Customer Reviews

Acer Aspire Revo 3610 Nettop

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Acer Aspire Revo 3610 is a very small nettop computer that comes with 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium; a compact wireless keyboard (no number pad) and mouse; a small pair of USB speakers, six USB ports, single ports for Ethernet, HDMI, VGA, eSATA, and SPDIF; and a memory card reader. The rated capacity of the hard drive is 160 GB, but that comes out to 131 GB of space after NTFS formatting, of which 109 GB is available. The wireless keyboard and mouse use two AAA batteries per device, and connect to the computer through a single USB receiver. The computer has four usable USB ports if you use both the keyboard / mouse and USB speakers.

The "Window Experience Scores" of the computer are as follows:
- Processor: 3.3
- Memory: 4.5
- Graphics: 4.2
- Gaming Graphics: 5.2
- Primary Hard Disk Transfer Rate 5.3

I'm very pleased with my purchase of the Acer Aspire Revo 3610. Aside from processor speed, this computer compares fairly well with my primary desktop computer, which I purchased about a year-and-a-half ago at three times the price. Windows 7 on this computer boots quicker on this computer than does Windows Vista on my primary desktop computer. Out-of-box, my Aspire Revo did not work with my Wireless N network (though it connected with my Wireless G network), and Youtube videos were slightly choppy. However, driver updates from Windows Update immediately solved both problems. My computer now works on Wireless N and video playback is very smooth (I use Media Player Classic Home Cinema 64-bit Edition). Although I connected my computer to a spare monitor, I can see how easily the Aspire Revo 3610 computer can serve as an entry-level home theater PC. The computer has very small dimensions -- it is thinner and shallower than a Nintendo Wii (but has a wider footprint due to its stand), uses very little power, and is whisper quiet. One may add an ReadyBoost-capable USB flash drive to slightly improve performance for certain tasks, and an external slim DVD drive for enable DVD playback -- both inexpensive options.

There is little "crapware" on the computer, perhaps other than Microsoft Works, which is "advertisement-supported," and Microsoft Office 2007 Trial. Those who already have a copy of Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student are reminded that it may be installed to three computers. Microsoft Office 2007, albeit slow, is quite usable on the Acer Aspire Revo 3610, thanks to the computer's dual-core Atom 330 processor. I've had no problems working with spreadsheets 3 or 4 megabytes in size on the Aspire Aspire Revo 3610. A 60-day subscription to McAfee Internet Security Suite is included with the computer. Shop Amazon.com first if you decide to purchase a full subscription; chances are that Amazon offers a full-year subscription for this or other security software packages for less money. Acer also bundles some software meant to work with additional equipment. Both Acer's recovery disc program and Nero 9 Essentials are meant to be used with an optical media drive (such as DVD+/- RW, etc.), and the Acer Backup Manager should be really used with an external hard drive.

There is a lot of competition for the Acer Aspire Revo 3610 as of this writing in mid-December 2009. Notably, Dell's entry-level version of its Inspiron Zino HD is $100 less than the price I paid for my Acer Aspire Revo 3610 a few weeks ago (Black Friday), has a larger hard drive than the Revo 3610 (250 GB versus 160 GB), and includes a DVD+/- RW drive which the Revo 3610 omits. The base-level Zino HD however uses Windows Vista, and does not have a wireless keyboard or mouse. Although the Zino HD product line is more configurable than the Acer Aspire Revo 3610, the Revo 3610 combines a good out-of-box experience with a "no-brainer" purchase experience. This "no-brainer" purchase experience (provided you can purchase it at or less than retail, not sure why the Revo 3610 costs more on Amazon) is a value in itself -- there's no need to puzzle through online configurators or to search through E-Bay for a used computer.

Acer's Aspire Revo 3610 is a very good choice for a secondary computer for multimedia playback, light work, and small children.

