Review: Acer Aspire AX 1200 U1711a Desktop Computer

The Acer Aspire AX1200 u1711a is Acer's latest budget desktop offering. It comes with a dual-core Sempron X2 2300 processor that runs at 2.2 Ghz, a 320gigabyte hard drive, a SuperMulti double layer DVD+/-RW drive, 3 GB of DDR2 memory, integrated NVIDIA GeForce 8200 graphics, gigabit Ethernet connection, 56k modem, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and speakers. That's just the hardware. The software includes Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Works 8.5, eSobi, and more.

So how does the system perform? It runs very well for most home computing needs such as, surfing the internet, word processing, video editing, etc. Will it play the latest and greatest PC games out there? No, but it can handle some of the less graphics-intensive games. Speaking of graphics, if you want to upgrade from the integrated graphics, you'll find one pci express x16 expansion slot. That's it. That's because the AX1200 is one small computer. If you're hoping to have one slot for a graphics card, another for a TV tuner, and another for a sound card, you're out of luck. The limited upgradeability of the AX1200 may be a turnoff for some, but remember, this is a budget desktop. On the bright side, it has a ton of USB ports (9), as well as an HDMI out video connector (along with the standard VGA connector), and a multi-format card reader. Unfortunately, though, there is very little documentation, in either paper or installed on the computer, so you'll have to do a little searching if you want to learn in depth about all the computer's features.

Now that you know the kind of computer you're getting in the AX1200, here's the big question: How much does it cost? Being that the AX1200 u1711a is so new, you can only find it (as of this writing) in two places: eBay and Best Buy. I bought it from Best Buy in a package that included a 20" widescreen monitor for $379.98. That's absolutely, positively, outrageously cheap for what you get. You can also get the computer without the monitor for $329.99. I looked it up at Bestbuy.com and saw that it was available at my local store. When I went there and looked for it, it was nowhere to be found. I asked one of the workers where it was and was told that yes, they have it in stock, but they just don't put it on display. Why that is the case, I am not sure. Perhaps they want you to consider some higher priced models.

To sum up, the AX1200 u1711a is a flat-out steal for anybody looking for a basic home computer. Admittedly, upgradeability and documentation are issues, but for what it costs it is still a great deal. Congratulations, Acer, on building a budget computer that it actually a solid entry into the market!