Acer is cementing its support for Google's operating environment with the release of two new All-in-One (AIO) desktop computers. Rather than extend its line of devices built around Chrome though, and go toe-to-toe with LG's Chromebase perhaps, the new arrivals both bring the mobile OS experience to the desktop with Android Jelly Bean running the show. The TA272HUL features a high resolution WQHD touchscreen display for crisp onscreen action, while the DA223 HQL packs its own battery for portability.
The two new releases are not the first Android All-in-Ones from Acer. The company launched the Tegra 3-based, Full HD DA241HL at IFA 2013, which was thought to be a product looking for a customer base at the time. Though having a consistent user experience across multiple devices in everyday use may well be reason enough to buy into the larger-than-life Jelly Bean experience.
The most eye-catching of the new models is the 27-inch, 2560 x 1440 resolution Acer TA272HUL. The 350 nit, 16:9 aspect, 10-point multi-touch display offers 178 degree viewing angle, both horizontally and vertically, a 5 ms response time, and a maximum contrast ratio of 100 million:1. A transparent base underneath and edge-to-edge glass help give the AIO a premium look, and an asymmetric stand to the rear caters for a 30 to 80 degree tilt.
The TA272HUL runs Android 4.2 with full access to Google's Play Store, and is powered by an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor supported by 1 GB of DDR3 RAM and 16 GB of solid state storage (with SD card expansion). Connectivity needs are met by dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and three USB 3.0 ports. The 2 megapixel (Full HD) webcam with integrated microphone and two 3 W front-firing speakers with Dolby surround sound technology complete the main specs.
It carries a suggested retail price of US$1,099, but if you're not fussed about running Android on Acer's new AIO, it is Windows 8-certified, though you could also opt for similar display specs on the company's T272HUL monitor and feed in visuals from your existing computer setup.
The Acer DA223 HQL Android AIO features a 21.4-inch HD multitouch display, and a built-in battery for unplugged wandering, though we've not been able to find out exactly how long users will be able to enjoy freedom from a wall outlet. Its adjustable stand allows for the computer to be laid out flat on a table top or lap for a big tablet Android Jelly Bean experience, and the computer can also be used as an external display for mobile devices thanks to a HDMI port with MHL support.
Detailed specs are a little thin on the ground, but we can confirm a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor running at 1.7 GHz, a 2 MP webcam and front-facing stereo speakers.
Acer says that this model is currently shipping globally for $699, that's $300 more than HP's Android-packing Slate 21, though its US office has confirmed that the DA223 HQL will not be available Stateside.
