If you're in the market for a HTPC solution, take a closer look at Acer's Aspire X1200. The compact system measures just 10.6in x 4.0in x 14.4in, and prices start at $449.99.
Granted, that's a fair bit more pricey than ASUS' tiny Eee Box, but Acer's X1200 promises to be a "no-compromise solution". Though ASUS' mini-PC might be the cheapest and tidiest option, it'll struggle with your hi-def content. The Aspire X1200, on the other hand, will gladly punch out 1080p content thanks to the added oomph under its shiny-black exterior.
The tidy-looking system is available now in two variations. The first model, labelled the Acer Aspire X1200-U1520A, retails at $449.99 and packs AMD's energy-efficient 2.5Ghz Athlon X2 4850e processor and NVIDIA's GeForce 8200 graphics. There's a generous 4GiBs of DDR2 memory - and Windows Vista Premium x64 to take advantage of it - as well as a 320GiB SATA II HDD, 16x DVD-RW and 14-in-one media card reader.
The second model, the Acer Aspire X1200-U1510A, retails at $459.99 and swaps out the energy-efficient 4850e for a 2.6GHz Athlon X2 5000+.
Acer will later be adding a third model, the Aspire X1200-B1581A. It'll provide a specification similar to the U1520A, with the addition of a 500GiB HDD and a 22in monitor at a total cost of $699.99.
With the X1200's specification, however, we're expecting users to want to hook this system up to their big-screen displays. It'll playback all your hi-def content (including H.264, VC1 and MPEG2), and there's integrated 7.1 HD audio. The Aspire X1200 also has connectivity options covered, there's a whopping nine USB ports - five up front and four on the rear - IEEE 1394 port, front and rear audio jacks and a very convenient HDMI port.
Stephanie Hatchel, senior manager, retail desktop product planning for Acer America, said:
Our innovative, low energy consumption desktop is a no-compromise solution providing desktop power, performance and value in a compact form facto. Aspire X1200 was designed to be an appealing, easy to use media hub for making the most of entertainment. From broadcasting MP3s in crystal clear acoustics to showcasing movies, this compact system is a multimedia powerhouse and available at a price today's budget-minded consumers will appreciate.
It's just about the perfect HTPC, isn't it? Well, almost, it's missing just one key ingredient, a TV tuner. Fortunately, the system is expandable and offers two PCI-E slots (1x and 16x), so you'll be able to throw-in a TV tuner at your own cost.
There's no word on UK availability or pricing just yet, but this one looks a very useful HTPC solution.
*Update*
Acer's UK marketing manager, Adam Westley, has told HEXUS there are "no plans to launch this in the UK currently." Bummer, it won't be the perfect HTPC after all.
Official press release: New Acer® Aspire X1200 Desktop is a Small Yet Mighty Package
