Many of you have been waiting for a full tilt review of an Acer Aspire Revo 3610 Atom ION 330. Well, here it is. Possibly the first one on the Internet with this level of detail. It’s taken a week of use to get the full impression of it’s power and abilities and this review should leave no doubt! So, here goes.
Some of you may already know that I’ve been on a quest for the ultimate “cut the cable” solution and save $70 + a month on crappy cable service with bloatware content. Well, it’s been a year now and I’ve looked at a lot of software, desktops, NAS items and network media players. I’ve run different programs on Windows and Xboxes too, like XBMC and Boxee. Both of which I love! But none of those items were yet able to give my family a complete media experience. So, what is that experience? None of those devices or media center programs offers BOTH network share (music, video, pictures) and complete Internet content. Though Boxee comes closest, and their new improved Boxee Beta arrives December 7,2009, but it still falls very short of fulfilling my needs with regard to Internet content. That will change over time as media companies embrace Boxee and alliances are forged with media and hardware developers, but that’s a whole other post.
Also, with so many media formats like; Adobe Flash 10.1 Beta, HD, h.264 .mkv, AVI, MOV, mpg4 and Blue Ray, there is nothing yet available with the ability and power to play such a wide diversity of content. Plus, Boxee & XBMC do not provide an browser to view Internet content as well as surf the Internet from your couch. Ultimately, I kept returning to a HTPC with Windows as the only solution. And that’s where the Acer Revo 3610 with Windows-7 64bit comes in! Oh, I can hear the Linux and Mac people just wincing and building up steam. You guys can get the same thing too, so if that’s your flavor go for it. But this is a Windows thing happening here. So, lets get down to business.
What’s Inside?
The Acer Revo 3610 Atom Ion boasts the Intel Atom 330 dual core 1.66 GHz processor, Nvidia Ion GPU that supports full 1080P via an HDMI cable and 5.1 surround sound. Comes with Windows-7 64bit Home Premium installed. Wow, that’s a lot going on there and all for $330.00 USD!
Operating System- Windows® 7 Home Premium
Processor- Intel Atom Processor N330 (1MB L2 cache, 1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB)
Chipset- NVIDIA ION
Memory- 2GB (1/1) DDR2 800 SDRAM installed in two of two memory slots
User upgradeable up to 4GB (one 2GB memory card in each slot)* subject to availability of 2GB card
Storage- 160GB* SATA hard drive, 5400RPM, Multi-in-one card reader supports optional Memory Stick®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital or xD-Picture Card™
Video- NVIDIA® ION™ graphics VGA and HDMI™ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface™) ports
Audio- High-definition audio support Two external USB speakers Headphone and microphone ports
Interface Ports- RJ-45 LAN VGA DC-in Headphones Microphone HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface™) eSATA Optical SPDIF Six USB 2.0 (two front, four back)
Card Slot- Multi-in-one card reader supports optional Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital or xD-Picture Card
Communication- Gigabit LAN, wake-on-LAN ready802.11b/g/Draft-N WLAN
Expansion Slot- One PCI Express® Mini
Dimensions- 7.1″ (180.0mm) W x 7.1″ (180.0mm) D x 1.2″ (30.0mm) H without bezel
User Interface- Wireless keyboard and mouse- Included
Power- 65W AC adapter with power cord
Compliance- Energy Star® 5.0PC2001
Security Feature- Kensington® lock slot
Warranty-One-year limited warranty*
Included Software- Acer® Arcade Deluxe, Acer® eRecovery Management, Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, eSobi™ *, McAfee® Internet Security Suite (trial version), Microsoft® Works 8.5 (full version), Microsoft® Office Home & Student 2007 (60-day trial), MyWinLocker®, Nero® 9 Essentials* ,Oberon Gamezone*.*OEM, not full-featured, version.
The Atom Dual Core 330 1.66 GHz processor does not consume a lot of power at all yet has enough oomph to push up to 1080p Blue Ray HD content with ease courtesy of its close integration ION GPU that supports graphics acceleration and offloading. The Intel Atom & ION is a single mobo unit that incorporates the use of NVIDIA’s GeForce 9400M chipset. All this provides a low power consuming, high end video device in a tiny package! The unit is, dare I say it, silent! Even while viewing 1080P content, when the fan is throttled up I have to put my ear up to it in order to hear a whisper of sound. Unlike competitors such as the AsRock 330, which is somewhat audible at 26+dB. Also, the unit is cold to the touch at idle and barely gets warm to the touch when under heavy use.
