Acer rolls out space-saving Aspire X3, M3 series desktops

Sure, you can get an eye-catching all-in-one desktop or tower, or an especially small form factor PC (or Mac), but we're pretty sure there's plenty of folks just looking for a simple black box. Of course, there's not exactly any shortage of those, but Acer has now added a few more options with its new Aspire X3 and M3 series desktops, which it says are designed to be "efficient in form and function." That means each are small, but not too small, and pack the mid-range specs you'd expect, including your choice of AMD or Intel processors (Athlon II, Phenom II, Core i3 or Pentium E6600), ATI HD 5450, NVIDIA GeForce 9200 or integrated Intel graphics, up to 1TB of storage on the X3 or 640GB on the M3 and, last but not least, an illuminated blue power button that ensures the desktop "can be found even in a dark cabinet." Head on past the break for the complete press release, and look for the systems to be available at all the usual retailers immediately with a starting price of $449.99.

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New Aspire X3 and M3 Series Desktops Flaunt New Design, Efficient in Form and Function

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acer, the world's second largest vendor in the PC market,(1) today announced that its new Acer Aspire X3 and Aspire M3 Series consumer desktop models are available to customers in the U.S. Blending new styling, space-saving chassis' and top-notch technology, the systems offer power and performance for advanced multitasking and digital entertainment.

"Our new Aspire X3 and M3 Series desktops are great all-around workhorses offering practical technology in an intuitive design"

The new desktops come in a sleek, black design with an illuminated blue power button, an attractive touch that ensures it can be found even in a dark cabinet. The sleek Aspire X3 Series boasts the best in mainstream technology in a small form factor. The Aspire M3 Series is an efficient multitasker with ample room for expansion. Both are available at leading technology and electronic retailers with prices starting as low as $449.99.

"Our new Aspire X3 and M3 Series desktops are great all-around workhorses offering practical technology in an intuitive design," said Steve Smith, senior business manager of consumer desktops for Acer America. "Engineered to efficiently multitask and tackle digital media, these systems are outfitted with industry-leading components and make an appealing addition to a dorm, bedroom or home office."

Acer® Aspire X3 Series Small Form Factor: Space-Saving Chassis + Affordability

The compact Acer Aspire X3 Series desktops are proof that good things come in small packages. In a handsome black small form factor, these systems make the most of tight spaces and keep a low profile. They're ideal for placement on a desk where the USB ports, card reader and audio ports can be easily reached on the front of the system.

The Aspire X3 Series desktops are just the right models for enjoying streaming video, digital music and photography as well as taking advantage of mainstream productivity applications. A powerful blend of technology and features, the desktops come with 4GB memory and either AMD® Athlon II, AMD® Phenom II, Intel© Core™ i3 or Intel® Pentium E6600 processors for powering the gamut of digital media and productivity applications on the market today. The small but mighty systems also provide up to a 1TB(2) hard drive for storing and archiving a vast collection of music, movies and videos. Either NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 or Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD graphics infuse games, digital photos and video with vibrant color and crisp detail.

The compact desktops also offer the convenience of an HDMI port, which provides brilliant visuals and high-fidelity audio to a home theater or external LCD via a single cable connection. Providing room for expansion, select models have an available PCI Express x1 slot and all models provide an open PCI Express x16 slot. In addition, up to 11 USB 2.0 ports provide connectivity to digital cameras, digital music players, smartphones and a host of other digital devices.

Acer® Aspire M3 Series Microtower: Multitasking Monster + Expansion

The Acer Aspire M3 Series desktops combine unique design, practical features and technology for multitasking with ease and speed. Outfitted with AMD Athlon™ II or AMD Phenom™ II and ATI™ HD 5450 or NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 graphics, these systems can power a wide array of digital media applications, including casual games.

For easy access, the card reader, audio jacks and several USB 2.0 ports are located on the top of the chassis. High-definition audio with 5.1-channel surround sound support brings music, movies and games to life with dynamic acoustics.

The M3 Series desktops offer up to a 640GB(2) hard drive, providing enough room to store a vast collection of MP3 music, digital images and video. There is also room for expansion with two available PCI Express x1 slots, an open PCI Express slot and bays for an extra optical drive and hard drive. In addition, 10 USB 2.0 ports provide connectivity to a host of peripherals and digital media devices.

Practical Software Suite

The systems come loaded with Acer Arcade™ Deluxe 2010, an all-in-one media portal for managing digital media. Acer Arcade archives songs, photos, movies and videos; Arcade Photo optimizes graphics acceleration for fast photo sorting and creation of memorable slide shows; Arcade Video converts videos quickly for playback on a favorite media player and uploads videos to YouTube and Facebook; and Arcade Music browses and organizes music collections.

Pricing and Availability

Acer's newest Aspire desktop PCs are now available at technology and electronics retailers with prices beginning at $449.99.

About Acer

Since its founding in 1976, Acer has achieved the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Globally, Acer ranks No. 2 for total PCs and notebooks.(1) A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to the company's continuing growth, while its multi-brand approach effectively integrates Acer, Gateway, Packard Bell, and eMachines brands in worldwide markets. Acer strives to design environmentally friendly products and establish a green supply chain through collaboration with suppliers. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, including the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter and London 2012 Olympic Games. The Acer Group employs 7,000 people worldwide. 2009 revenues reached US$17.9 billion. See www.acer-group.com for more information.

© 2009 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners.

1. Source: Gartner data, FY 2009

2. Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes