Computer maker Acer launched two all-in-one (AIO) desktops that combine the audio/visual capability of high definition (HD) with a touch-screen display. The models include the AZ5 Series with a 23-inch HD monitor and the AZ3 Series, which features a more compact 21-inch HD screen to fit within tight areas. The AZ5 and AZ3 come with Windows Home Premium 64-bit and a one-year warranty. The AZ5 starts at $749.99 and the AZ3 starts at $649.99.
All of the new AIOs have a built-in 1.3MP webcam and microphone, two USB 3.0 ports (side) and four USB 2.0 ports (rear), while a multi-in-one digital media card reader transfers files from digital devices. The PCs also come with an adjustable back stand, 802.11b/g/n wireless connectivity and a wireless keyboard and mouse. Processor options include an AMD Dual-Core A4-3400 accelerated processor (2.7GHz, 1MB Total L2 Cache).
The AZ5 Series comes with two built-in 2.5W stereo speakers and Dolby Home Theater audio and offers 4GB DDR3 memory and processor options include an Intel Core i3-2120 processor with hyper-threading technology to handle multiple applications simultaneously. A 1TB hard drive provides space to store content and an optical drive is included for backing up data. The AZ5 series include two models featuring 23-inch full HD (16:9) widescreen displays with interactive touch-screen technology and multi-touch navigation capability.
With all-in-one touch control, the AIOs come with the company s TouchPortal technology to synchronize personal life, PC and the Internet. It provides one-touch access to information, music, photos and social networking. Users can switch between applications with fingertip control, and it also simplifies photo management — images can be cropped, saved and shared with the touch of a finger. In addition, the Acer Browser Magnifier expands reading areas and retains user preferences for easier web browsing.
Also included is Acer clear.fi, which allows media to be managed, stored, shared and played on any clear.fi enabled devices in the home. Clear.fi automatically connects all Acer devices on a network (smartphones, notebooks, desktops, HD media players and storage devices) and then gathers and organizes media files by media type. Users can browse the categories and then drag and drop the media to any of the connected PCs or devices for playback. Clear.fi can also be downloaded free from Acer on any Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-compliant device.
"A sophisticated appearance and practical design make our all-in-one form factor very popular with consumers," said Irene Chan, senior business manager of consumer desktops for Acer America. "Our newest all-in-one models feature an intuitive touch screen display for playing digital music, scrolling through images, browsing online recipes and viewing social networking sites. In addition, full HD performance heightens the visual excitement of movies and games."
To read the original eWeek article, click here: Acer AZ5, AZ3 Desktops Sport Widescreen HD Touch Displays