Vizio CA27-A0 All-in-One (27-inch)

After announcing its plans to enter the U.S. PC market at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Vizio today unveiled its complete PC lineup, including a pair of sleek all-in-one desktops that we're highlighting in this post.

The simply named Vizio All-in-One comes with either a 24-inch or a 27-inch nontouch display. Each screen size has three configuration options, starting with Intel's third-generation Ivy Bridge Core i3 dual-core CPUs, and topping out at the 2.3GHz Core i7-3610QM quad-core chip.

Other component options include a lower-end version of Nvidia's new Kepler graphics card, the GeForce GT 640M LE, as well as a 32GB solid-state drive (SSD) installed on the motherboard to speed boot times and access to frequently used files (via Intel's Rapid Start Technology).

Again, neither model has a touch screen, but Vizio has included a remote control, as well as a wireless touch pad, the latter presumably keeping in mind Windows 8 and its touch-oriented Metro interface. Between the remote, the breakaway subwoofer, and the pair of HDMI inputs on each unit, the 27-inch model especially should make a serviceable digital entertainment hub.

The resolution on each display tops out at 1,920x1,080 pixels. That's in line with most other large all-in-ones, but the 27-inch Apple iMac and the Dell XPS One 27 both feature 2,560x1,440-pixel displays, making them a better choice for design pros and others who might want higher screen density.

Pricing starts at $898 for the Core i3 24-inch Vizio All-In-One,the 27-inch model starts at $1,098, and both are available for purchase from Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target, and other retailers.

Seeing the units up close, it's clear that Vizio took design seriously. The display is pleasingly trim; I'd guess it's about half an inch thick. It's mounted on an aluminum arm that tilts up and down. Ports and everything else are logically placed around the back of the base unit and along the right edge.

I was also surprised by the input devices, which feel more substantial than they look. The keyboard especially has a nice heft and is responsive enough. The touch pad is more finicky, and it didn't respond as quickly or as accurately to "left" and "right" clicking as I wanted it to.

Vizio says we'll have a review unit soon, so check back for the complete evaluation.