There’s MORE on pages 2-3!
Similar Posts:
- Flash 10.1 Beta on Acer Revo 3610 testing Results
- New Acer Revo 3610 HTPC
- Acer Revo 3610 Unboxed
- Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Beta Released for Atom Ion
- Acer Revo 3610 Atom ION-Video Demo
Tags: Acer Revo 3610, AsRock 330, atom ion 330, Boxee, Fancast, flash, Hulu, nvidia, Review, XBMC, xbox
Kaz – Mine was delivered on time from amazon. Two day delivery, got it on the 15th. Oddly, amazon now shows this as “not yet available, available for pre-order.”
All – Machine works well although it struggles with 1080p even with latest drivers and Flash beta. Frame rate is low. I’m running with stock 2GB RAM, I suspect this has something to do with it. I set resolution to 720p for now and all is well. I’ll add some RAM this week and let you know how it works.
Paul – I have latest NVDIA drivers, Flash 10.1 beta, latest Win 7 updates. Any theory on the 1080p jerkiness? RAM issue? Or am I missing some critical piece? Thanks.
Hey Tim,
I’ve had no trouble with 1080P files. Ram is not the issue. Just open up task manager and look at what you’ve got left. Should be plenty. Though, be sure to uninstall all the bloatware as many of them due start at boot and suck down ram. After boot, I have a 1-gig free and at most I’ve seen I get down to 550-720 mb left with a 1080p file playing.
I guess the variables left are two: What video player are you using? What are you playing at 1080P that is causing the issues? OK, three: Have you uninstalled the bloat to free up some ram?
I don’t think you’re missing anything. Some are just getting odd playback sometimes. I’ve not been able to put a finder on it. Personally, I don’t like my revo set to 1080p. I feel that Hulu and Netflix at that resolution just shows their flaws of their lower resolution stream more so. Like taking a magnifying glass and magnifying their flaws. So, I feel that 720 is better. Picture is basically the same size anyway.
Make sure your DX is updated too. That is what decodes 720p/1080p MKV files. Use MPC-HC 64 bit on Windows-7 64. Great player for HD files and zero stutter. Better than VLC. Now Boxee, well that’s another story with HD content…
Hi Paul,
I’m running the 3610, but getting CPU usage from 50-70% in Hulu Desktop, which is significantly more than what you have in the videos you’ve shot. I have the latest 10.1 flash, and the 195.81 ION drivers and video playback on hulu is OK, but gets choppy at points. As for memory, though I don’t know if this matters – I’m seeing 1791 Total, 864 cached, 843 available and about 20 “free” in my performance tab of the Task Manager. I’m assuming this means it’s using about half of my memory.
Any thoughts or advice as to what I can do to decrease the CPU usage? I’ve already installed most of the bloatware. Any advice or feedback you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
@Bryan: see this posting of Paul’s… http://www.pauljroberts.com/fl.....r-revo-ion I rolled all of mine back to the P1 versions he mentions. How do you show CPU usage?
Yep, I tried that as well, unfortunately I wasn’t getting better results. The video catches every couple of seconds, I’m afraid to try netflix on this thing. I even tried the newly released nvidia drivers that, I believe, came out today, and I saw far worse performance, so I’m going to give the package above one more shot and wipe everything out cleanly.
If I can’t get it to work, I’ll have to send it back…unfortunate because it seems to be the only thing out there with an SPDIF output, which I need.
I’m showing my CPU usage by going into the task manager and leaving it open while playing Hulu desktop.
Thank you very much for the help! Very much appreciated.
Bryan,
Yeah, some of you guys are having bad luck on playback. Which is puzzling. I’m starting to wonder if they are randomly putting the Ion LE chip in these things, which would explain the crappy performance. I have a user on Boxee forums looking at his a little closer to see if he can confirm it does in fact have the ION chip like it is supposed to. If not, that would explain things. It’s not right, but explain. Other than that, I don’t see what the problem is. Then again, I don’t have one that works like this to personally test it and sort through.
