The 14-inch 1366 x 768 display does edge-to-edge glass in what would normally be a 13.3-inch chassis. The $700 package includes a Core i5-2410M CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, 500GB HDD and integrated HD 3000 graphics. Spend $800 and you’ll ditch the integrated graphics for the NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M GPU with Optimus. Both come with that sexy screen, USB 3.0 and an optical drive, though. Interested? The press release states the ID47 is available starting today, but I can’t find it on Gateway’s website nor any retailers. Expect it shortly.

That makes the FHX series the must-buy, right? Well, no. If you’re not gaming, you may want to sacrifice the extra milliseconds and one inch. Why? Well, look at it. It’s embedded above. The FHX model looks down right pedestrian in comparison.

It’s a red-letter day, folks: Gateway just release a $700 NV laptop with WiMAX built-in, namely the Intel 6250 Wi-Fi/WiMax card. Otherwise this is pretty bog-standard for a laptop although it does seem to mirror HP’s sexy styling on their own Envy line.

WiMax connectivity comes from carriers across the country and isn’t included in the package.

Press release after the jump.

The all-in-one form factor isn’t going anywhere and Gateway is just reaffirmed their commitment with two new models. Even though these things hit for less than a grand, they’re still capabile machines and might fit your requirements. Both the 21.5- and 23-inch models rock Full HD touchscreens, 4GB of Ram, at least a 500GB hard drive, and Blu-ray drives. The larger, 23-inch  ZX6951 model rocks a Core i3 and TV tuner though. Not too bad for a $999 MSRP. Look for them as soon as today at the usual electronic retailers.

The new LT32 runs with an 11.6 inch screen, and enough power to run HD video, something that most netbooks are forced to struggle with. For full details and specifications check out the press release below, but expect the LT32 to retail for $450, and be available from your local retailer in the near future.

From the press release:

Improved Netbook Performance, Graphics Boost Enhanced by Large HD Display

The Gateway LT32 netbook line uses an AMD Athlon II Neo K125 processor backed by 2GB of DDR3 system memory for speedy web-browsing, music downloads, moving through applications, and handling multiple tasks. Plus, the ATI Radeon HD 4225 Graphics with 384MB of dedicated system memory provides superb graphics and visuals. The result is sharper high definition images, richer color, and smooth video and games.

Video and digital media look vibrant on the Gateway LT32’s impressive Ultrabright high-definition 11.6″ LED-backlit display. The screen’s 1366 x 768 resolution boosts the detail and clarity while the screen’s 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio is great for enjoying Internet video including Flash video and watching movies. The large screen reduces customers’ need to scroll right and left through applications and websites, while also making room for a full-size keyboard for comfortable typing.

Customers can take all the photos, video, music and documents they want on the go with a large 250GB(2) hard disk drive.

Ready to Stay in Touch with 3G, WiFi, One-Touch Social Networking

Staying in touch with the new Gateway LT32 netbooks is easy and fun. All models have Wi-Fi® b/g/n for connecting at wireless home networks and hotspots. The integrated HD webcam in the Gateway LT32 netbook line gives consumers an easy way to capture photos and video, record video emails and take part in video-conferencing. Plus, the built-in digital microphone conveys excellent voice quality, keeping background noise levels low and minimizing echoes.

The Gateway LT32 netbook easily connects to peripherals such as printers, displays and digital cameras. It has an impressive three USB 2.0 ports for connecting multiple devices simultaneously as well as Gigabit Ethernet and VGA ports. Plus, it features a multi-in-one digital card reader for accepting popular digital media cards.

Like the rest of Gateway’s new notebook and netbook lines, the new Gateway LT32 Series features dedicated “social networking,” accessed through a function key to launch today’s most popular social networking sites – Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. With it, customers have a constant connection that is easy to access and will help them stay up-to-date with contacts on news and the latest posts.

Enjoyable to Use, Stylish Designs

The Gateway LT32 netbook line gives customers a boost in productivity with the multi-gesture touchpad that lets customers intuitively move through their applications and digital media. For example, customers can make a pinching motion to zoom in and out on documents, photos and websites, and a flipping motion to move quickly through photos, web pages and PDF documents.

The LT32 netbook’s look is sleek and modern, and features a matte chassis cover that resists fingerprints with a wave pattern that is subtle yet distinctive.

Pricing, Availability and Configurations

The new Gateway LT32 will be available at a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $449.99.

Look, the X3 series is the high-end stuff, a good, strong machine. This M3, though has only been driven one-hundred and ten thousand miles by somebody I know personally who changed the graphics cards regularly. You can get an Intel or AMD processor to go with your X series or a nice AMD processor for M3. You’ve heard bad things about foreign processors? Where? Consumer Reports? They lie. They lie all the time.

