Late last year, NVIDIA surprised everybody with the launch of its Ion platform, a concept that was to forever bind an energy-efficient GeForce motherboard GPU with one of Intel's most successful products to date, the Atom processor. Although the platform was appreciated by leading industry players like Microsoft and Google, system vendors were late to announce a product that would take advantage of the features made available by NVIDIA's new pride and joy. However, after months of anticipation, the first NVIDIA Ion-based product made its official debut, with Acer being the first system vendor to announce one.

 

Although it was initially rumored as the Acer Hornet, the first NVIDIA Ion product was launched as the Aspire Revo, a small-sized nettop capable of providing users with a true home entertainment solution. The desktop computer system featured a design similar to that of Nintendo's much-hyped Wii gaming console, while providing the end user with a choice for a low-power PC, capable of delivering support for some gaming applications, Microsoft Windows Vista and 7 operating systems, as well as 1080p video.

 

Even if Acer initially outed the product back in early April, the nettop had some difficulties becoming available to the market. Reviews came in late, as they were published towards the end of April. Still, after a few months with Aspire Revo out in the open, Acer can now observe how the collaboration with NVIDIA will provide it with an increased market share in the nettop segment.

 

On that note, we had our first chance at putting the Ion-based Aspire Revo through its paces earlier this month, an event we waited for with great anticipation. Some of us here at Softpedia were already thinking of our next computer purchase, setting our eyes one some of these new low-power PCs that could provide for an excellent second PC solution. Now, without further ado, we should head on the review itself, pointing some of the pluses and minuses of the low-power PC.