I went down to the local computer chain tonight to get a couple of USB cables.


As I looked over the new machines, I started eyeing a lower-end Acer. Keep in mind that the "low end" of today is light years beyond my old P4.

I picked up a new Acer AX1700-U3700A for $399 USD. I'm typing this using a Mandriva Live CD and it's already faster than the P4 is off the hard drive!!!

I've got full 3D desktop effects running, ethernet is working obviously, sound is good... The NVidia card is NOT motherboard integrated, and it's got DVI and HDMI outputs. The basics:

* Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor E2220
* 4GB DDR2 RAM
* 640GB 7,200RPM Hard Drive
* Labelflash SuperMulti Double Layer DVD±RW Drive
* 14-in-1 Digital Media Reader
* NVIDIA® GeForce® G100
* 10/100/1000 Network
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) (soon to be deleted!!!!)

I'm really loving this. I'm about to click the 'install' button and wipe Vista out of existence.

I never even gave Vista a chance to boot! I intercepted the boot process, popped in the Mandriva CD and here I am!! LOL!


So, for the record, it appears that this little Acer is nice and Linux-compatible. Everything is working: Sound, Ethernet, 3D desktop effects, USB ports and card reader have all been tested... I already know Mandriva has the drivers for my printer.

Yeah, I know I could've gotten a little more for my money, but I really hate the idea of building another PC. This makes my 2nd proprietary machine, and I'm OK with that. It's physically smaller than the P4, which was a decently small SFF to begin with. It's not quite as powerful as a Core 2 or equivalent AMD chip, but so far it's like I just went from a 10MHz XT up to a 486...LOL.

Thanks to all that assisted me!

Thanks for the suggestion, I wish it had worked.

credit auto