Acer Updates Aspire M5, M3, and X3 Consumer Desktop PCs

Acer's revved-up Aspire M5, M3, and X3 systems feature a new industrial design, oodles of ports, HDMI, and tons of storage.

Computer maker Acer has announced updates to its Aspire M5, M3, and X3 lines of desktop computers, introducing a new industrial design and pumped-up specs at consumer-friendly prices. Acer is also introducing a new 23-inch LCD display with a HD-friendly 1,920 by 1,080 resolution, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 2ms response time.

"Our newest Aspire desktops are a blend of visually appealing aesthetics and convenient functionality that’s sure to impress even the most selective buyers," said Acer America’s senior manager for retail desktop product planning Stephanie Eggert, in a statement. "Not only are the systems elegant in form, but they are efficient in function with user-friendly features that maximize time and space."

At the high end, the Acer Aspire M5800 series sports an Intel Core 2 Quad CPU running at 2.66 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce GT230 graphics with 1.5 GB of video memory, 750 of hard drive storage, 8 USB 2.0 ports (four in front, four in back), FireWire, 802.11n Wi-Fi, HDMI output, a Super Multi DVD burner, and a multiformat digital media card reader. Next up, the Aspire M3800 features an 2.5 GHz Intel Pentium processor, 4 GB of RAM, Intel GMA graphics, a 640 GB hard drive, 802.11n Wi-Fi, a Super Multi DVD burner, and the same complement of USB, FireWire, and HDMI ports. The M5800s start at $799.99, while the M3800s start at $449.99; both are available now; both ship with Windows Vista Home Premium.

Acer has also revised its small form-factor (SFF) Aspire X3810 to roll with a 2.5 GHz Intel Pentium processor, 4 GB of RAM, GMA graphics, a 320 GB hard drive, nin USB 2.0 ports (four in front, five in back), FireWire, HDMI, a Super Multi DVD drive, and Windows Vista Home Premium. With an Acer 20-inch widescreen LCD display, the Aspire X3810 starts at $529.99.

For folks who need a serious display, Acer has also introduced its 23-inch widescreen H235H display, featuring a native 1,920 by 1,080 pixel resolution, 300 cd/m&exp2; of brightness, and a mammoth 100,000:1 contrast ratio and a gamer-friendly 2ms response time. The display can handle HDMI with HDCP and well as DVI and VGA input, and offers integrated stereo speakers to complete the experience. Expect to see the H235H display in July for a suggested price of $239.99.