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Acer Veriton VM4618G-UI52321W Desktop PC (Monitor Not Included):
Key Features and Benefits:
- Intel Core i5-2320 processor
3.00GHz, 6MB Cache - 4GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory (expandable to 16GB)
Gives you the power to handle most power-hungry applications and tons of multimedia work - 500GB SATA hard drive
Store 333,000 photos, 142,000 songs or 263 hours of HD video and more - DVD-RW
Watch movies, and read and write CDs and DVDs in multiple formats - Gigabit Ethernet
Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet - Intel HD Graphics
Additional Features:
- 10 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x microphone jack, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 x VGA port
- 2 x PCI Express (x1) slots, 1 x PCI Express (x16) slot, 1 x PCI slot, 2 x external 5.25" bays, 6 x internal 3.5" bays
Software:
- Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit Edition
- Microsoft Office Starter 2010: Includes reduced functionality versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, with advertising. PowerPoint and Outlook are NOT included. Purchase Office 2010 today and get the most out of your new PC.
- Backup and Restore options built into Windows allow you to create safety copies of your most important personal files, so you're always prepared for the worst
Support and Warranty:
- 3-year limited warranty
- Restore discs are not included (unless specified by supplier). We recommend you use the installed software to create your own restore and backup DVD the first week you use the computer.
What's In The Box:
- Power cord
- USB keyboard
- USB mouse
- Quick Start Guide
This approach is 'interesting' for personal computers. The form factor of this machine alone is enough to make it stand out in a crowd. And as a PC - it works, but it is only a middle-of-the-road box in terms of power, speed and functionality. If the form factor is something that you need for reasons of space or 'wow', then this might be a good choice.
I'm using it as a HTPC, and was intially attracted by the HDMI output, which simplifies connectivity to the home theater world. I'm using an HDMI splitter to allow video and audio to a small TV that is my 'monitor' and also to a Denon amplifier connected to a large projector screen and full surround sound setup. I use the monitor to tackle the tasks of Windows 7 admin and to plan my schedule. The Denon simply accepts the HDMI as another input. I also have the Acer connected to my NAS and a Hauppauge PVR. As a side benefit, I can use Media Player to listen to music through the Denon. A further extension of the system include WD TV Live Plus boxes in my living room and bedroom which can also 'see' my videos and music. It works very well, although you could ask for a better connection between the Hauppauge Media Center, but this is a different judgment. As regards the Acer:
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As of 7/25, the DVD drive does not work. Moreover, the lack of processing power is felt. I'm going to take the hard drive, but I'm pretty sure this will not be my go-to box for HTPC. You can always use another 'Pooter around the house, so no worries ...
