Acer Revo One RL85 review
A clever design means Acer's brilliant Revo One mini PC can double-up as a 3-drive server
Specifications
Processor: Dual-core 1.7GHz Intel Core i3-4005U, RAM: 4GB, Front USB ports : 0, Rear USB ports: 2x USB, 2x USB3, Total storage: 2TB hard disk, Graphics card: Integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, Display: N/A, Operating system: Windows 8.1
FEATURES & CONNECTIVITY
Despite its compact size, the Revo One doesn’t sacrifice a wide range of ports and connectors. There are two USB and two USB3 ports on the back, along with HDMI and mini DisplayPort video outputs, a single 3.5mm audio jack and Gigabit Ethernet. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are built in as standard, but you’re limited to 802.11n wireless speeds. You also get a useful SD card reader on the top of the unit.
Our review model came bundled with a conventional wireless mouse and keyboard, in colours to match the white unit. Both are very compact, but while the mouse was comfortable to use, the keyboard had some of the spongiest keys we’ve used. It’s not something we would want to type long documents on.
Certain configurations use a combined keyboard and touchpad remote control, which we also tested. The keys were very small, which again meant it’s really only going to be useful for the occasional text entry, but the touchpad was comfortable and the multimedia shortcut keys are perfect if you plan on using the One as an entertainment centre.
We think the free Acer Revo app for iOS and Android is the best option for controlling the Revo One from your sofa. It has an onscreen touchpad for controlling the mouse and lets you use your tablet or smartphone’s keyboard for text entry, which is much quicker.
CONCLUSION
While other compact Mini PCs and home theatre machines tend to sacrifice storage capacity for smaller dimensions, the Acer Revo One doesn’t force you to choose one of the other. Performance is respectable and the unorthodox design is attractive as well as clever, giving it the edge over our previous favourite compact system, Scan’s 3XS NUC N16. If you’re looking for a compact and attractive PC that will fit comfortably with your living room décor, the Acer Revo One RL85 is one of the best-looking systems we’ve tested. Buy Now from Amazon
| Core specs | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual-core 1.7GHz Intel Core i3-4005U |
| Processor socket | FCBGA1168 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Memory type | PC3-12800 |
| Maximum memory | 8GB |
| Motherboard | Acer IPXHW-RL |
| Motherboard chipset | Haswell ULT |
| Ports and expansion | |
| Front USB ports | 0 |
| Rear USB ports | 2x USB, 2x USB3 |
| Other ports | None |
| Networking | 1×10/100/1000Mbit/s |
| Case type | Mini PC |
| Case size HxWxD | 100×106.5×106.5mm |
| PCI (free) | 0 (0) |
| PCIe x1 (free) | 0 (0) |
| PCIe x16 (free) | 0 (0) |
| Serial ATA (free) | 0 |
| Memory slots (free) | 1 (0) |
| Drive bays 2 1/2″ (free) | 0 (0) |
| Drive bays 3 1/2″ (free) | 0 (0) |
| Drive bays 5 1/4″ (free) | 0 (0) |
| Storage | |
| Total storage | 2TB hard disk |
| Memory card reader | SD |
| Optical drive type | None |
| Graphics | |
| Graphics card | Integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics |
| Graphics/video ports | HDMI, mini Display Port |
| Sound | |
| Sound card | Realtek ALC887 |
| Sound card outputs | HDMI, Headphone |
| Speakers | None |
| Display | |
| Display | N/A |
| Native resolution | N/A |
| Inputs | N/A |
| Other hardware | |
| Keyboard | Acer wireless keyboard |
| Mouse | Acer wireless mouse |
| Extras | None |
| Software | |
| Operating system | Windows 8.1 |
| Operating system restore option | Restore partition |
| Buying information | |
| Warranty | One year RTB |
| Price including delivery (inc VAT) | £400 |
| Price excluding monitor (inc VAT and delivery) | £400 |
| Supplier | www.dixons.co.uk |
| Details | www.acer.co.uk |
| Part Code | DT.SZMEK.014 |