Can we go into my office, sit down, have some coffee? Talk this over? I think we can make a deal.

The Aspire X3 Series desktops are just the right models for enjoying streaming video, digital music and photography as well as taking advantage of mainstream productivity applications. A powerful blend of technology and features, the desktops come with 4GB memory and either AMD® Athlon II, AMD® Phenom II, Intel© Core™ i3 or Intel® Pentium E6600 processors for powering the gamut of digital media and productivity applications on the market today. The small but mighty systems also provide up to a 1TB(2) hard drive for storing and archiving a vast collection of music, movies and videos. Either NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 or Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD graphics infuse games, digital photos and video with vibrant color and crisp detail.

The M3 Series desktops offer up to a 640GB(2) hard drive, providing enough room to store a vast collection of MP3 music, digital images and video. There is also room for expansion with two available PCI Express x1 slots, an open PCI Express slot and bays for an extra optical drive and hard drive. In addition, 10 USB 2.0 ports provide connectivity to a host of peripherals and digital media devices.

New Aspire X3 and M3 Series Desktops Flaunt New Design, Efficient in Form and Function

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Acer, the world’s second largest vendor in the PC market,(1) today announced that its new Acer Aspire X3 and Aspire M3 Series consumer desktop models are available to customers in the U.S. Blending new styling, space-saving chassis’ and top-notch technology, the systems offer power and performance for advanced multitasking and digital entertainment.

“Engineered to efficiently multitask and tackle digital media, these systems are outfitted with industry-leading components and make an appealing addition to a dorm, bedroom or home office.”
The new desktops come in a sleek, black design with an illuminated blue power button, an attractive touch that ensures it can be found even in a dark cabinet. The sleek Aspire X3 Series boasts the best in mainstream technology in a small form factor. The Aspire M3 Series is an efficient multitasker with ample room for expansion. Both are available at leading technology and electronic retailers with prices starting as low as $449.99.

“Our new Aspire X3 and M3 Series desktops are great all-around workhorses offering practical technology in an intuitive design,” said Steve Smith, senior business manager of consumer desktops for Acer America. “Engineered to efficiently multitask and tackle digital media, these systems are outfitted with industry-leading components and make an appealing addition to a dorm, bedroom or home office.”

Acer® Aspire X3 Series Small Form Factor: Space-Saving Chassis + Affordability

The compact Acer Aspire X3 Series desktops are proof that good things come in small packages. In a handsome black small form factor, these systems make the most of tight spaces and keep a low profile. They’re ideal for placement on a desk where the USB ports, card reader and audio ports can be easily reached on the front of the system.

The Aspire X3 Series desktops are just the right models for enjoying streaming video, digital music and photography as well as taking advantage of mainstream productivity applications. A powerful blend of technology and features, the desktops come with 4GB memory and either AMD® Athlon II, AMD® Phenom II, Intel© Core™ i3 or Intel® Pentium E6600 processors for powering the gamut of digital media and productivity applications on the market today. The small but mighty systems also provide up to a 1TB(2) hard drive for storing and archiving a vast collection of music, movies and videos. Either NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 or Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD graphics infuse games, digital photos and video with vibrant color and crisp detail.

The compact desktops also offer the convenience of an HDMI port, which provides brilliant visuals and high-fidelity audio to a home theater or external LCD via a single cable connection. Providing room for expansion, select models have an available PCI Express x1 slot and all models provide an open PCI Express x16 slot. In addition, up to 11 USB 2.0 ports provide connectivity to digital cameras, digital music players, smartphones and a host of other digital devices.

Acer® Aspire M3 Series Microtower: Multitasking Monster + Expansion

The Acer Aspire M3 Series desktops combine unique design, practical features and technology for multitasking with ease and speed. Outfitted with AMD Athlon™ II or AMD Phenom™ II and ATI™ HD 5450 or NVIDIA® GeForce® 9200 graphics, these systems can power a wide array of digital media applications, including casual games.

For easy access, the card reader, audio jacks and several USB 2.0 ports are located on the top of the chassis. High-definition audio with 5.1-channel surround sound support brings music, movies and games to life with dynamic acoustics.

The M3 Series desktops offer up to a 640GB(2) hard drive, providing enough room to store a vast collection of MP3 music, digital images and video. There is also room for expansion with two available PCI Express x1 slots, an open PCI Express slot and bays for an extra optical drive and hard drive. In addition, 10 USB 2.0 ports provide connectivity to a host of peripherals and digital media devices.

