Sales of traditional desktop PCs are clearly in decline. However, there are still some popular segments in the desktop computer category – including all-in-ones and small form factors like Acer’s Revo RL80.
Despite being a very small and compact computer, the system boasts a reasonably powerful Intel Core i3-2377M Sandy Bridge processor. The machine runs Windows 8 and even features an integrated DVD drive. Despite being a full-fledged PC, the entire machine is roughly the size of an external optical drive you may have owned several years back.
The Revo RL80 is available to pre-order now at around $500. Additional hardware specs include 4 GB of RAM, 500 GB storage, four USB 2.0 ports, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, integrated DVI output, integrated HDMI out, and S/PDIF optical audio output.
The system is also equipped with a memory card reader and integrated Wi-Fi, along with Bluetooth 4.0 and a gigabit Ethernet port. That’s certainly a lot of hardware and features to pack into a case measuring 8.3 x 8.3 x 2.1-inches.
Then again, you won’t be playing any high-end video games on this little machine thanks to the integrated graphics, but decoding streaming HD video shouldn’t be a problem. Similar machines with Celeron or Pentium-class processors will also be available and buyers can opt for Blu-ray drive in place of the DVD drive.
Personally, I think one of these little machines fitted with a Blu-ray drive would make for a very nice HTPC in the living room or office.
