VESA mounting system. Although compact, the combination of an Intel® Atom™ D525 dual-core processor, Windows® 7 Home Premium and discrete NVIDIA® ION™ graphics provides ample muscle for taking on casual games, playback of 1080p HD movies and digital photo editing.

It keeps a low profile not only through its small footprint, but quiet operation. The low power processor and optimized component placement reduce system noise, making this nettop ideally suited for the living room or bedroom.

“The AspireRevo AR3700 is an excellent pick for consumers desiring an affordable device for enjoying digital media that won’t take up much space and will integrate well with the home entertainment center,” said Susan Hu, retail desktop product manager for Acer Canada. “When you consider the flexibility in mounting options, quiet operation and performance for the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more practical secondary computer for the home.”

Outfitted with plenty of features, the AspireRevo boasts 2GB DDR3 SDRAM for efficient multitasking, high-definition audio support for dynamic sound quality and a 250GB SATA hard drive for storing and organizing digital entertainment and productivity files. A multi-in-one memory card reader quickly and easily transfers files from digital cameras, smartphones and other devices to the PC and an HDMI port provides connection to compatible digital audio devices, computer monitors and digital TVs. The system also includes six USB 2.0 ports, 802.11 b/g/n wireless and a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Environmentally-conscious users will appreciate the screw-free design and small size that minimize system and packing materials. The ultra-low-consumption processor saves power and enables the system to meet Energy Star® guidelines.

Acer Unveils New All-in-One Desktop Series – A Picture-Perfect Holiday Gift

Acer now offers two svelte AIO lines; newest boasts a compact modern design and 21.5-inch HD display

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 14, 2010 – Acer is aiming to top holiday wish lists with the expansion of its sleek and stylish all-in-one (AIO) desktop line for Canada. Its newest model, the Aspire Z3 Series, features a 21.5-inch HD display and contemporary aesthetics. Acer has also pumped up the performance on its stylish, state-of-the-art Aspire AZ5 Series with an intuitive 23-inch HD multi-touch display.

The new all-in-one desktops flaunt a refined design and the speed needed for efficient multitasking, social networking and high-def entertainment, including the enjoyment of HD movies and immersive audio. Both series are designed for users who appreciate clean aesthetics and want a PC that will eliminate clutter and maximize limited desktop real estate.

“The elegance and convenience of the all-in-one desktop is becoming increasingly popular with consumers,” said Susan Hu, retail desktop product manager for Acer Canada. “We’re pleased to offer our customers more choices for this practical form factor, which is appealing for its unique blend of features and modern architecture. In addition to our premium systems with a 23-inch HD display, we also offer smaller, budget-friendly versions with a host of features and ample power, making them ideal for dorm rooms, office nooks and lofts.”

All of the AZ5 Series AIOs and select AZ3 Series models offer intuitive multi-touch technology, which enables users to intuitively interact with the PC using multiple fingers as they would a mouse. They can open and close programs, browse online newspapers, flick through photo albums and shuffle files and folders, using nothing but their hands. These AIOs outfitted with multi-touch technology come with the Acer TouchPortal, a suite of applications designed to synchronize life, the PC and Internet with all-in-one touch control.

Acer Aspire AZ3 Series – Space Maximizer, High-Def Fun
The Acer Aspire AZ3 Series with an integrated 21.5-inch LCD display provides solid performance in a simple design that’s ideal for areas where space is a premium. The contemporary look and feel encompasses a gray and black bezel and an illuminated blue accent strip with four brightness settings for lighting the wireless keyboard. Contributing to the crisp aesthetics is a compartment on the side of the chassis for managing cables and ample room under the elevated chassis for hiding the keyboard when not in use.

Created for multimedia enjoyment, the combination of the HD display’s true 1080p resolution and NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 or Intel® GMA X4500HD graphics enrich entertainment with sharp, lifelike images, smooth video transitions and vibrant colors. It’s a beautiful screen for viewing movies, streaming video and digital photography.

An AMD Athlon™ II or Intel® Pentium® processor and up to 4GB DDR3 SDRAM provide plenty of power for surfing the web, email and casual games. These all-in-one desktops offer up to a 1TB SATA hard drive(1) for storing a vast library of digital media, personal files and software applications. The systems also have 5.1 channel audio and two built-in speakers for dynamic sound quality as well as an optical drive for enjoying CD music and DVD movies.

The AZ3 Series also comes with Windows® 7 Home Premium, 802.11 b/g/n, Gigabit LAN and a wireless keyboard and mouse. They’re available at leading retailers with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices beginning at $649 CAD.

Acer Aspire AZ5 Series – Striking Design, Intuitive Entertainment
Boasting a stunning 23-inch HD display, the Acer Aspire AZ5 Series all-in-one desktops are a beautiful blend of visual elegance, best-of-breed technology and superb performance. A seamless integration of a desktop PC with the usability of a multi-touch LCD display makes it an appealing choice for those wanting an easy-to-use entertainment hub for the home.

The AZ5 Series boasts chic styling. The sleek, chrome structure accented with a black strip will enhance any room or office. Designed to streamline the work space, tidy cable management and keyboard storage eliminate clutter.

These desktops have enough power for speedy multitasking and realistic imagery for movies, digital video, social networking and casual games. They are fueled by powerful AMD or Intel processors including Intel® Core™ i3, discrete ATI Radeon™ HD5570 or integrated Intel® GMA X4500HD graphics and up to 8GB DDR3 SDRAM. Digital media lovers will appreciate the dynamic high-def 5.1 channel audio and up to a 1TB SATA hard drive(1) that can accommodate a huge collection of movies, music, photos and more. Select systems offer a TV tuner, so users can enjoy TV programming from the computer, eliminating the need to have both a TV and PC in the same room, a significant advantage for bedrooms, lofts and dorm rooms.

The Acer Aspire Z5 Series all-in-one PCs are available at leading retailers this month with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices beginning at $849 CAD.

Acer is the No. 1 vendor in Canada for notebooks, netbooks and LCDs and the country’s No. 2 overall PC provider. More information about Acer and its products in Canada can be found at www.acer.ca.