Questions:
Does it include two Intel Atom processor and a SPD/IF optical output?
Answer: the $329 model does both, the $199 model does not

Pros:
The Two Atom processors can playback Blu-ray at 1080@24Hz with a bit of jerkiness. The secret sauce is to download the latest Nvidia drivers with enable the GPUs. Then use in combination with a software media player which offloads the video processing to the included Nvidia Ion GPU. The slow Adobe Flash Player version 10.2 finally speeds up Hulu programs. All this for consuming just 27 watts of power!

The dual processor make for a great NAS with its eSata port. I've got a 1TB drive attached and may upgrade to a 2TB. Hardwire it to a router (I use the Netgear 3700Netgear Rangemax WNDR3700 Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (Black)) and serve remote media players (like the Asus O!Play AirASUS O!Play Air - Wireless N TV HD Media Player) using wireless "N". I'm up to 12-13MB/sec (108mb/sec) using this dual band usb Wireless N adapter AirLink101 AWLL7025 Dual Band Wireless 300N USB Adapter

Optimal use for HTPC, except for games. Wireless keyboard and mouse work ok for light couch based surfing, but I am trying out a combined unitIOGear Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel, 2.4GHz Wireless GKM561R (Black)

To optimize the speed, I uninstalled the trial bloatware, disable the MS media player, media server and indexer. Set anti-virus for writes only. Use msconfig periodically to verify the processes are removed or disabled during start-up.
Finally I created desktop shortcuts and links for one convenient one-click commands.

Cons:
Currently I'm only getting two channel audio from the SPD/IF output. I hope its because the HDMI audio is enabled to the two speaker HDTV. I've figured out that the HDMI audio is controlled from the Nvidia Control panel HDTV section. Hopefully Dolby and DTS 5.1 streams will be enabled shortly.

I am upgrading my Internet speed to at least 6mb/sec and "dumping" cable. :)

Summary:
Technology has finally advanced to the point to make convenient and reliable HDTV playback possible from any location within your house. Last year the sensation was low-powered low-priced netbooks which could not playback HD video. Now optimized dual-processor based netTOPS can. That dear friend is true progress.

I recently had a chance to review this Acer AspireRevo to the to its most popular competitor from Zotac (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030UH2J4?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) and I have a bit to say about both. I've broken down my comparison by specific sections, detailing often-overlooked characteristics of computers.

As someone who has been involved in mini-PCs, having owned one since ASUS first started vying to draw attention away from Apple's still-visually-unchanged Mac Mini, I hope you find my review helpful and that the insight I share positively impacts your buying decision.

=== CAPABILITIES ===
Small home theater PCs (HTPCs) are rapidly growing in popularity. Several manufacterers are trying to scoop up a peice of the market. However, right out of the gate, any mini-PC worthy of being considered for use as an HTPC must deliver on two things: a CD/DVD drive, as well as a decent way to implement some form of TV capture card (whether mini PCI-E, onboard hookup, or otherwise). The missing media here drive can be an annoyance, although the obstacle can be easily overcome with a slightly larger budget and one of these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VKBKD8?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8). Another viable solution might be to grab one of these thin, sexy external drives (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C1BBU8?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) which won't detract from the all-important visual appeal, if your box will ever have eyes laid upon it and you still want to play and burn CDs and DVDs, or ever want to install CD/DVD based software from time to time without too much hassle.

However, between the (forgiveable) missing media drive and the (inexcusable) missing TV capture solution, I really can't recommend this for use as an HTPC, in full or part, because it makes this device pretty limited. Technically, if you have digital cable, you could get a remote dual-tuner (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010Y414Q?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8). Otherwise, about all you be able to do is use it more as a media extender for another PC already set up to act as the main media server/TV-capture source. Of course, if you're only after this unit for use as a media extender, it may just suit your needs perfectly. Be sure to snag a decent media-center remote (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00123UGWQ?tag=a52-20&ie=UTF8) if that is indeed the case. There isn't one included.

