Nettop Computer: Acer Veriton N260G Review
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Nettop Computer Review: Acer Veriton and Aspire Intel Atom Based Computers
Nettop computers are the new fashion: inexpensive, very low power-consumption; very small and quiet (making them ideal for use as a media-centre PC) They are also ideal as a second computer or for the kids to use and can be left on all day without damaging the planet too much.
These computers became popular when the Asus Eee PC was launched in 2008, which was based on the new Intel Atom single-core (N230 and N280), low power consumption processor (also used in Asus Netbook computers), which used a tiny fraction of the power of the dual-core higher clock-rate CPUs popular in laptops.
The newly launched (July 2009) Acer Aspire and Acer Veriton N Series nettops are an improvent on this original idea, but with some additional media-centre friendly additions, such as HDMI output (so you can plug it into you television and home theater (i.e. home cinema) system) The Acer Veriton uses a similar Intel Atom processor and the Acer Aspire has the faster Nvidia graphics processor. They come in a variety of models:
Acer Aspire Revo R3600 Desktop, which has an Intel Atom N230 1.6 GHz, 1 GB of RAM and just 8 GB of SSD memory (i.e. no optical disk) and with Linux installed
Acer Veriton N260G Desktop, which has an Intel Atom N280 1.66 GHz, 1 GB of RAM and Microsoft XP Home Edition (Office Ready)
Acer Aspire Revo R3600 Desktop, which has an Intel Atom N230 1.6 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, 160 GB HDD and with Vista Home Premium installed
Various other permutations exist with more RAM and different operating systems. All come with a keyboard and a mouse.
Here is a review of the Acer Veriton N260G Desktop which I have purchased as a media-pc and photo album which I have networked with Apple macbooks and iMacs (details of how to do this below) What is the difference between the Acer Aspire Revo and the Acer Veriton N260G?
Table of Contents: Acer Veriton and Aspire Nettop Computers
- Nettop Computing
- Nettop Review: Acer Veriton N260G
- Home Theater/Cinema
- Home Theater Kit
- Acer Veriton N260G and alternatives
- Inexpensive Computer Monitors
- Acer Veriton N260G Setup and use
- More Home Theater Kit
- Alternatives to the Acer Veriton N260G and Acer Aspire Revo
- Apple Mac Mini vs Acer Veriton/Aspire
- Apple Macs Minis
- Other Acer Aspire Computers
- Please Twitter Follow AndyPo
- Related Articles
- All About Me
- More Intel Atom Nettop Computers
- Please Leave Some Feedback
- Photo Gallery
Nettop Computing
Acer Veriton N260G
Nettop Review: Acer Veriton N260G
Acer Aspire and Acer Veriton N Series Nettop Computers

Nettop computers, based on the Intel Atom processor, are not powerful/fast, but use very little power and can be left running for long periods without damaging the environment. The new Acer Veriton N series computers however have an integrated Intel GMA 4500M graphics processor, whereas the Acer Aspire Revo R3600 has the more powerful Nvidia ION graphics processor which makes it fast enough to handle HD video without stuttering and therefore makes it ideal for Home Theater/Cinema applications or as a media-pc i.e. you can store all of your music, photos, videos and also store television programmes, either downloaded from the internet or from terrestrial digital TV e.g. Freeview (via an adaptor)
Specifications: Veriton N260G
OS: Windows XP Home Edition
CPU: Intel Atom processor N280
RAM: 1GB DDR2
HDD: 160GB
Optical: None
Video: Intel GMA 4500M Integrated
LAN: Wireless LAN
Modem: None
Keyboard: PS2
Mouse: USB
Speaker: None
BIOS: P01-A2
I bought the Acer Veriton N260G mid-range model with 160 GB disc and Microsoft XP installed. This has good storage space, but avoids the cost of an expensive operating system, such as Vista. I paid about £160 (excl. VAT) The computer is tiny at just 3 kg in weight and just 180 (L) x 180 (H) x 30 (W) mm in size (7" x 7" x 1.5")
The difference between the Acer Aspire Revo and the Acer Veriton N260G nettop computers: Veriton versions do not have the NVIDIA Ion graphics processor, but do have the faster Intel Atom N280 cpu, otherwise these computers are very similar.
Home Theater/Cinema
Use your Acer Aspire as a Media-Centre PC
Home Theater Kit
Acer Veriton N260G and alternatives
Inexpensive Computer Monitors
Acer Veriton N260G Setup and use
Acer Veriton N260G Setup
and file-sharing with Apple iMac, Macbook and Windows XP
The setup of the Acer Veriton N260G is very simple. Plug in the keyboard, mouse, power-cable, HDMI (or VGA) to the television or monitor and press the power-button. It really is that simple. You then have a standard Windows XP Home computer. It even connected to the wireless network without any problems, so internet browsing was possible straight away.
The only problems I had were trying to get it to talk to my other computers on the network: Apple Macbooks. I am running Mac OSX 10.5 and did finally manage to setup file sharing with the XP, but I had to do the following:
How to file share between Apple Mac and Acer Veriton of Aspire with Microsoft XP Home
create a copy of the default "Automatic" location the create a new work-group: MSHOME
On the PC I created a new network place linking to the shared folder on the Mac and was able to copy file between the two.
