Acer recently introduced the Aspire X1200 small form factor system, one of their latest desktop additions to the ever expanding Aspire line. Acer describes the X1200 as a stylish, space saving and low-cost option for an average business computer or home theater PC.

Currently shipping in three different packages - the first which we'll be taking a look at today - consists of an AMD Athlon X2 4850e processor operating at 2.5GHz, 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, Nvidia GeForce 8200 graphics, a DVD burner and Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit for about $470. Another model comes equipped with a marginally faster 2.6GHz Athlon X2 5000+ for an additional $10, while the most complete model adds to the package a 22" LCD monitor and a 500GB hard drive, all for $700.

Measuring only 10.6 x 4.0 x 14.4 inches, Acer has managed to pack a lot of computer into a very small package, which includes a 14-in-1 card reader, eSATA and HDMI ports and full 5.1-channel audio support.

Inside the Aspire X1200's box you will find everything needed to get up and running in no time (sans monitor). Along with the chassis itself, the package contains a full size keyboard, optical mouse, a pair of speakers, power cable, phone cable, quick reference manual, warranty information and all of the necessary driver and software discs should you ever need to reload software or reformat the system. A complete list of technical specifications can be found at Acer's website.

The keyboard and mouse included with the X1200 are about what you would expect from a package like this - sufficient. The keyboard is a basic PS/2 full size unit, black in color with white lettering. The included mouse is equally uneventful. Left and right click buttons and a scroll wheel occupy the top of the unit. Underneath, four small mouse feet provide a smooth sliding surface. Overall, the mouse just kind of feels cheap - not very solid and extremely lightweight.

Rounding out the included accessory pack are a pair of USB-powered speakers. The right speaker has two clear plastic extrusions - one for volume adjustment and the other houses a headphone jack for easy connection on your desk. I would consider these speakers the equivalent of monitor attached speakers which are perfectly fine for a business setting.

The Aspire X1200 chassis is absolutely tiny - one of the smallest I have seen, which is great because it can snugly fit under an office cubicle desk or easily blend into a home theater setup. The system power button is neatly located on the top of the front bezel and has been nicely integrated with the rest of the case styling. An optical drive is mounted vertically and accessible by pressing the a button under the Acer logo on the front bezel. Directly below is the front panel I/O section, complete with a 14-in-1 card reader, mic and headphone jacks, five USB ports and a 1394 port. On the side of the front bezel is the Aspire nameplate and the hard drive LED activity light.