Acer Introduces New Windows 8 Desktops

By Kevin Parrish
published

Acer has introduced two new lines of Windows 8 desktops: a micro tower and a small form factor desktop.

Last week Acer introduced a batch of new Windows 8-based notebooks and Ultrabooks. Now the company has followed up a week later with the Acer Aspire ME Series of micro towers, and the Aspire XC Series of small form factor desktops. Both are packed with Microsoft's Windows 8, and sport an "aesthetically-pleasing" black chassis with all buttons located on the front, or on the top.

As before, here's all the hardware without the hoopla in a simplified format. Acer said the manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Acer Aspire ME Series begin at $649.99 and for the Aspire XC Series start at $399.99. Both series will be available at leading retailers in the U.S. on Oct. 26, 2012.

Acer Aspire ME Series
* Dubbed as the "expandable workhorses"
* Suited for those desiring a power-packed workhorse with ample room for upgrades
* New chassis design has a recess desk on top with a non-slip surface for charging devices
* Recess desk provides 2x USB 2.0 ports, 2x USB 3.0 ports, cable management, microphone and headphone jacks
* Features Intel Core i7 or Core i5 processors
* Up to 10 GB of DDR3 memory out-of-the-box, expandable to 16 GB
* Up to 2 TB of HDD storage
* Discrete graphics on some models
* 2x open PCI-E x1 Slots
* 1x open PCI-E x16 slot
* 2x 3.5-inch "easy swap" expansion bays
* Bluetooth 4.0 HS
* Additional 2x USB 3.0 ports, 6x USB 2.0 ports
* 1x HDMI and 1x VGA port
* High-definition audio with 5.1-channel audio support
* SuperMulti optical drive
* 2x stereo speakers, a keyboard and mouse
* App: AcerCloud enables users to share files on the PC with all other devices

Acer Aspire XC Series
* Dubbed as "slim space savers" with "excellent ergonomics"
* Just one third the size of a traditional PC
* Perfect for home computing and entertainment
* Up to an Intel Core i3 2130 processor
* Up to 6 GB of RAM
* Up to 1 TB of HDD storage
* Up to 8x USB 2.0 ports
* 1x HDMI port
* High-definition audio with 5.1-channel audio support
* SuperMulti optical drive
* 2x stereo speakers, a keyboard and mouse
* App: AcerCloud enables users to share files on the PC with all other devices

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Kevin Parrish
11 Comments Comment from the forums
  • RipperjackAU
    So, are these going to have touch screens?

    Since you know, Windows 8 works so wonderfully well with a keyboard and mouse. **Do an eye barrel roll**
    Reply
  • Works fine with a keyboard and mouse.
    Reply
  • frombehind
    desktops, yawn!

    Show me them Win 8 Tablets plz ^^
    Reply
  • photonboy
    These PC's are no different from Windows 7 PC's.

    What I really want is this:
    - 12" Transformer (transforms from laptop to tablet)
    - 2560x1440 resolution
    - *Intel Haswell CPU

    The new HASWELL CPU from Intel is so power efficient it can be used for these transformers which have little volume.

    This CPU is also an x86 CPU meaning Windows 8 will run all the same programs as a desktop. Many Windows 8 tablets will use a mobile CPU that is NOT compatible with your desktop software.

    **So I could buy a transformer (Windows 8/Haswell) that I can:
    a) use as a TABLET
    b) use as a small LAPTOP
    c) hook up to a monitor and use as a DESKTOP

    The PERFECT STUDENT MACHINE!
    Reply
  • belardo
    And these are different from Win7 PCs because....

    Really? This article is not needed.
    Reply
  • RabidFace
    Nothing special about these towers for Windows 8.

    Also, the only reason I will upgrade to Windows 8 from 7 will be the day when DirectX 12 games start shipping, because of Microsoft's track record, you will only be able to get DX12 on 8(like they did with DX10 for XP). Or, if they decide to release DX12 on Windows 7, then I will have NO reason for Windows 8.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    hydac7These better not come with that UEFI Secure crap , or do they ?UEFI has good legitimate uses too, if you try real hard i'm sure you can think of some, try reading a technology forum once in a while
    Reply
  • thecolorblue
    Dear Toms,

    Please keep these windows 8 "ad-articles" coming... we need at least 5 a day. Heck, why not make all articles on Toms about Windows 8 for the next several weeks.

    Sincerely,
    Your average user who has ZERO INTEREST in Windows Shitro 8
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    thecolorblueDear Toms,Please keep these windows 8 "ad-articles" coming... we need at least 5 a day. Heck, why not make all articles on Toms about Windows 8 for the next several weeks. Sincerely,Your average user who has ZERO INTEREST in Windows Shitro 8The average user reads this stuff, and understands that a week before the commercial release there will be a lot of stories about it
    ...
    You however represent the loud minority that think they own the forum, perhaps we should replace all the relevant articles are replace them with amusing videos of cats
    Reply
  • thecolorblue
    back_by_demandThe average user reads this stuff, and understands that a week before the commercial release there will be a lot of stories about it...You however represent the loud minority that think they own the forum, perhaps we should replace all the relevant articles are replace them with amusing videos of cats2 fanboyisms in 1 thread

    a* storming to the defense of windows 8
    b* insinuating that sub-standard windows 8 Acer computers being advertised is "tech news" rather than paid-for advertising by Acer + Microsoft

    Reply