Practical Software Suite

The systems come loaded with Acer Arcade™ Deluxe 2010, an all-in-one media portal for managing digital media. Acer Arcade archives songs, photos, movies and videos; Arcade Photo optimizes graphics acceleration for fast photo sorting and creation of memorable slide shows; Arcade Video converts videos quickly for playback on a favorite media player and uploads videos to YouTube and Facebook; and Arcade Music browses and organizes music collections.

Pricing and Availability

Acer’s newest Aspire desktop PCs are now available at technology and electronics retailers with prices beginning at $449.99.

The fun starts out at $629 with the 15-inch NV59 and a Core i3 CPU. A bit more cake can buy an ATI Radeon HD 5470 or 5650 GPU, Blu-ray drive, and a Core i5 CPU. The NV59C is more of the same, simply a $799 pre-configured model with a Core i3-330M, 4GB of memory, Intel Graphics, and a Blu-ray drive.

The NV79 brings a 17-inch screen and a $649 starting price to the party. It can be built with the same options as the NV59 however including a Core i5 CPU, dedicated graphics, and Blu-ray drive.

Consumer Reports has a new report on which computer company has the best tech support. Apple wins! That’s what happens when the same company controls the hardware as well as the operating system (and several of the most prominent pieces of software). The highest ranking PC manufacturer is Dell for desktops and Lenovo for laptops.

The actual report is behind the Consumer Reports paywall, but Slashgear had the bottle to do the impossible and pay for content. Far braver than any of us here.

But the highlights:

• Apple had the tops marks for both desktop and laptop tech support

• Dell leads the PC desktop side, and Lenovo leads the laptop side

• Acer/Gateway/eMachineshas the worst tech support on both the desktop and laptop side

That’s the gist of it—Apple good, Acer/Gateway/eMachines not so good.

It sorta makes sense, in a very superficial way. When you buy an iMac, not only was the hardware created by Apple, but much of the software was created by Apple, too. When you buy an Acer laptop, how is Microsoft supposed to know what kind of hardware it [Acer] stuck in there? Whereas Apple only as to support a pretty small hardware line, Microsoft has to support all sorts of alien configurations.

That still doesn’t explain the manufacturer’s inability to provide tech support for its own hardware. “Hi Dell. Your laptop won’t turn on, what’s wrong?” Dell should go out of its way to help you out. After all, that’s part of the reason why you buy a Dell (or HP or whatever) PC in the first place, so that you can receive tech support when you need it. Otherwise, just build your own PC, like cool people like me do.

But as the family’s “tech guy,” I cannot stress how incredibly infuriating it is to help family members with their computer woes. “My computer is broken,” they’ll tell me over the phone, “I need you to fix it.” Sure, let me stop what I’m doing to try to figure out what the hell is going wrong with your wretched Windows XP installation…

Flickr

The new models all feature Intel’s new Core processors, and use eco-friendly hard drives. The higher end models (multimedia and gaming) come standard with Blu-ray drives. All of the systems run Windows 7 Home, 64-bit edition.

From the press release:

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2010 – Gateway today announced the addition of new models and features across its line of gaming, multimedia and small form factor PCs.

The FX Series of affordable gaming PCs gets a redesign that includes a modernized chassis and new lighting accents. The DX line of multimedia PCs and SX small form factor PCs both now include eco-friendly 1TB drives and powerful Intel Core i5 and i3 Processors, respectively. In addition, the FX and DX now include models with Blu-ray drives.

FX Series Desktops – Continuing to Redefine the Mainstream Gaming PC

With a newly designed chassis, Gateway’s value line of gaming PCs continues to break all the rules, managing to pack more performance and features than ever before into a powerful PC that blows the doors off competitively priced systems. The new design maximizes usability and includes numerous additions that enhance the computing experience.

“When it comes to online entertainment, PC gaming and value, Gateway’s FX Series can’t be beat,” said Steve Smith, Gateway desktop product marketing. “While maintaining our price/performance leadership position, the new FX models boast a race car-like design with red accents and lighting, and include several new features that enhance the convenience and use of the PC.”

The new FX design makes it easy to access and use key features, providing simple and quick access to ports and peripherals. The top front of the PC includes high-def headphone and microphone jacks, while an angled media card reader makes it easy to insert, remove and transfer data from cameras and other devices. This can be especially helpful when the PC is placed under a desk.

