New Acer Desktop Computers
Acer has demonstrated that green, cheap and good looking products are possible when the first Acer nettop was introduced at a $200 price. Since then some improvements were made, but not by Acer. Intel has released better and better Atom processors with increased frequency and two cores, supporting HyperThreading. nVidia is responsible for the development of much faster discrete graphics called ION2, although there’s no mention of it on nVidia’s official website.
Arcer’s two new nettops are called Acer Veriton N281G and N282G. They are in very elegant chassis, with a very simple screw-less design. Unfortunately prices went up to minimum $399 mostly because of stronger hardware and Windows 7 Pro license, but these machines still represent a very efficient solution.
Veriton N282G-UD525W is based on Intel’s Atom D525 1.8GHz Dual Core processor, which has an integrated GPU for 2D applications, but for 3D applications (or games) and FullHD videos the nVidia ION2 discrete graphics processor takes over. It has only one SODIMM DDR3 slot with a 2GB module installed, but it supports modules up to 4GB. In operating systems only 3-3.5GB may be available due to the processor’s 32bit memory address limitation. It has no optical drive, so HD content can be enjoyed only from the Internet or external storage devices connected to USB ports. The internal storage device is a 2.5” 320GB classic hard drive spinning at 5400RPM, but it may be upgraded to at least a 750GB 9.5mm drive if the thicker 12.7mm 1.5TB drives won’t fit inside. Prices for this model start at $449.
Veriton N281G-UA425W is a bit slower, as the name suggests it’s based on Intel’s Atom D425 1.8GHz single core processor, helped by HyperThreading technology. An nVidia ION2 graphics processor is not present in this nettop in order to reduce its price; instead it relies on Intel’s integrated X3150 graphics processor, which is much slower. It will still run some DirectX 9 games in 3D, but in minimal detail and resolution. Installed memory is a 2GB SODIMM DDR3 module, upgradable to 4GB with the same 32bit limitations.
Both Veriton nettop models feature an internal mini PCI-Express 1X slot for expansion cards, gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi B/G/N (both integrated), 6 USB 2.0 ports, VGA port, HDMI port, a serial port and a wireless module for the included wireless keyboard and mouse.
Two new Acer all-in-ones will also be available soon. One is the Veriton Z410G-UD5700W with a 21.5” FullHD screen. It is based on a much more powerful Intel Pentium Dual Core E5700 processor running at 3GHz, which is basically a Core 2 Duo with only 2MB of cache instead of 3MB or 4MB. Intel’s GMA X4500 graphics processor is integrated in the chipset (not in the processor like in new Atoms, Core i3, i5 and i7s) but it gets the job done. The powerful processor can handle FullHD decoding and most office applications which don’t require high speed 3D processing. Installed memory is only 2GB DDR3 but upgradable to 4GB, because there are two slots operating in dual channel mode (8GB might also be possible with new 4GB modules). This all-in-one pc has two external display ports (one VGA and one DVI), eight USB 2.0 ports and one eSATA. Prices will start at $719.
Veriton Z290G-UD525W has an 18.5” HD Ready display panel (only 1366 x 768 resolution) and it’s based on Intel’s Atom D525 processor (just like the Veriton N282G-UD525W nettop). It has 2GB DDR3 memory installed. It can be upgraded to 4GB (2x2GB), but both slots are tied to only one channel (limitation of the Atom processor) and also to 32bit memory addressing. This (much slower) computer will have a $599 minimal price tag.
Both all-in-one PCs come with a 320GB internal hard drive (surely upgradable) and a Super Multi optical drive (DVD burner). An Ethernet controller, two PS2 ports (with keyboard and mouse) and a Wi-Fi module are also built into both models.
Written by Karpat Zoltan, date Oct 08, 2010 in Computers, Desktop computers, Featured Articles
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