What are some reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27-1700-UA91? The Acer Aspire C27 is an all-in-one PC that integrates the hardware needed to run it directly into the monitor. You can think of it as a Windows-driven iMac.
Now, there are certainly some benefits to using an all-in-one computer, especially if you’re factoring in aspects like desk space and cable management. However, you might find the Aspire C27 doesn’t quite fit the bill for what you need out of a computer.
All-in-ones are all about compromise, as you’re sacrificing desktop power for a much slimmer profile. With that in mind, it is time to take a deeper look at some reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27.
What Is the Acer Aspire C27?
- Screen: 27 inches IPS FHD
- CPU: Intel's 12th generation i5
- Storage: 512GB SSD, RAM: 16GB DDR4
- OS: Windows 11
- All-in-one PC design saves space and reduces clutter
The Acer Aspire C27-1700-UA91 is an all-in-one computer with an integrated 27-inch display. It features an NVMe SSD for unprecedented speed when saving files or working. You also get access to Wi-Fi 6 capabilities directly integrated into the device.
As far as all-in-ones go, the C27 is firmly a middle-of-the-road option. You can routinely find them on sale for below $800 if you’re patient. However, there are quite a few drawbacks to using this particular computer.
Specs
| Acer Aspire C27-1700-UA91 | |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Processor | Intel i5-1235U |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Display Type | IPS |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| MSRP | $899 |
Reasons to Avoid an Acer Aspire C27
Here are six reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27.
1. Grainy Display
All-in-one computers like the Aspire C27 live or die by the quality of their display. Some, like Apple’s iMac, are renowned for their clarity and overall quality. However, the Aspire C27 doesn’t quite measure up to the iMac.
You get a spacious 27-inch display, which is directly integrated with the rest of the computer. However, the quality of the panel used on the display makes for the first of many reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire 27.
The display resolution is 1080p, which isn’t really suitable for such a large display. As a result, there is quite a bit of stretching and such happening in the vertical space of the display.
You could alleviate this by purchasing an additional external display. However, that is sort of ignoring the main issue.
2. Poor Speakers
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Another of the reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27 directly correlates to the quality of the speakers on the device. To keep unwanted protrusions away, Acer opted for down-firing speakers mounted on the back of the display.
A more typical configuration is to mount a soundbar directly beneath the display. As such, the quality of sound from the Acer Aspire C27 is lacking.
There isn’t much in the way of bass response, and it can sound quite muffled if you have the display closer to a wall. You could mitigate this with a soundbar, external speakers, or even a pair of headphones.
However, for users looking to keep their setup tidy, this might be a sticking point.
3. No USB-C Ports
The Acer Aspire C27 comes with quite a few ports, which are a precious commodity when thinking about today’s computers. Users looking for USB-A 2.0 and 3.0 ports are more than covered, with a pair of each on the back of the display. Sadly, there seem to be no Type-C connectors.
Computing is overwhelmingly shifting towards Type-C connectors, which are great for connecting accessories and external storage. However, this might be one of the reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27. You’ll need to get adapters or opt for accessories utilizing the older Type-A connectors.
4. Lackluster 720p Webcam
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Most laptops and all-in-ones come with an internal webcam of sorts. With so much of modern life revolving around video teleconferencing, it makes sense to have something there so you can participate in Zoom calls.
This is just one of the reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27, but the webcam’s quality is lacking. The output is grainy and lacks good contrast.
As such, you’ll likely have to opt for an additional webcam of some sort to get things to a more acceptable standard. This has the additional caveat of likely requiring a USB hub since there are only four ports to use at any given time.
5. Underpowered GPU
The Intel Iris Xe is a capable GPU, but it lacks power for more taxing tasks. This isn’t really a surprise that the GPU is underpowered, given that the Aspire C27 is essentially an Aspire laptop married to an external display.
If you’re looking to do any sort of harder AI work or gaming, this is just one of the reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27.
That isn’t to say the Xe is a lacking GPU, but it works well with driving displays and light gaming at the best of times. You’ll likely want a discrete GPU of some sort if you’re in the AI field or looking to indulge in some PC gaming.
6. The Processor Could Be Faster
The Acer Aspire C27 features a mobile-intended Intel i5 processor. Now, on paper, this is a perfectly decent CPU, capable of handling most tasks. However, given the pricing of other comparable all-in-ones, it seems a bit lacking.
The integrated CPU is efficient but can be prone to overheating issues and the like. For such a tidy system, this can be a real problem, as there isn’t really space for more robust heat dissipation methods. As such, this is just another of the reasons to avoid an Acer Aspire C27.
Integrating better airflow and a faster processor like the mobile Ryzen chipsets would go a long way in making this a better all-in-one PC. As it sits, it’ll do fine provided you aren’t pushing harder tasks upon it.
Alternatives to the Acer Aspire C27
Here are three of our favorite alternatives to the Acer Aspire C27. These are also all-in-one computers but offer a little something extra over the Aspire C27.
Apple iMac
- 24-inch Retina display
- 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage
- Compatible with Microsoft 365, Adobe, iPhone/iPad apps
- Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
- Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
The Apple iMac has long been the king when it comes to providing a great all-in-one experience. You get access to a stellar retina display, measuring 21 inches diagonally. Newer iMacs feature the Apple Silicon processors which are fast and quite efficient.
They are considerably more expensive than the Aspire C27, but you certainly get quite a bit for your increased costs. Apple products aren’t for everyone, but if you’re looking to do some serious work, the iMac won’t let you down.
It isn’t the best system for gaming, but you’re likely not going to consider gaming on an all-in-one as it sits.
HP Pavillion 24 All-in-One
The HP Pavilion 24 All-in-One marries quite a few great concepts together for a cost-effective computing experience. It is within the same price bracket as the Aspire C27 but features better speakers, a clearer display, and an integrated touchscreen.
The speakers are mounted in a soundbar directly beneath the 24-inch display. The display itself is of superior quality, as the smaller diagonal measurement allows for more effective use of the 1080p resolution.
It is lacking in power compared to the C27 but handles thermal management quite a bit better thanks to the Intel i3-12300T. If you’re looking for a productivity daily driver, it’s hard to go wrong with the Pavilion 24 All-in-One.
ASUS M3700
- Stunning 27-inch display
- AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- 16GB of DDR4 RAM
- 512GB of SSD storage
The M3700 from ASUS is one of the best choices around for a Windows-based all-in-one computer. You get access to a great 27-inch display with superior contrast and a super wide viewing angle.
The M3700 also features a robust AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor. This is one of the fastest processors available in the mobile space and will make day-to-day tasks a breeze. You get access to 16GB of DDR4 RAM, so you’re well-supported for multi-tasking.
This all-in-one also features a great set of speakers with superior bass response. You can effectively use it as a media station in addition to addressing any of your productivity needs.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, you’re coming away from this guide better prepared to make an AIO PC decision. There are some great alternatives to the Acer Aspire C27 that are in the same range cost-wise.
| Reasons to Avoid an Acer Aspire C27 |
|---|
| 1. It has a grainy and less-than-ideal IPS display. |
| 2. The speakers are muffled and lack bass response. |
| 3. The device has no USB Type-C ports. |
| 4. Acer’s integrated webcam is of poor quality. |
| 5. The GPU isn’t ideal for all tasks. |
| 6. The CPU is underpowered and prone to thermal throttling. |
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