Man, I hope I didn’t get one of those.. still trying to find time to set this sucker up…
FYI In Device Manager, the 1600 (ION LE) reports the Display Adapter as ION LE. The 3610 reports ION. If the chips got swapped, I think the device ID would show.
Homer
mine just says Nvidia ION
someone in a forum suggested using this: http://cgi.ebay.com/BroadCom-B.....634wt_1102
any thoughts? Thanks again!
Homer,
That’s what I wanted to hear. The question is, are people with playback issues with 3610’s is their device manager showing ION or ION LE?
The only reason I suggest checking this is that nothing else makes sense! Why are some 3610 users having great playback and others are having bad playback. It’ just does not make sense! I wish I had one to test and sort out.
Bryan,
What does your video card show in the Windows Device Manager? Ion or Ion LE? Is yours a 3610 or a 1600?
You could try that broadcom card, but that defeats the purpose of the ION. Granted, yours is not playing correctly, but what’s the root cause? Why won’t it playback smoothly like so many others does?
I’m going to have to poke around at the Acer forums and see what others are reporting and how they are fixing it….if at all.
http://www.revouser.com/forum/.....1977#p1977
Based on your CPU usage with Hulu Desktop and the lagginess, it appears the Ion is not being triggerd to handle (offload) the video duties. But why????????
Hi Paul,
Thanks again for the help. My video card just says ION, and it’s a 3610. I tried rolling back with the 1p driver/flash package that you have, but still no luck. I’m actually seeing worse performance than with the most updated drivers/flash that I initially installed, now seeing performance issues with MKV 720p movies that I’m playing – which weren’t there before. Maybe I just have a faulty unit.
Are there any issues with constantly changing/installing different versions of the drivers/flash?
I agree on the broadcom card, I’d really prefer not to use it, but given my 30 day window for returns, I ordered one and figured I’d give it a shot. I can return that card too if necessary. I think regardless of whether or not the broadcom card works, I’m going to exchange this one for a new one.
One last question for you guys – the Revo seems to be the best, smallest thing out there for my needs – is it worth keeping with the hope that software updates can resolve these issues? or is it hardware?
Also, the link you included is actually me
I thought I’d try to hit a few different areas to get some help, and then realized that you post there too. Anyway, thanks again, and let me know if you dig anything up!
Bryan,
Ok, well that proves you have the ION and not the ION LE card. Odd that your playback is worse yet with 1p. Most that had issues founf 1p to be better or cleared things up completely.
No, it does not hurt to uninstalll and install flash again.
I believe it’s a hardware issue. I feel this way because I have zero playback issues..period. Many others have no issues either. But recently, there are a few croping up with playback issues with the same set up as me or variations. It should not matter what version of flash. We all have the same DX and silverlight too. I think there is something keeping some 3610 machines from triggering the GPU acceleration. So, I feel it’s faulty hardware. That’s my gut. But until I get one that does what yours does or someone lends me one to test out, I’m gonna roll whith my gut based on the symptoms and CPU usage etc.
I’d return it and exchange for another. Per above, I don’t think a software update is the fix as mine, and many others, have flawless playback of all video types.
I plan on installing all the software as per Paul’s instructions tonight. Will let everyone know how it goes.
Does it seem to be one batch coming from one reseller that is the issue?
Last night I set up the computer (don’t know why I thought it came with hdmi, so I had to run out an buy a cable). is there a particular desktop resolution to use? I find myself squinting to read the text (I have just a 720p TV). Of course, I am mostly interested in just watching video, but I was wondering if anyone knows a resolution which is easier on the eyes..?
Whatever your resolution, usually the native resolution of either DVD or your monitor, you can set the font size larger. The only downside is that it makes many dialog boxes hard to see. Not very accessible.
Kaz,
I have a 40″ 1080p HDTV that auto detects the feed it gets. So, I set the Revo’s video output settings to 720P as I can read web sites much better. Be sure to set the HDMI out and not VGA. If I need the web print bigger, which is rare at 720p because I sit 8ft away, I just adjust IE in the bottom right corner to 125% or more. You can also change a browser’s font size by using Control+mouse wheel scroll.
If you set the Revo to 1080P, yeah, it’s freakin’ small and you have to blow up IE to about 150%+ just so you’re eyes don’t hurt after an hour. (I don’t jack with Font sizes myself) Now, as I explained in my latest Setting post, I like 720P better for these on line video stream sites (hulu, netflix, etc) because they are not streaming in 720 or 1080. I like 720p out put better than 1080p because 1080p over “details” the already not perfect feed. So, it actually makes the picture grainier.
Don’t take my word for it. Test it out and settle on what you like best.
Just got a tip from a Boxee user.
The Revo 3610 R9022 is now available at Tiger Direct! In stock and shipping.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app.....CatId=4928
Paul Roberts´s last blog ..My Personal Revo 3610 Set Up that works well
I have it set to HDMI and 720 out. Changing the text size for windows helps. Most of my web browsing was done prior to set up, just to get everything installed. I mostly just use it for Boxee now, which I am enjoying and still learning to use — testing loading music and video in checking out some repositories… having fun.
I haven’t really noticed any stuttering. At least not noticeable. Sometimes i think I see it, but maybe it is just me being paranoid and expecting to see it!
One thing I did notice is that although my TV supports HDCP and the cable does (I think), the nvidia control panel is telling me that my TV doesn’t support HDCP…
Kaz,
I assume that you got things working well then? Installed Flash and everything ok?
The HDCP I know nothing about, though, I’ve not encountered anything that is protected with it that has been an issue.
yep! your guide was a godsend! thanks!
of course, now my daughter’s got us watching Pokemon after Pokemon on the Cartoon Network app…
sounds like I don’t need to worry about the HDCP then..?
Kaz,
Excellent! Another satisfied customer
HDCP? Naahhh, I would not give it a thought. Now go watch some TV…
Hi Paul,
Just an update, I’ve found that the 195.81 Nvidia Drivers and the most recent version of the flash beta work the best.
I’m seeing CPU usage from 40-55%, and there is a stutter on hulu desktop every 15 seconds or so, but otherwise it plays fine. The video seems to be offloading I guess, but I’m still getting more than double the CPU usage that you were seeing
Just wondering – my free memory is only 10, with 848 being available…should it all be free?
Thanks again for looking into all of this.
Brian,
That CPU usage is very high. But that is because Flash Beta 10.1 2P is the cause. 1P does not use as much CPU. When version 3P comes out, it is supposed to fix that.
Also, the 195.81 is the match to Flash 2p.
Memory free? Don’t go by that. Go by the info on the very bottom right corner of Taskmanager. Says Memory Used XXX% Then manually figure it. That is what is remaining.
Can anyone help??? I am very pleased with my recent purchase so far but I am unable to connect camcorder to the nettop in order to transfer the mini DV tapes to my computer. I normally use a 1394 firewire to connect direct to my desktop but the nettop does not have a firewire port. Ant ideas?????
Kenny,
Not aware of a way to do that. I did a quick google and Newegg.com search for a conversion cable or converter box etc, but found nothing. Anyone else?
I found this one, but it’s no longer being made. You need something like it…
what camcorder do you have? they usually have more than one output type, I think..? if not, a quick google search shows usb/firewire hubs. you would just need one that connects to the computer with USB.
I just got my Revo 3610 last week and I’m having Blu-ray playback issues using PowerDVD 9 Ultra. I have video stutter when using HDMI output but no issues at all using VGA output. Both at 1080p. I do not see any other playback issues with HDMI for any other video content. I have both the latest chipset drivers and video drivers which I just downloaded over the weekend from the nVidia website. The playback via HDMI was a little better after installing those new drivers but not much. I would really rather be using HDMI but until I find a solution I guess I’m stuck with VGA output.
Any recommendations on a slim dvd reader for this box?
Hello Dave,
Sorry, but I”ve not invested in a Blue Ray player for my Revo nor have I connected one to test it out. Other sites I’ve read over the past few months have tested very nice Blue Ray playback! May I suggest that you try another playback software, plug in, viewer as an option to PowerDVD9. Maybe Power is hogging too many resources.
Anyone else have any feedback on this?
Hey KAz,
I’ve have my eye on a Sony unit or similar brand/style/size here at Newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Su.....DVD-Drives
I’m diggin’ either the black or white Sony or that vertical Asus model too. Hmmmm..
I’ve been eying that one, too. Problem is, I have an old house and I’ve already got a 12 outlet surge protector which, between TV, HTPC, DVD player, Cable Box, Cable Model, Router, VCR (yeah, the kids still watch tapes now and then), iPod dock, harddrive, etc., I am running low on places to plug stuff in.