Gateway® FX6831-03
· MSRP: $1,699.99
· Intel® Core i7™ 860, 2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz
· ATI Radeon HD5850 w/1GB discrete video memory
· 16GB memory (DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz)
· 1.5TB SATA hard drive (1) (7200RPM)
· 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti
· Blu-ray disc 4X BD-ROM / DVD-SuperMulti Drive
· Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Gateway® FX6831-01
· MSRP: $1,299.99
· Intel® Core i7™ 860, 2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz
· ATI Radeon HD5850 w/1GB discrete video memory
· 8GB memory (DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz)
· 1.5TB SATA hard drive (1) (7200RPM)
· 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
· Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit

SX Series Desktops – Tiny Desktops Big on Performance
Gateway has also enhanced its award winning SX Series small form factor desktop.

The SX2840-01 features the powerful Intel Core i3 530 processor, 6GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. This tiny little PC offers capabilities that rival those of many full-size tower desktops providing enough muscle to be used as a primary PC, while fitting nicely in a dorm room, kitchen or home office.

Gateway® SX2840-01
· MSRP: $559.99
· Intel Core i3 530 (2.93GHz) processor
· Integrated Intel GMA X4500HD graphics
· 6GB memory (DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz)
· 1TB SATA (green product – variable RPM)
· 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
· Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit

DX Series Desktops – Multimedia Workhorses now Offer Blu-Ray Drives

Gateway’s multimedia powerhouse line, the DX Series, now includes a model configured with the powerful Intel Core i5 650 processor and a Blu-ray drive. Combined with NVIDIA GeForce graphics and 6GB of memory, the DX4831-03 is ideal for running demanding applications, casual game playing and graphic-intensive content creation.

Gateway DX4831-03
· MSRP: $849.99
· Intel Core i5 650, 3.2GHz w/Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz
· NVIDIA GeForce GT220 w/1GB discrete video memory
· 8GB DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz
· 1TB SATA (green product – variable RPM)
· 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
· Blu-ray disc 4X BD-ROM / DVD-SuperMulti Drive
· Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Features: Small form factor, Intel Core i3 530, front panel with built in card reader, USB, and Firewire. Back panel with HDMI and eSATA.

Pros:

• Small form factor ideal for tight spaces, media center
• Processor fast enough, while still cost effective
• Integrated graphics can handle HD video with no problems

Cons:

• Integrated video won’t handle high end games
• For the price, might be more effective to get a laptop/netbook
• limited ability to upgrade hardware

Most people really don’t need the type of computer I typically review. The normal system that I like to take a look at is the “fire breathing monster” computer, the kind that can control a small country and cook eggs on the heatsink. I realize that most people don’t want to spend $5000 on a computer. Heck, they don’t even want to spend $1000. And for students? the cheaper the better, so long as it does everything they need it to do.

The Gateway SX2840 is the ideal computer for most people. Sure, it’s not going to play Crysis at 100FPS, but who cares? Most people don’t want to spend that kind of money. The SX2840 hits that sweet spot of being a fast enough that it’s not annoying, but slow enough that you’re not paying supercomputer prices. It’s hard to quantify this because frame rates and seek times don’t really apply to a computer in this situation. It’s great for browsing the web, writing email, running a word processing program, looking at pictures – all those basic things that most people who use a computer spend the majority of their time doing. It’s an ideal family computer, right down to the built in card reader on the front for downloading pictures from your camera, and plugging the usb cable in to sync up your music player. Admittedly, there’s nothing really noteworthy about this computer, but there isn’t any really negative about it either. It’s just a nice, solid performer that you can feel safe recommending to your grandmother, because you know you won’t have to be coming over every week to fix it for her.

That’s not to suggest that this machine is not capable of gaming, it is. It’s just not idea for the latest greatest FPS games. For the casual gamer, it’ll be ideal. I guess that’s what really defines this system; it’s a good casual machine. It’s not terribly fast, but you don’t expect it to be. You just want it to work and be reliable, and that’s what this machine is all about. Be aware though, that this computer does have one fatal flaw: you won’t be able to upgrade it. There’s just not enough room to add a faster video card, or upgrade the CPU. It’s just not going to happen. But for the $559 price, while I won’t call it disposable, it’s certainly easier to pass on to your sister’s kids that that $5000 supercomputer.

System Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i3 530
• Memory: 6GB
• Hard Drive: 1TB
• Video: Intel GMA X4500HD
• Power supply: 220w

The bottom line:
I like the new Gateway. It’s tough to find anything about it that’s particularly noteworthy, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s not an unattractive machine, and the small size of the case would fit well in the corner of the dining room, or in a dorm room. The best part about it is the price: the MSRP of $559 makes it a reasonable purchase for anyone who needs a computer that will cover the basics. The tough part is deciding if you’d be happier with a netbook or inexpensive notebook instead.

The app store is slated for a June launch and will support Android and Winmo with Google Chrome OS supporting coming later. The apps will be low-cost or free. So far there isn’t any word on the developers on board or if there will be a SDK.

