Acer is set to join the mobile All-in-One computer party later this month with the release of the Aspire Z3-600. Able to lie flat on a coffee table or stand proud on a desk, the new portable Windows 8 PC packs a Pentium quad-core processor, Harman Kardon speakers, gesture control, and a 6-cell Li-ion battery that allows for over 2.5 hours of use away from a power outlet. It offers the same Full HD display real estate as Sony's recently-released Vaio Tap 21, but has a significantly lower price tag.
At the heart of Acer's new portable All-in-One beats a 2.41 GHz Intel Pentium J2850 quad-core processor with Intel HD graphics, and support from 4 GB of dual-channel DDR3 system memory and 750 GB of HDD storage spinning at 5,400 RPM. Out front is a 21.5-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution LED-backlit, IPS display capable of supporting 10 simultaneous touch points.
The Aspire's flexible hinge is reported capable of holding steady at any angle up to 90 degrees, and the stand can also be folded up flush with the frame for a huge tablet or tabletop user experience. Gesture control gives users the option to stand back from the computer and take charge of common operating system functions with the wave of a hand.
There's a wide-angle HD webcam for video chats, and a pair of front-facing 2.5 W Harman Kardon speakers deal with the pumping out of high definition audio, with able support from Dolby Home Theater v4.
Connectivity is provided by one USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, a media card reader, and HDMI, as well as Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi.
Aspire Z3-600 portable All-in-One computer comes supplied with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and carries a recommended retail of US$779 for a 500 GB version or $799 for the 750 GB model.
Product page: Aspire Z3-600