Acer shows off compact new 64-bit PC

Like new models from its Gateway subsidiary, Acer's new Aspire X1200 small-design PC looks like an all-64-bit affair. Three models come out this month, at $450, $460, and $699 (with a 22-inch LCD), and both the pricing and the distinct design separate them from Gateway's traditional midtower desktops.

The $700 Aspire X1200 comes with a 22-inch LCD.

(Credit: Acer)

The Aspire X1200 looks similar to HP's SlimLines, so much so that their dimensions are nearly identical. At 10.6 inches high, 4 inches wide, and 14.4 inches long, the new Acer chassis is only about half an inch longer. Unlike the more compact (and overripe) Mac Mini, these systems offer internal expandability by way of a few half-height expansion slots along with the standard memory, hard drive, and CPU access.

All of these systems will come with dual-core Athlon CPUs, 4GB of RAM, and 64-bit Windows Vista. Our expectation is that by going the 64-bit route, which can use all of that memory, these little PCs will deliver some uncommonly fast performance for this price range, especially in digital media editing apps.

Other features include media card readers, dual-layer DVD burners and HDMI outputs on all three models. The $699 system gets a 500GB hard drive, while the other two get 320GB drives. None of them has a Blu-ray drive (which, along with aggressive pricing, won us over on HP's SlimLine S3330f), and we also have no information on wireless networking or Bluetooth capability. It would be a shame if Acer didn't at least include basic 802.11 b/g. Expect them in stores next week.

[DMBoricua]

[DMBoricua]

Looks like my comment didnt get posted. Stupid internet.

Ok. There's got to be a catch. Acer is coming up with these computers that are sound WAYYY too good for its price range. I one time went to this CompUSA and saw this Acer laptop with HDDVD drive, speakers w/ subwoofer, and other features you wouldnt normally see in a laptop, all for like $700. While I can get over by their UGLY designs I will be happy buying their laptop for such a low price. Now tell me, what is Acer's secret?

[lilsim89]

OMG CNET,

Listen. Microsoft has released a statement \ FAQ addressing this 64 bit vs. 32 bit memory limitation. Windows XP and Vista (32 bit) can and will access up to 4 GB of memory, although it may say that less is being used. Why? Ask Bill.

I commonly hear the mistake that less than 4 GB is being used, when in reality the whole thing is addressable by the system.

Anyone doubting me can make their own assessment. 32 bits means that a binary system can access 2 to the 32 addresses. This expanded number gives you the bytes. Now divide by 1024 to get kilobytes. Now divide by 1024 to get megabytes. Now divide by 1024 to get the amount in gigabytes.

What is your answer, Cnet?

- Simon

[rhbrown]

My answer comes in two parts:
A) Since SP1, 32-bit Vista will now tell you that the system does indeed have 4GB of RAM.
B) This article: http://www.vistaclues.com/reader-question-maximum-memory-in-32-bit-windows-vista/