Because of this, I was checking out some usb-powered drives. I just don’t trust them to work as well on less power. Anyone have experience with any of these?
I have a USB powered drive, it has two USB cables. I use it when doing system installs/moves/whatever, but do not use it as on all the time storage.
I was looking at those Asus and Sony units, and I swear one of them had two usb plugs on one end of the cable. Does that mean it’s USB powered? Clueless as I’ve never owned one, but will order one next week.
The Asus appears to be USB powered. My main concern is installs and loading video onto the Acer for boxee. My wife complains if I tie up the laptop for too long…
The 3610 Aspire revo is a great product. Wish it had more muscle, but somehow, it gets the job done. Not getting full wireless bandwith to the unit, but performance is still good. Netflix in full 1080 is better than expected. Faces and focus shots look amazing. However, I notice that solid backgrounds are pixeled out a bit. Had to tweak with the settings and after I hooked up my ASUS cd-dvd drive windows 7 it did have the basic drivers to recognize the unit. However, after reboot it corrected itself via the internet and now it works fine. These new units require 2 USB ports. One for power and the other for communication. You can pick it up off of Amazon for under $60 Asus External Optical Drive SDRW-08D1S-U. Had to download an array of new programs like the latest flash, java and shockwave. Overall the unit impressive. Small and quiet. Just need to add the sound card before I tell my cable company to piss off.
Todd,
Glad you enjoy the Revo.
What sound card are you installing? The revo has audio out via SPDIF, HDMI and the little 1/8 audio jack out the front.
Hey, Paul – I saw on the boxee forums you said to use mp4 over mkv files for 1080p.. is this just for 1080p, or for all files that you recommend this..? I have been backing up video into mkv, but will switch to mp4 if you think I will see better performance..?
Kaz,
What I meant was that MKV 1080P seems not to be supported by DX, but MP4 (H.264) is supposed to be. I’m a bit foggy here on that, and the Boxee Devs are giving me conflicting info, so let me clear up some things with some testing this weekend. Then I’m updating the Boxee FAQ on hardware acceleration and compatible formats. Don’t change anything yet.
thanks. so far, so good. doing all standard def stuff right now.
[...] Shameless plug to page 2 of my Acer Revo 3610 review as seen in the clip. Here [...]
Hi Paul,
I have a question about setting up a home with the Acer, and I’m not sure the question belongs here, but you seem knowledgeable so I figured I’d give it a shot. My priority is to get rid of cable. Based on what I have read about the latest release from Acer, it seems like the thing to help me accomplish that goal. The television I would be using the unit with is a 50 inch 1080 P Samsung plasma. Problem is, I have another television in another room, and I am trying to figure out what would be the best way to move content from the unit connected to my Samsung to the other television, or whether it would be easiest to have a separate unit for that television. With all the products available today, it seems that there would be a way to transfer content, although you can’t transfer sites like hulu, so…sorry the post was a bit longwinded, but I value your opinion. Anything you can share would be appreciated.
Richard Marquis,
I’ve gotten rid of cable too and the Revo will help to achieve that if you also use a roof antennae to get local news channels.
You would normally have a Revo at each TV. You can then install Boxee on both using the same user name and password. The trick is which one do you store video, music and photos on? Then have the second one have access to the shares via boxee. You have to be careful here, as the Revo is not going to perform well if you are sharing a huge amount of data being streamed from one to the ohter and watching something on the first one. I have a home server that each of my Acers draw from. That makes things much easier and centralized storage for each machine to pull from. You could use an old 1ghz machine as a server to store all your files on.
Boxee is a front end independent software. Items like Myth TV are a back end with a front end. But then you NEED a server to run that. If you rely on Revos to do all that work, you may….will have less than favorable performance because you may overtax the units.
Thank you for the response. Just to be sure I understand…I can use an old (minimum) 1 ghz pc elsewhere in the house that I would use to download and/or store all the (non streaming i.e. Hulu) media that I will be viewing on the other televisions. Then, I setup the Acers either wirelessly or wired with the server, and the server distributes the media to the televisions. When you say that I need a server to run Myth TV, are you saying that I need a legitimate server, or would an old PC work for that as well?