Acer AM3300-U1332 Desktop PC (Black)

Full Description

5 Reviews

1. When I started this computer for the first time it would not boot from the installed hard drive, I had to enter setup and designate the internal drive as the boot disc.

   The ATI on board video keeps changing my screen resolution and moving the icons to the left side of the screen, I updated the drivers but that did not fix the problem. Windows 7 did not have a 64x driver for my Konica Minolta page pro printer but one may be available from Minolta later this month.Did not have any other problems with this computer to date.

2. A very reasonably priced machine with above average specifications. However, no documentation at all. Also you will have to buy (a) wifi adapter (b) Bluetooth dongle (c) speakers and a few other items. Ridiculous card guard. You have to break the protective covers by twisting them back and forth rather than remove a screw.

3. We purchased this computer for moderate gaming and to get something that should be fast for at least a few years. This definitely fits the bill.

   Pros:

   –The quad core processor is fast. I often window between large programs, and this does so quickly. (Random fact: it shuts off completely in about 10 seconds.)

   –It’s quiet. People who hate hearing fans will love the variable RPM that allows it to run hot only when necessary.

   –We were able to install our own graphics card–Sapphire Radeon HD4670 1 GB DDR3 VGA/DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card 100296HDMI–without changing out the power supply. The HD4670 recommends a 350 watt power supply, but so far it works fine with the 300 watt that comes in the AM3300.

   –There are connections for 4 USB, headset, and mic conveniently placed at the halfway point of the top of the computer. We’re still not using these as there are also many connections at the back for components you’re not moving around often.

   –Not a lot of bloatware.

   –There appears to be space for a 2nd optical drive for those who want to add a Blu-ray player later. I can’t verify this with 100% certainty since we have not tried this ourselves.

   –The price is right.

   –Games are more fun. We can turn up graphics quite a bit and still have fast performance. Even with our mediocre monitor, they look 200% better.

   Cons:

   –Not always available from Amazon.com directly. With Amazon you know that you get the manufacturer’s warranty coverage included in the price. Also, no sales tax to most states, which saved us a bit o’ cash.

   –The packaging it was shipped in (Acer’s box) was a little odd. It was mostly protected, but one part of the computer was somewhat exposed (though still in plastic packaging).

   –The 6GB of RAM is spread out in 1.5GB sticks in the 4 slots, which makes upgrading the RAM much more expensive. We were happy opting for the 1GB in the graphics card we purchased, and don’t plan to upgrade the painful way.

   –The little door that opens for the DVD player can come off easily in the right circumstances. We noticed this when laying the whole case flat to add the graphics card. It was easy to put back on, fortunately.

   All in all, we’re quite happy with it for the money. In truth, the integrated graphics card was good enough that we didn’t really need to upgrade it for our uses. 4.5 stars overall.

4. I bought mine from Frys for $499, everything technical is as good as others have reviewed. I took one star away because after I registered my desktop, I noticed Acer shorted me TWO months of coverage. After much email inquiries and asking for the same purchase information; I decided to drop my request for now and worry about it when I really need warranty service. Most likely I will get one of those Squaretrade Warranty instead.
   Note: Acer owner can go online and enter the serial number to check warranty coverage.

5. This computer is a great value, and I am really enjoying it.

   It is extremely fast – I get to the log-in screen within 30 seconds after start-up,
   and then I am logged in 15 seconds after that.

   The pre-loaded McAfee security suite works well, so I went ahead and
   purchased a one year renewal.

   The USB keyboard has a comfortable and a soft touch, and the USB mouse is
   responsive and precise.
   The computer also comes with PS/2 inputs for you to use with a favorite older
   keyboard or mouse.
   It has convenient USB inputs on the top and on the back.
   It also comes with an HDMI outlet for hooking up to your television – I have
   not tried this feature yet.
   The computer is extremely quiet – my refrigerator is actually louder.
   It comes with free Microsoft Works pre-loaded, and with a Microsoft Office free 60 day trial as well.

   I initially had trouble with the pre-loaded Internet Explorer 8 giving me page load errors -
   I found that the auto-complete function was taking me to expired web pages -
   I disabled auto-complete in the content section of internet explorer tools/internet options, and the problem was solved.
   I also make sure to delete my cookies and my browser history every day.

   The only other problem I have experienced is that I am unable to start the computer with my Seagate external hard drive attached – it gives an unable to load operating system message. I have no problem if I attach the external hard drive after start-up.

   The computer does not come with a lot of set-up instruction, but it is easy to set up if you have basic computer knowledge.
   You will need to burn 4 blank DVD’s to create your recovery discs.

   I use this computer for surfing the net and for basic office functions, and it has been a great value for me.
   I have had it for three months now, and it is performing reliably.