ACi Revolution

In common with Rock's T200 (see above), ACi's Revolution tablet PC doesn't rely on an active EMI (electromagnetic interface) screen, instead using a passive touch-sensitive panel similar to those that Fujitsu implemented on some of its notebooks a few years ago. Unfortunately, it doesn't manage to sidestep the screen brightness problems that plague all tablets, as the display is disappointingly dark. The definition is fine, but viewing angles cause major contrast issues in anything other than straight-on use. Visibility is also affected by the high reflectivity, which becomes noticeable in even moderate sunlight.

The screen's sliding-lock mechanisms keep it firmly in place when in notebook mode, and the central pivot also feels secure enough not to cause concerns if switching modes in a hurry. Moving into tablet mode simply requires sliding catches across to re-orientate the locking pins.

Once in tablet mode, the screen is responsive to stylus use, although leaning your hand on it for support causes problems. It's quick enough to be able to peck away at the calculator or on-screen keyboard with reasonable speed, but you need to tap fairly hard. Shortcut buttons for Tab and Esc, as well as a jog wheel for scrolling, are included.

Thankfully, there's always the keyboard to go back to, and it's a splendid example. The layout isn't perfect, with the function modifier keys where you'd expect Ctrl to be and PgUp and PgDn sharing keys with Home and End, but the key depth and solidity make it a joy to use, even at high typing speeds. It's also mercifully quiet.

Ironically, it's probably the Revolution's best feature, as elsewhere things start to look decidedly lacking. Ports come in the guise of just a single Type II PC Card slot, infrared and two USB 2 ports. A media-card reader supporting SD and MMC cards is also included, as well as a VGA out for hooking up an external monitor. That's it, apart from the 10/100 Ethernet, 56K modem and 802.11b/g WLAN. There isn't even an optical drive built into the chassis - this comes as a USB external combo drive requiring external power.

It all makes for a reasonably slim 30mm chassis, but despite all that's missing, it still weighs in at a rather unwieldy 2.7kg. We were also surprised to find battery life only extending to three hours under our light-use testing. You could expect somewhat less than that if you're working on a PowerPoint slide show on the train.

With a 1.6GHz Pentium M returning a benchmark score of 1.28, you'll have little to complain about for most jobs, but any serious 3D gaming is beyond Intel's shared graphics. 3DMark2001 SE gave a result of just 1,771.

All in all, there are too many areas in which the Revolution can't justify its cost, particularly given the price of Rock's T200.

Author: Ross Burridge