eMachines EZ1600, Acer Aspire Z5600 and mysterious Gateway all-in-ones in the flesh

We got a quick look at the new all-in-ones from Acer, and they're surprisingly diverse. The eMachines EZ1600 looks incredibly plastic, and almost perfect as a second computer for the kids; the Acer Aspire Z5600 classes up the joint, but might be a bit too staid in the design department; and an unnamed multitouch Windows 7 Gateway (pictured) for the "high end" of things seemed great outside of its incredibly buggy pre-release multitouch driver. Check 'em all out in the gallery below.

Gallery: eMachines EZ1600, Acer Aspire Z5600 and mysterious Gateway all-in-ones in the flesh

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[aceofspade19 @ Apr 8th 2009 2:02PM]

nice

[sacapuntas @ Apr 8th 2009 2:03PM]

Wow, just a few years ago you couldn't have convinced me that almost every new AIO that was released would have an integrated touch screen. I guess everyone is getting ready for windows 7. And who said software couldn't affect hardware...

[elBravo @ Apr 8th 2009 4:28PM]

People who don't remember when Vista came out...

[rob964 @ Apr 8th 2009 2:17PM]

I cant stand 'Touch Screen', you will be forever reaching for the cleaning cloth to get rid of all them mucky, greasy marks.
i'll stick with my trusty mouse thank you.

[Ruben @ Apr 8th 2009 2:27PM]

That's good, because this happens to come with both of those.

[wjousts @ Apr 8th 2009 4:30PM]

With all this multitouch, it maybe time to invest in Windex stocks.

(Note for pedantic people: Yes I know Windex is made by S.C.Johnson & Sons and they are a private company, hence no stocks)

[Saad Rabia @ Apr 8th 2009 5:56PM]

Well guys, here is the good news: You can easily "not" touch the screen! You can always go back and use a regular keyboard and mouse, it's just that now you have more choices.

[ashan @ Apr 8th 2009 10:06PM]

Cool, so you can spend more money on options you never use. Great

[Saad Rabia @ Apr 8th 2009 10:48PM]

Well ashan, if this was a Mac I would've agreed with you, but in the PC world the sky is the limit when it comes to choices.

Enjoy your day.

[jcushing @ Apr 8th 2009 2:44PM]

So is this just a case of Badge Engineering? Does the upscale Gateway have different guts than the low end eMachines? Same basic configuration...chassis etc, with minor upgrades?

eMachines = Old Navy
Acer = The Gap
Gateway = Banana Republic

???

[Neoprimal @ Apr 8th 2009 5:04PM]

eMachines would = Wal-Mart I'd say.

[ashan @ Apr 8th 2009 10:01PM]

He's saying that it's all the same company, however Old Navy, Gap and Banana Repub. actually have different levels of quality, and are not differentiated by "minor upgrades". They may all cover your body with clothing, but the materials, stitching and aesthetic are drastically different between the clothing brands. For Gateway/Acer/eMachines, i have no idea

[superhobo @ Apr 8th 2009 2:49PM]

Finally they're showing off the new touch models with Windows 7.

[Neowl @ Apr 8th 2009 3:12PM]

I wonder what build of 7 that is

[reisa @ Apr 8th 2009 3:51PM]

I'm no Mac fan ... but if you're gonna rip Mac off, do it right.

http://www.shopaveratec.com/

These are HOT.

[Saad Rabia @ Apr 8th 2009 6:01PM]

I really can't get what you mean by "rip Mac off"? Can you explain a little bit more.

[Ruben @ Apr 8th 2009 6:53PM]

Im glad they didnt.

I would rather buy something thats worth the money

[boxeeftw @ Apr 8th 2009 7:13PM]

saad i believe he is referring to the fact this looks almost exactly like an apple display from a few generations back, accept in black. We usually call that ripping off.

[Saad Rabia @ Apr 8th 2009 8:00PM]

boxeeftw, other than the fact that every screen I've used and seen was square or rectangular shaped with some sort of frame around it, can you please show me a picture of what you and reisa are referring to?

[reisa @ Apr 9th 2009 8:40AM]

I meant that the all-in-one concept has been mastered by Apple since way back in the day. These PC's are taking their cues from Steve and co. Sure they look a LITTLE different - and being Win7 touch-screen compatible is somewhat unique (if a little unnecessary) - but the overall designs are an effort to cash in on Apple's packaging. And I'm fine with that. I'm not a Mac fan -- but I recognize the iconic nature of their design. I really do like the Averatec product, too. They've brazenly ripped-off Apple's design with the d1000 series ... except they're using Windows for the OS. And the price point is 1/3 of a Mac.

A monitor's a monitor just like a steering wheel is a steering wheel. Form follows function. But that's not what these products are about. My gut says they're designing the form because they think it will fit a desire rather than a real need. Maybe it will or maybe it won't. I'd just like to see them go all the way if they're going to go down that road at all.

[Parad0x @ Apr 8th 2009 5:14PM]

This is better than that Greener acer from the 1990's... Acer has come a long way