=== POWER ===
The Nvidia ION provides this unit with all the power it needs to be a decent media mogul: pairing the power of the central processor with the graphics processor for an economical yet potent combination of performance. Media will benefit from the ION core, which is why Nvidia ION boards and boxes are so popular for use with HTPC implementations.

Can you call this a multi-tasking beast, on the other hand? Not really. Just as is the case with the Zotac counterpart, you do indeed benefit from the multi-tasking capabilities provided by dual-core hyperthreading Atom processor that Acer chose to use with this unit, there are reasonable limits, especially if media is playing (including in the browser). You probably don't want to be browsing the Web with more than a handful of tabs open, especially since Flash-based media is placed on and over-abundance of websites these days. So, leaving browser tabs open will begin to bog down the machine rather quickly, especially if you tend to browse the web fiendishly like I do (opening as many Google results as I can in separate tabs, and similar antics).

If you use multiple apps or programs at once, you probably don't want to run more than 2-3 (and try to keep background processes and system-tray utilities to a minimum as well). The system can withstand the graphics intensive Aero interface Windows Vista and 7 provides pretty well, but when you start to accrue several windows, all which employ the same translucent effects, they can degrade the performance of the machine over time as well.

=== HEAT ===
Both the Acer and the Zotac had about the same heat radiance, but the amount of venting is not quite as adequate as is to be desired. Understandably, proper venting is an obstacle to many of today's mini-pc form factors. This unit is warm when idle, but lack of sufficient venting can be misleading, causing heat to build up a bit during moderate to heavy use (watching movies, etc). If you're attaching the unit to the back of your TV, it will get even hotter. All things to consider, after all, plastic tends to be an insulator.

=== NOISE ===
Noise can also be a concern when considering using a machine as an HTPC, but audiophiles wouldn't be caught using cheap gear anyway. With the Acer AspireRevo, you'll hear it running if you try (e.g. stick your head up to it), same as with the Zotac counterpart. But the noise generated by the unit is pretty much on par with or less noticeable than anything else you're probably running at home. VCRs were noisier. The static from your speakers are probably even noisier. Plus, if it's mounted to the back of your TV, the TV itself would block most of the sound in the unlikely event that the fans were to start roaring up.

=== SPACE ===
The Acer offers you three configurations, as does the Zotac counterpart, with one key difference: for those who have a flat screen TV, but aren't using the VESA mount, there's a mounting kit that allows you to attach the Acer AspireRevo to the back of your flat screen, essentially hiding it from view behind your TV. Being that the unit is larger than the area of space that a VESA mount normally takes, I noticed that some TVs that had odd protrusions in the back didn't always fit the Acer to the VESA mount easily. Also, in some configurations, the behind-the-TV positioning may make it annoying for you to access the box easily. You can also position the box flat on a suitable surface (no stand) or stand the device straight up, using its stand.

=== OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ===
Some might be considering this unit for purposes other than an HTPC, such as web browsing, a home music and file sharing server, even as a spare computer for the kids (with proper parental controls, of course). The idea of these small PCs is really to allow you to equip just about every room in the house with the 'digital experience' ...whatever that may encompass for you.

Acer kindly included a keyboard and mouse combo, though I found it to be a bit bulky and not very attractive. There are several portable keyboards that include methods of controlling the mouse too. This portable mini keyboard (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011FOOI2?ie=UTF8&tag=a52-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0011FOOI2) with mouse control support is pretty popular at the moment.

I hope you have found this review to be helpful on your mini-PC adventure. :)

This little computer is fully capable of nearly anything you need it to do. Out of the box it is slow and bogged down by all the 'extra' stuff Acer put on it. Ignore that and put a fresh install of your desired operating system on it. A few other tweaks and you'll find it is very snappy!

