So how did I come from needing a computer to owning an Acer Aspire ASX3200?
Finding the Acer:
When I began my search for a computer I had 2 main things I needed to find in a computer if I was going to purchase. The Processor was very important to me because I knew I would be often multi-tasking and using 1 or more programs at once.
Secondly, I needed a computer with a good RAM. This was important to me because I knew whilst working on different areas of my assignments it was important to have a reliable amount of memory which would save documents and files as I work on them. Also it was important because a good RAM will usually mean good Hard-drive storage which means I would not have to keep saving to disk or USB sticks in fear I would lose them.
The Acer was a cheaper alternative to the Dell's, Packard & Bell's and Microsoft Computers which had a processor more powerful than just a single or dual.
This specific Acer boasts of a Quad Processor possibly the most powerful processor to our current technologies. The RAM also compromised of 4096 MB which is a super amount of memory.
When you compare paying £400+ for this Acer and its features against a Premium Brand computer for £700+, a £300 saving for something you’re getting anyway makes sense to me. So what does the Acer Aspire really offer?
The Ace Features:
What do I think of the features?
1: The Processor -
The Processor is an AMD Phenom X4 9650 (2.30GHz, 2MB Cache).
I was told myself to keep away from the Celeron single processor. Processors are the brains and power to the computer and a single processor could give you up to a year’s life expectancy. A Quad Processer X4 will give you up to 3 years life expectancy with satisfying usage in this time.
The processor is very important for any computer and the only real competitor for AMD Phenom X4 is the Intel Pentium which is the largest brand of processor by usage and popularity.
But the AMD Phenom X4 should not be ignored as a cheap and ineffective option since they are sold into computers worldwide and have competing quality processors ranging from a X2, X3 and of course X4 processor as featured with this Acer model.
2: The RAM (Memory) 4GB DDR2 memory (4096 MB) -
The RAM was very important to me also because the RAM is the live link between any programs you have open and are working in. The memory will often save your work as you continue without you having to click save. With a better memory you can multi-task with different programs without any lag or delay and this is an advantage if you are sure you will be multi-tasking.
A 4GB memory may not be really needed in many cases for the need of a computer. 2GB/3GB is suitable for multi-tasking and works just fine. If you want a computer for online purposes only, then you will be fine with just 1GB.
3: Operating System Windows Vista. Home Premium -
There have been many issues raised with Windows Vista for all kinds of reasons. I was a little apprehensive purchasing a computer with this but I learnt that there really isn’t that much choice. The great advantage with the Home Premium however is that when Microsoft Launch their new operating system (expected late 09') I can have that free of charge by simply taking in my current Home Premium cd.
So there we go a good from an ok so to speak.
4: Hard Disk Capacity 640 GB -
Hard Disk space I suggest is not as important as it used to be since we now have Cd's and USB sticks which we can store files, music and videos on. I have had my computer now for less than 2 months and I still have reached even 20% of my storage levels after installing 6 games for my daughter, 4 programs for myself and extra files, documents etc.
It sounds great and even though the huge amount of storage is not entirely needed it’s a fantastic advantage for the price.
Cheaper models usually of 720 MB - very small storage. More expensive computers usually offer 1020 GB storage, ideal if you are using a computer for business managerial purposes.
5: Graphics NVIDIA. GeForce G100 Memory 256MB -
I'm not really a gamer myself but one program I did install for my family and if I'm honest, for myself to play some times was Roller Tycoon 3. There were a lot of complaints about this game because it required much more graphic memory than the 1 & 2 editions. It was said that the game when running with lots of park visitors and rides, the game would lag. There would be issues with viewing the graphics properly let alone being able to manoeuvre round the park.
I do not have this problem.
It seems that this is a great graphics card with great graphics memory too. I have not witness any visual problems with graphics so I could recommend this to a gamer. In any event, when a gamer is purchasing a computer with gaming or online gaming in-mind, a premium graphics card may be needed but I would suggest using the graphic card installed with this computer if you buy the Acer Aspire ASX3200.
6: USB Connections, 9 -
This Acer model gives me 9 USB Connection points which I really love. For pleasure I like playing with photos so I can connect my camera, my mobile phone, my PDF and my Media card all at once. Therefore I can very easily move between images, transfer and edit before saving them to other places.
