Nvidia’s Ion platform emerged and so did our expectations for an ultra small, highly portable device. The wait halted with Acer launching its powerful yet miniscule Aspire Revo R3600 we’re about to review. The device was launched in India sometime back and it has finally arrived at our desks.
Unpacking the device was a ‘mighty’ sight with the Revo being almost one tenth the size of the standard desktop. All the more it can be attached to the rear of the monitor. Think about the space it would save. Revo’s striking design submerges in the shape of a rhombus. Well, getting back to the ‘mighty sight,’ the ivory white peripherals that accompany the device would truly complement the décor of your homes. The keyboard and the mouse come with wired and wireless options. We got to lay our hands on the wireless ones. Giving us the extra-terrestrial look was the adjustable webcam seated on a vertically sleek stand. A Nintendo Wii-style remote controller is also included.
The edges of the device flaunt various ports, Ethernet, HDMI, VGA, six USB ports, headphone and microphone jacks and eSATA port. The power button is smartly integrated on one of the edges. This modernized device is accompanied by a base stand that failed to impress us. The device is better off without the unstable plastic base. Our bundle didn’t carry the Wii-style remote control, so we can’t reveal much about it.
The combination of 1.6GHz Atom 230 and Nvidia’s GeForce 9400M graphics bring out a great experience in a mini package. Videos and movies played by us eventually conclude that the device has struck the right chords. However, it did so only when we reduced the resolution. It also enabled decent gaming. On the other side, the audio quality proved to be enthralling.
Setting up the device was a breeze (we aren’t always that lucky). After watching a few videos and some casual gaming, usual computing was next on the list. Well, keying-in from ‘not-that’ comfortable keyboard made the task a little tedious. However, do not expect heavy multi-tasking.
Though we connected it to our 22-inch TFT, the included HDMI output lets one connect it to view 1080p videos on a larger screen. The operation was almost close to noiseless. The audio is clear and works well even with the headphone. The web-browsing experience wasn’t up to the mark.
At 750 grams, the VESA mounting kit smoothly places it on the rear of the monitor. While the placement of the ports and power switch is in accord to allow easy accessibility. Securing the device is the Kensington lock slot. We appreciate its screw-less device. But would have preferred Windows XP compared to the pre-installed power-sucking Vista Home Premium.
The Acer Aspire Revo R3600 carried the onus to exhibit the Ion platform, being the first Nvidia Ion system. Well, it did succeed pertaining to some aspects but it’s difficult to say whether nettops will give desktops a run for its money in near future. Combining the Ion platform with a higher capacity chip may work wonders. However, overall we found it a pretty neat device and appreciate the efforts to widen the nettop market. The slick device has managed to gain a prestigious rating of 8 on 10.