More Home Theater Kit
Alternatives to the Acer Veriton N260G and Acer Aspire Revo
Apple Mac Mini vs Acer Veriton/Aspire
The Acer Veriton and Aspire build quality is reasonably good, especially when you consider the very low price, but not in the same league as an Apple Mac (which cost far more) they can however be tucked away behind the television or monitor (although mine had very low WiFi signal strength there and had to be moved to under the TV, where it was fine. The computer dimesions are tiny at just 3 kg in weight and just 180 (L) x 180 (H) x 30 (W) mm in size (7" x 7" x 1.5") The plastic used for the case feels quite cheap, but looks reasonably stylish, partly because of the unusual trapezoidal shape and the slim design (and lack of optical drive) The stand which allows the Acer computers to stand up is flimsy, but works fine and there is also a bracket that allows the computer to be mounted on the back of the monitor. The keyboard and mouse provided and effectively free (Apple Mac mini doesn't come with either) but despite that they are quite useable and far from the worst I have used.
An alternative to the Acer Aspire and Veriton computers could be the Apple Mac Mini computers. These are beautifully made and will also work straight out of the box. They have also an optical drive (but not Blu Ray, although the Acer models have no optical drive) and look excellent in the lounge. The Mac mini is also a tiny machine at a similar total volume to the Acer computers.
Apple Macs Minis
Other Acer Aspire Computers
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karmicchristian
Feb 2, 2012 @ 5:47 am | delete
- Very nicely reviewed. Was planning on upgrading my laptop and frankly had not considered an Acer till now!
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vekoslavr
Jan 25, 2012 @ 8:12 am | delete
- Very informative lens. Thank.
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antoniow
Jan 18, 2012 @ 5:55 am | delete
- Great lens thank you, thumbs up!
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bikerministry
Jan 13, 2012 @ 6:38 pm | delete
- This is so informative. Always hard to know which product will be around a few years after purchase. I appreciate your research here. Blessings.
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NegativeScanner
Aug 17, 2011 @ 4:09 am | delete
- Originally netbook was created to target education market or consumers who might want a second computer, netbooks are gaining a broader consumer base now that budgets are tight and consumers around the world are starting to feel comfortable using applications and media in the cloud. Find more on scanners at negative scanner.
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gypsyman27
Jul 10, 2011 @ 2:42 am | delete
- I picked this lens to read because I wanted information on the nettop. You did a wonderful job on filling in the blanks for me on this relatively new technology. I then noticed the layout of your lens, it's really nice and has many items of interest besides the main topic. I'm learning from the best! See you around the galaxy...
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sukkran
Jun 21, 2011 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- well presented review on nettop computers. i think acer aspire revo R3600 is cool and going to be my next option. thanks for the info.
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sukkran
Jun 21, 2011 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- well presented review on nettop computers. i think acer aspire revo R3600 is cool and going to be my next option. thanks for the info.
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jvsper63
Mar 17, 2011 @ 10:30 pm | delete
- Hi, Nice item's. Very good review. Well done!! Good lens Joni
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thesuccess
Feb 27, 2011 @ 11:12 am | delete
- Something I never see quoted is how long the battery will hold up if you don't use (or charge) your netbook.
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tropicalmonsoon
Dec 26, 2010 @ 9:12 pm | delete
- Nice lens although I prefer full size (13" +) computers.
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SereneSea
Dec 16, 2010 @ 11:01 pm | delete
- Looks like a cool gadget and a great gift
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poddys
Nov 13, 2010 @ 2:05 am | delete
- Sounds like an interesting machine. I would love to build myself a small machine as a media centre, but don't have the money to justify it right now.
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MarkUpshaw Oct 21, 2010 @ 1:14 am | delete
- Good lens, nice review. I am in the market. I am waiting for the sales on Black Friday at the end of November.
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RebeccaE
Oct 3, 2010 @ 1:15 pm | delete
- great information, thanks for this. Learned a lot abotu a new technology
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morach2009
Oct 3, 2010 @ 10:56 am | delete
- Best laptop prices reading laptop reviews ,check prices comparison and buy cheap laptops.
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aesta1
Sep 18, 2010 @ 8:03 pm | delete
- Good feature here. I recently got one and it is much lighter than any of our laptops so I can easily go around with it. Really happy I got it. Will feature this in my lens on mobile lifestyle. Thanks for the visit.
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aesta1
Sep 18, 2010 @ 8:03 pm | delete
- Good feature here. I recently got one and it is much lighter than any of our laptops so I can easily go around with it. Really happy I got it. Will feature this in my lens on mobile lifestyle. Thanks for the visit.
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ElizabethJeanAllen
May 16, 2010 @ 6:06 am | delete
- Great information.
Thanks for sharing
Lizzy
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Tipi
Apr 4, 2010 @ 11:45 am | delete
- Love how you constructed this lens Andy. Stopped by to wish you a Happy Easter! Been thinking of you, but like you...I'm pretty busy. Have a GREAT DAY!!!
Susie
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Hi, I am Andy. I live in the U.K. but have worked and travelled all over the world. I am a semi-professional wildlife and travel photographer (i.e. I sold... more »
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