Acer 273XC Specifications |
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The machine I bought has the following specs:
Processor | 1.7Ghz Pentium 4 (Mobile) |
RAM | 256 MB DDR |
HDD | ~20GB (These are HD manufacturer GB, not 'real' GB) |
CD | CD, DVD, CD-RW Combi drive |
FDD | Built in |
USB | 3 Ports (These do not appear to be USB 2.0) |
Firewire (IEEE 1394) | Yes, small 4 pin socket |
PCMCIA | Two sockets |
Modem | SoftModem, bleeurghh |
LAN | Built in 10/100 |
Video | 1024x768, Monitor out, S-Video Out |
Legacy | Both serial and Parallel ports |
Mouse | Touchpad only, no nipple. There is a PS/2 port |
Supplied OS | Windows XP Professional or W2K Professional |
Location | UK Spec machine |
I needed a machine that would take Linux, and previous experience with Acers had shown that they were Linux happy. Additionally, I needed a machine that was easily portable, but not necessarily light. The Acer has everything I need built in. On top of all these, the machine needs to work in Ethiopia, and Acer are one of the few companies to offer a worldwide travellers guarantee. Although I will probably be unable to take advantage of this because of the way I bought the machine, it makes me happier knowing that there is more chance of finding a place to get the machine repaired should anything go wrong. However, from previous experience, I am not expecting anything to go wrong.
Acer machines seem to be sold by relatively few places in the UK. Compared to the number of DELLs and IBMs, they definitely seem to be in the minority. However, a place of note is Mikrolive. Mikrolive sell refurbished machines. I can't say for sure, but it appears to be 'graded stock', i.e. machines that have failed in testing, been repaired and then sold on. You can look at it that you're getting a failed machine, or a machine that has been through twice as much testing. I like the second option, and can recommend the company. No, I am not on commission.