I bought this computer to use as an entertainment center connected to my HDTV. As such, this computer excels at playing media. The fact that computer comes with an HDMI cable and no monitor should tell you that it is meant to be connected to a TV. Computer has 6 USB ports, eSata, SPDIF and media card reader. Having a multitude of USB ports is pretty good. I have connected three external disks to the computer. One through eSata and two other via USB. The eSata connection is almost as fast as the internal drive. I have my movie / music collection distributed over these hard drives. As I said earlier, this computer excels at playing media. There are no drops / choppiness when playing back 1080p MKV files. I can control the computer through IPOD either using one of many WLAN remote control applications or a VNC server. This allows me to forgo the USB keboard and mouse while playing back media. I can also stream media on the computer directly to my Ipod using OrbLive. The Keyboard and Mouse works very well on their own. They are light and responsive, perfect for coach surfing the internet. Mouse tracks well in uneven surfaces. It's been six months since I purchased the computer and I just replaced the battery in the mouse.

The only issue with the computer is the subpar internal WLAN adapter. It is very sensitive to interference and orientation of the computer. I have a wireless N router in my house. While the Acer Revo connects to it without problems, and connection speed shows 135Mpbs it has trouble streaming if I orient the computer in a certain way. Discovering the issue took me some time so make sure you are not suffering from the same issue. I solved this through an Airlink Wireless N USB adapter lying around. Once I started using this wireless adapter instead of internal WLAN, my streaming problems have disappeared.

With the WLAN adapter upgrade, Netflix and YouTube plays excellent. I can stream flash media content and so on without any trouble. Computer is not slow but I recommend uninstalling bloatware, disabling indexing and Windows Media server. Since the computer is quite small, it can be hidden behind a TV or other equipment in your TV stand. It can also be mounted on the back of the TV. Computer is so small that you can probably take it with you to travel if you have easy access to a monitor / hdtv on the road.

This computer contains a partition in the hard drive that allows user to restore the operating system to factory default. To fix a total hard drive failure, you must create restore CD's on your own. There is no CD that comes with the computer. There is no CD drive in the computer as well so an external CD/DVD writer is a must.

...the best nettop for the money! It is sleek and compact, and I was able to mount it to the back of my flatscreen monitor. This is great for basic web browsing and other media applications (picture viewing, MP3's, etc.).

To overcome the slow internal WLAN, I am using a Linksys USB network adaptor.

After reading the reviews, I saw an Acer Aspire R3610 at Fry's Electronics sale for $299. Bought it to use as a low cost Home Theater PC (HTPC). I have an upgraded Comcast residential cable service. Supposedly better than 16 MBS (but it does fluctuate and quite often is lower).

Had initial difficulty getting a good video throughput to the Acer HTPC and to my 62 inch lcd projection screen, but everything worked out very reasonably ok with some upgrades.

It wouldn't pick up my super G signal.

By moving the Acer HTPC around my house, I knew there was a signal input bottleneck at the big screen location. Wifi G/N signal reception was much better at other locations.

So upgraded to a MIMO concurrent G/N signal (TRENDnet GREENnet 300 Mbps Concurrent Dual Band Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-673GRU (Black) using both 2.4 and 5 frequencies). Still not good. N signal strength does drop sharply with distance, but this was extremely disappointing as my 3 year old laptop could pick the old super G nicely in same area.

Stuck a $14 USB 8 GB flash drive onto it and set aside 4 GB for RAM, and also had previously set aside 4 to 8 GB on hard drive as swap area. Video output is still lousy.

I hooked up a couple of Netgear XE104 powerline 85 mbs modules that I had lying around, and got video throughput (remember, every rated MBS needs to be halved because half is taken up by overhead). However, streaming video would stutter, buffer, and play, sometimes with stuttered buffering taking up more time than watchable video. Sometimes What Is My IP Speed reported 512 kbs download speed. Ouch. It is very possible that some defects have developed with these very old XE104 powerline modules, indeed 2 of 4 modules had to be thrown away as not putting out an ethernet signal on swap tests. But then I knew the outlets were on the same powerline circuit.

