Acer introduced the catchily named Veriton Z2650G-UG645X Nov. 5, an all-in-one desktop that’s one of the more than 1,000 devices designed to run Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system.
Acer calls it a business-geared machine with emphases on cost, space savings and aesthetics and say it’s ideal for financial bullpens, newsrooms, school libraries, calls centers and reception areas. Now available, it’s priced at $630.
The new Veriton, if we can leave the name at that, features a 20-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1600 by 900, the ability to run Windows Pro 8 or Windows 7 Professional and adjustable legs to help optimize a user’s viewing angle. It measures 19.7 by 13.6 by 2.4 inches.
The Veriton runs an Intel Pentium 2.9GHz G645 processor and has 4GB of DDR3 (double data rate, type 3) synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) that can be bumped to 8GB via its two memory slots. On the back are two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports and a multi-in-one card reader, and up-front is a 1-megapixel high-definition Webcam.
Particularly business-friendly features include TPM 1.2-compliant hardware and Acer Proshield, a single-client console application that puts key security and management features into a single user interface. Other security features include an encrypted hidden drive for very sensitive information, a “file shredder” for undoubtedly deleting content from the system and a BIOS import and export tool.
Content can be easily backed up or stored using a One-Button Recovery (OBR) function, and should files be lost or damaged, the machine can be restored to its last backup settings or how it came from the factory.
“Our newest AIO is easy to set up, deploy and manage with a simple all-in-one design, wake-on LAN support and a user-friendly utility suite for streamlining everyday tasks,” Leila Axelle Robert, manager of Acer’s Commercial Systems unit, said in a Nov. 5 statement.
Acer, like much of the PC market, had a tough third quarter, as businesses and consumers alike put off sales for reasons, including a still-sluggish economy and the upcoming launch of Windows 8, which arrived Oct. 26.
Headed into the fourth quarter, Acer will face competition from those slews of other new machines now running Windows 8, which includes new AIOs from Samsung. On Nov. 5, Samsung shared additional details about its AIO Series 5, which features a 21.5-inch Full HD display with capacitive type and 10-point multi-touch, and 23.6- and 27-inch AIO Series 7 machines, also with 10-point multi-touch.
On Oct. 23, Apple also refreshed its AIO desktops. While its 21.5- and 27-inch iMacs, like the new Veriton, focus on aesthetics and space saving—they feature display edges that slim to just 5mm thin—on price, they’re not likely competitors. Aimed at different users, the new iMacs start at $1,299 and $1,799, respectively. That isn’t to say they can’t be used toward more service-oriented tasks.
Before he passed away in October 2011, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs designed a yacht that was recently completed. In the cabin, to help steer the ship, are a line of seven 27-inch iMacs.