76 Acer Aspire One £220 www.amazon.co.uk/www.acer.co.uk
Neat netbook great for media Chris Jenkins looks for entertainment in a pocket-sized PC Given that everyone is getting used to the idea of mobile digital AV, with MP3 and WMV files replacing CD and DVD for entertainment on the move, it shouldn’t shock you to find us reviewing a ‘netbook’ PC. Solidly-made and available in a choice of colours, the basic Aspire One includes an Intel Atom processor with 512MB RAM, an 8.9in 16:9 display, 8GB solid state drive, memory expansion slots, three USB ports, networking and a webcam. Our sample ran the open-source Linux Lite operating system. After negotiating an opening option menu, this seemed remarkably similar to Windows. The Firefox browser and OpenOffice behave as expected, although we did find some format limitations with media file playback. This is a wonderful machine: better than its main rival the Asus Eee, and
Highs l Performs main functions of a fully-fledged laptop – browse the ‘net, download files, write documents, send e-mails, play games, watch video, play music etc... l Proper mechanical keyboard, full range of connections. l 1024x600 screen gives superb images even in brightly-lit conditions.
Lows l Can’t play DVDs or CDs without external USB optical disk device. l Speakers are barely adequate, offering low volume and no bass. You’re better off using headphones.
represents a sound alternative to all sorts of pocket CE devices. But to get the best you might want to invest in the £300 Windows version with 120GB HDD and extra RAM.
Small view: The screen on the Aspire One is a mere 8.9ins but still sharp
Verdict Acer Aspire One £220 Approx Price check: www.techradar.com/384400
Overall:
Euroscreen AV Cabinet £300 Approx www.bjurab.co.uk
Everything in its place A cabinet for all your AV kit? Chris Jenkins is intrigued While refitting our demo suite, I began to consider the virtues of AV furniture designed for commercial, presentation and education purposes. After talking to suppliers Bjurab Euroscreen, I believe there are a good number of domestic users who might be interested, too. Many readers will have equipment sitting on a stand or in a rack; but shifting such a stack around, for improved temporary access, is generally a major undertaking. Not so with the Euroscreen AV Cabinet. Your amp, player, and maybe a games console can be fitted inside, along with a small projector, or a larger one on top. Just disconnect the speaker cables and close the doors, and you could roll the whole lot into another room if you feel the need. The Swedish-designed cabinet is beautifully made and has three internal shelves, two adjustable, and Home Cinema Choice january 2009
the top shelf can slide out up to 26 cm for easy access. Both front and back doors are lockable, and the rear door has substantial ventilation grilles to avoid overheating issues. The back and the top have cable access ports, and the cabinet is mounted on four solid castors. There’s also an option to have 19in rack mountings fitted.
Highs l The cabinet makes it easy to lock all your AV equipment away out of sight – it also makes it easy to move it around when the need arrives. l Setup and running are no problem due to the cabinet’s cabling and ventilation features.
Lows l Looks a bit industrial, and if you like to do a lot of repatching of cables, the rear door may be a hindrance.
Verdict Euroscreen AV Cabinet Premium £300 approx Price check: www.techradar.com/477035
Overall:
In Brief Raindance Writers’ Lab: Write + Sell The Hot Screenplay Focal Press £18 Approx Pretty much every film fan dreams of writing their own film, and this second edition of Elliot Grove’s no-nonsense book is invaluable. From tips on story structure and laying out a script, to getting an agent and producer, no stone goes unturned.