Decided to buy a $139 Netgear Home Theater AV Powerline set (the NETGEAR Home Theater Internet Connection Kit (Black) includes a Powerline AV200 XAV2001 which plugs into your router and into the AC socket, and a Netgear Powerline AV with 4 port ethernet switch XAV 1004 which plugs into an AC socket close to your big screen and outputs ethernet to your Acer HTPC, ROKU device, etc.). That did the trick. With the Powerline AV setup, "What is my IP speed" reports downloads of over 22000 kbs and uploads of over 4000 kbs using the Acer HTPC. Wow. Very sweet, as this is with the following overhead running on the little Acer ... Microsoft Security Essentials, Norton, Super AntiSpyware, TOR.

In hindsight, I probably could have made it work just by getting a better mimo g/n USB antenna wifi dongle. Would have costed under $50, instead of $139 for the Powerline Audio Visual pair. However with the Powerline AV, I felt I had better absolute assurance of getting a good signal (the lower grade powerline did produce a signal), whereas the upgraded usb wifi antenna might or might not have worked.

With the Powerline AV setup, I really did not need to upgrade my super G router to the concurrent G/N router, but I had wanted to do so for other reasons for some time now.

So, all in all, I'm quite happy this little puppy could, albeit with some beefing up of signal support. For me, its major shortfall is its very disappointing internal wifi antenna. Wish it came with a better B/G/N antenna, like a MIMO antenna. But as noted, there are work arounds that will make this puppy sing and dance a very lively tune.

UPDATE.

For the moment, I am only using this for streaming online web videos/movies, not yet hard disk videos or lan videos nor blue ray or other usb dvd yet.

Quality of online streaming is maybe similar to but not better than Netflix ROKU standard g versions (hard to tell, but might not be as good as or is slightly inferior to Roku standard g). I have then attached a new Roku HD-XR Player HD extended range N version and it puts out a 720p signal to my 720p big screen 62" rear projection lcd TV. The Roku XR's N antenna captures my router's signals quite well (better than the Acer's) and the big screen output is very definitely superior to the Acer HTPC's streaming online videos.

By the way, I have an older TV with only one HDMI input and that little HDMI switcher is marvelous. Apogee HDMI 3x1 Mini Switcher v1.3b Full HD 1080p - 25m Amplified with External IR Receiver Remote Control

Make no mistake -- this isn't a super computer. But then again, it isn't meant to be. The AspireRevo 3610 would be fine for plenty of low end tasks, but in my case, mated with an external USB HD receiver, it makes a fine home theater PC, running Windows Media Center software. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the 3610 came with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and their wireless capabilities reach all the way across the room -- important for a home theater PC. And the 3610 is also quiet, very quiet. In fact, I don't hear it at all. This is in contrast to the Dell Zino HD (which I also own). The Zino is quiet, but not silent. The Zino definitely has a whirring noise going on. This isn't a loud whir, but enough that I know it is there.

The one thing I'd like to see in the 3610 is an optical drive. Sure, I can add something external, but there is a "neatness" in having it integrated which I'd like.

I thought about getting a barebones pc and building an HTPC but then I stumbled upon this and it looked like everything I was hoping to find, and for less money. Since I got it last week, it's been amazing. No more long cords from my laptop to the TV, no more loud Xbox fan when I want to watch downloaded movies, no more crowding around a small screen when I have something funny to show my friends on YouTube. I'd recommend removing some of the pre-installed software and updating to Flash 10.1, but you should do for any PC right now IMHO.

I would list all of the things that I like about the Aspire Revo, but I'd just be recapping the list of product specs (they made this one right). Instead I'll just say it is as good as it sounds and everything works great. If you are looking for any kind of HTPC or small, light machine, this is the one I'm telling my friends to get. You should definitely consider it too.

Stripped out the Windows 7 and loaded Ubuntu. Then ran XBMC. Works really nicely in that role. Well made box, small, quiet. Nice.