Customise & Build Your Computer From Acer’s ‘Building Blocks’

Taiwanese firm Acer unveiled its Revo Build ‘building block’ style computer to the world at September’s Berlin's Ifa tech show. It could be an important step in simplifying how our computer hardware fits together, as well as being a step forward in eliminating the need for all of those unsightly, awkward to deal with and potentially dangerous cables from the back of our home and office computers.

Concept Like The Latest Mobile Phones

Acer’s new computer concept mirrors that of what is thought to be the next new wave of mobile phones that will be designed in a way that allows you simply ‘snap on’ extra features. As well as meaning that anyone can do it without needing any technical mobile phone know-how it also could mean that we could be purchasing more items from mobile phone companies in between the phone upgrades themselves.

Modular Cuboid Blocks

The Acer Revo Build computer slots together in modular cuboid blocks, one slotted (using a series of pins top and bottom) on top of the other e.g. the Graphics Block, the main PC block, the Voice Block, the Portable Hard Drive Block & the Wireless Power Bank Block. What you get is a neat, tidy looking snap-together cuboid tower that you can customise to meet your specific needs by including or excluding specific modules.

Sounds Perfect - What’s The Bad News?

Yes is sounds like a great new concept, but as with everything that sounds this good there are always a few minus points, compromises, or things that aren’t quite ready to go just yet. From what we know of the Acer Revo Build these include:

Only one add-on block is available at the moment, the 500GB or one terabyte portable hard drive. Acer are hopeful however that they will be releasing more new ‘blocks’ in the coming months. The first ones are reported to be the Power Bank to enable the PC to run when it’s not plugged in (or to charge your phone), the Audio Block for your speakers and microphone (and to act as its own portable music player!), and the Graphics Block to help enhance the use of video games and image-intensive processes.

Relatively limited processing power. The chip options at the moment are Intel's Celeron and Pentium processors. This could make the Revo Build less attractive to the gaming community.

Uncertainty as yet about Acer’s plans for developing this system in the longer term. This could of course depend upon the popularity of the first versions but before there is a big commitment by businesses for example, they may be seeking assurances that they could still be able to upgrade their computers in the same simple way in several years time.