I cannot remember seeing another computer that offers 9 USB Connections so this is a BIG plus for the Acer.
Other things the Acer include:
- Optical Drive for DVD Rewriter
- Keyboard
- Mouse
The Ace Features not here:
Any features not here I would like to see?
1: No Tuner or Digital Tuner -
I have everything for the purposes of my college here on this computer. However it would have been quite satisfying to find it had an in-built tuner so that if I ever chose to, I could watch Digital TV right here on my computer.
Unfortunately as far as I believe, because there is no Tuner built in the computer, you will never have an option to watch Digital TV on this computer so if that is one thing you really want to be able to do, avoid buying this model.
An Ace Design?
It looks amazingly small...
The design of this model is truly brilliant. We have all seen how small laptops can get but have you ever seen a Desktop PC which is smaller than a 20" monitor? I had not before I saw this.
The main desktop sits well next to my monitor. It is black which I just love but it is very clean looking. It is very hard to notice the different lines for the cd slot and the power button which is very sleek.
But what is really good about this design is the way it was built for the customer. The design is more than just its look. For example, there is a small to level button which you push to open the cd tray. You gently push the long rectangle button where it says 'open' and out opens the main Acer cover where behind it comes it’s the CD tray for you to insert your disks. This 'open' button would not be noticed if the font was not in white.
The main power button is at the top but slightly lowered from the main front panel so once again, another button hidden from view. It is actually a large button which runs right down to 3/4 up the right side of the desktop. It is a Perspex material over black hardware, so it looks very shiny and sleek once again. When the computer is on it is on the side of this button you will see little blue lights that flash now and again to tell you the computer is loading.
The USB ports and Media card reader and etc are all placed at the bottom of the desktop on the front. The great thing is that you know you have to have these points on the front for ease of use, but so often you will see them cluttered or placed in some formation across the front. This does not happen here. All the points are on a dedicated piece of the desktop at the bottom measuring no more than 5cm in height. Therefore the rest of the front and side is clean and tidy and allows people to admire its sophisticated and sleek look.
Using the Computer -
Very easy, like playing Cards and looking at an Ace in your hand...
When I first turned on the computer I was amazed at how easy it was to install any programs. The first thing that comes up each time until you complete is the - Acer Warranty. I will talk about this a bit further below. But it is important to note that you really do not need to refer to the Instruction manual whatever your skills. Everything from starting up the computer to getting it going is simple with the already built in features to assist you when you get started.
The computer even now loads from turning on, to being ready on Desktop in just 0.48secs. The computer is extremely fast at loading, even now with programs and data saved to the hard-drive.
Everything is quite visually pretty even as far as the internet browsers have the Acer mixed image to pattern design in the browser top bar.
Getting around the computer is made much easier also with a large box that comes up when the computer starts. When the desktop is ready a large box comes up with the title - “What do want to do ". It shows you Icons and small descriptions with options such as, Connect to the Internet, Control Panel, Search Files, Security Settings and more. This allows those unfamiliar with using computers to get to the most important parts of the computer with just a single click!
Fantastic.
Support and Warranty, the Manufacturer
Acer makes things pretty simply for obtaining Manufacturer warranty. Each time the computer loads a box comes up with the Acer logo and a few questions about your warranty. When you finally get around to this it takes you through a series of questions which you must answer correctly. Once you have finished you will be told and then you are emailed from Acer with your Warranty Registration number and other useful information.
It might be the times of today but unfortunately they do offer Technical Support for their computers which cost 50p per minute on the phone since they use an '090' number.
Again, their Customer Service number is a '0870' number so you could be paying 45p or more per minute depending on your talk plan or mobile phone.
But they do offer Customer support directly in-store if you purchased your computer from PC World, Dixons or Curry’s. That is a blessing because I brought my computer from Curry’s and would rather seek help face-to-face.
Something that does annoy me other than the choice of numbers for their Service and Technical help lines is that both the lines are only open from 9am - 5.30pm. So anyone experiencing problems either after work or later in the day must wait and find a suitable time according to the Manufacturers times. Not so good.
