Acer Aspire Z3731 review

It has six USB ports – four at the back and two on the right-hand side of the display – as well as an eSATA port, 5.1 analogue surround sound outputs, a memory card reader and a TV tuner that you can use with Windows Media Center. You can output your display to projector or second screen with a VGA connection. There’s even a pair of PS/2 ports that means you can replace the supplied wireless mouse and keyboard if you have an old set that you want to use.

The 21.5in touchscreen display doesn’t suffer noticeably from the gritty appearance that affects some, although it’s not particularly good for using Windows and we prefer using a keyboard and mouse. Although it’s not the brightest screen around, its backlighting is even and its colours natural, with clear white tones. The built-in speakers are a little harsh and tinny, without much depth to bass notes, but they do a fair job for casual listening.

If it cost more or had fewer ports, the Z3731 wouldn’t be worth having, but at £400 this is a flexible, space-saving PC that covers the basics and can even serve as a TV. If you can live without 3D gaming, it’s a great choice for saving space in a student flat and an excellent Budget Buy.