The All-in-One (AIO) computer is a great way to put a computer on your desktop without any clutter or big chunky CPU and the Acer Z3 series gives you everything that you need in an AIO.
Acer Z3 Features
The Acer Z3-710-UR54 that I reviewed is a sturdy AIO with a simple aluminum stand supporting a 23.8 screen with a built-in DVD Super Multi optical drive. The entire chassis is slim at 1.4”. It features an Intel Core i5 quad-core 2GHz processor and comes with 8 GB, DDR3L SDRAM and a 1 TB hard drive. It supports Dolby Digital Pro audio. A 1080p webcam completes the hardware and Windows 10 is the pre-installed operating system. The Z3-710-UR54 retails for about $900. Other Z3s come with different processors and differing amounts of memory and hard drive space starting at about $700 and going up to $2,000.
The back of the computer that I reviewed sports several useful and easily accessible ports. There is an Ethernet port, HDMI-in, HDMI-out, one USB 3.0 port and two USB 2.0 ports. The side of the unit has two addition USB ports, one 2.0 and one 3.0. There is also an SD card slot and a headphone port on the side.
The 23.8″ LED backlit screen with its full HD (1920 x 1080) at 16:9 is the gem of this system. It is bright and clear with exceptional color representation and a fast 5ms response. Watching movies or videos is a pleasure that is enhanced by the 5.1 channel surround sound and Dolby Home Theater III.
The speakers are on the bottom of the computer. The stand raises the unit up about 4” off the desk giving adequate room for the sound to come through. The speakers run the entire length of the unit and produce excellent sound.
You can easily tilt the display from 5 to 25 degrees and viewing is good from many different angles. The screen also has “VisionCare” incorporated. This aims at reducing eye strain by decreasing blue-light emissions. The effects of blue light is a bit controversial. Some folks believe that it is detrimental. Others don’t think the science behind it holds water. I guess whatever your scientific leanings are, it can’t be bad to have a computer where you can control it.
The only thing that displeased me about the screen is the thickness of the black bezel which averages 1 ½”. I have become quite used to thinner bezels of 1” or less. While ½” is not a lot, in this case, it can make a big difference.
Acer has quite a lot of its own software on this computer. While some might consider it bloatware, I found some useful software like the blue light reduction. I just wish that Acer would provide some way to tell the user what is included and where it is located. For instance I had to search for the blue light software and I found it under Acer Quick Access. I am still looking for the Touch Tools that are supposed to be included.
With Windows 10, it’s great to have a touch screen for simple tasks. The Acer Z3 has a capacitive 10-point multi-touch display that has generally has an adequate response to touch, but at times felt a little laggy, especially when performing several swipes quickly or when using multi-finger movements.
Because it is an All-in-One, the Acer Z3 set up is easy. This computer also includes Bluetooth, a good webcam and just about everything you would expect to find in an AIO computer. The screen is marvelous, sound is excellent, and all-in-all, it performs admirably. Although it does not have any other outstanding features, it will suit most users quite well. I found the prices of these units fluctuates greatly so be sure to shop around for the best price.
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