Acer are known for their very affordable devices, but not necessarily for high performance systems. The Acer AspireRevo AR3610 mini computer is one of the few exceptions, providing all the things you’d want from such a small desktop-replacement. It offers powerful hardware capable of running almost any kind of applications and software, including some modern 3D games in a compact and nice looking body.
You get a dual-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, decent storage space and good connectivity options, all with a price tag of around $340 . It’s not as affordable as the Revo AR1600, but it comes with a couple of extra goodies: better hardware, more RAM, Wi-Fi, VESA mount system, Windows 7 Home OS, etc. In fact, the only thing missing from this AR3610 is the integrated optical unit, but i for one don’t really see a purpose for one anyway.
Pros:
- dual-core Atom D330 processor with Nvidia ION and 2 GB of RAM
- 160 GB storage space
- Gigabit Lan and Wi-Fi N
- High-definition audio
- 6xUSB, VGA, HDMI, Audio out
- can play 1080P self stored content and stream HD videos from online
- also comes with wireless keyboard/mouse
- comes with VESA mounting system si it can be hidden on the back of a display
- fairly easy to upgrade RAM and HDD
- good price for the features it offers
- Windows 7 Home Premium OS
Cons:
- lacks an internal optical unit
- storage space could be bigger
Acer AspireRevo AR3610 - powerful nettop with a good price tag
Conclusion:
The Acer AspireRevo is a perfect solution for an affordable HTPC that can easily connect to the Internet or to your network, via wireless and while laying invisible behind your TV. It can output all kind of content, both self-stored or streamed and it can also be programmed to record content whenever you might need to.
Some might be considering this unit for purposes other than an HTPC, such as web browsing, a home music and file sharing server, or even a spare computer for not too pretentious users or for kids.
All in all, the Acer AspireRevo AR3610 is well worth its money and is a very capable mini PC. The fact that is one of the most popular such devices in the US right now and the good reviews received from previous buyers are an extra proof of how good it is.
Prices, versions and where to buy
Like i told you above, the AspireRevo AR 3610 can be yours for only $329 , with Free Shipping included. Considering it’s in fact a pretty powerful ready-to-go computer with keyboard/mouse (only requiring a display in order to properly work), that’s a very good price, well worth paying for what you get.
Of course, if you consider storing space too low, you can always swap the 2.5″ drive with a bigger one, that’s fairly easy to do. And you can get useful upgrades, like the wireless Remote Controller specially made for the Revos.
Also, if you’re into one of these mini computers, but consider the AR3610 too expensive for your budget, there’s also the AR1600 that sells for $209, but comes with quite a couple of features cut-off.