The Acer ebook reader’s launch date hasn’t been announced, but US buyers shouldn’t worry about it anyway. The device is heading to five unannounced European countries first. In fact, it sounds like it may never hit the States. Acer already has content deals worked out in Europe and it seems that Acer knows that it can’t compete with the Kindle or Nook’s distribution and content library anyway.

As for the Chrome OS netbook, details are still light besides that it should launch sometime in 2010′s 3rd quarter. Acer expects to sell at least one million of them this year — or 8% of its total projected netbook sales. An impressive amount for a product that might only be available for 3-5 months in 2010.

Jim Wong, president of IT Products division, quoted by Bloomberg,

“We’re developing something, and we will see what happens” after Apple’s tablet release, Wang said. “We’re going to work either in the Windows world or in Google’s defined OS space.”

So, what if Apple doesn’t announce a tablet? Just asking.

Bloomberg, flickr

Let’s say you’re intrigued by Acer’s new Windows 7 Timeline ultraportables due to ship out this Thursday but you like saying “Gateway” more than you like saying “Acer” for some reason. You’ll be happy to know that Gateway (which is owned by Acer, by the way) has just announced two ultraportable computers that are spitting images of two of the recently-announced Timeline machines: an 11.6-inch model and a 15.6-inch model.

The 11.6-inch Gateway EC14 series is virtually identical to the Acer Aspire Timeline AS1810 series, save for a slightly lower MSRP ($550 versus $600) thanks to a slightly different CPU – the Gateway has a low-voltage Intel Pentium SU4100 at 1.3GHz with 2MB of L2 cache and an 800MHz frontside bus while the Acer has a low-voltage Intel Pentium SU7300 at 1.3GHz with 3MB of L2 cache and an 800MHz frontside bus.

As for the 15.6-inch model, the Gateway EC54 series and the Acer Aspire Timeline AS5810TZ series are identically spec’d and carry the same $650 MSRP. Granted, Acer/Gateway will likely be offering a myriad of different configurations for these machines so you may be able to find something that best fits your needs in a Gateway versus an Acer or vice versa.

Both are due this Thursday, October 22nd, when Windows 7 ships.

Full press release:

Thin-and-Light Gateway EC Series Notebooks Deliver Long Battery Life and Distinctive Style

All-day productivity, fun, communication with up to eight hours of battery life in head-turning lightweight and thin designs

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The new Gateway EC Series notebook PCs debut today in two of the most popular sizes for today’s busy computer users – 15.6-inch mainstream size for productivity maximizers and the 11.6-inch ultraportable size for road warriors – both delivering up to eight hours of battery life.

The new Gateway EC Series models will both be available this week in retail stores nationwide with the launch of Windows 7.

The new Gateway EC58, EC54 and EC14 notebook PC lines deliver all-day productivity, reliable wireless connectivity and 6-8 hours of battery life, so customers can get more done while away from their home or office. Plus, the Gateway EC models let customers go longer without having to recharge, reducing energy consumption and making them very environmentally friendly.

The upscale and distinctive design of the new Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines is the ideal complement to its advanced battery life and thin-and-lightweight form factor. Both models start at only 5.29 pounds and are merely an inch thin, so they can be comfortably transported by hand or in a briefcase or backpack. The sleek form factor still has room for a large 15.6-inch LED-backlit HD widescreen display that delivers video in stunning detail, for excellent mobile cinematic entertainment. Plus, the EC58 and EC54 notebook PCs come in a sophisticated and understated design featuring a brushed aluminium alloy chassis available in Arctic Silver and Pacific Blue.

Mobile enthusiasts who want to remain connected and productive on-the-go will find the Gateway EC14 ultraportable notebook the ideal choice for them. With its 11.6-inch HD LED-backlit display, notebook-standard Intel processors and a full-size keyboard, customers can use it to enjoy web browsing, video chats and running all their usual applications. Plus, it’s designed for mobility — its integrated 802.11b/g/Draft N Wifi, compact form factor and low weight of only 3.79 pounds make it ready to take on the road. Flashy and fun in an eye-catching glossy chassis, the Gateway EC14 series comes in Cherry Red and NightSky Black.

“The new Gateway EC Series product lines were designed for the many PC users that have embraced the fun and productivity of being able to compute and stay in touch while away from their home or office,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “We’re delivering exactly what they need – incredibly long and reliable battery life, vibrant widescreen displays, and wireless connectivity – all in uniquely stylish thin and lightweight designs.”

Full Productivity and Entertainment in a Sleek, Lightweight Size

Elegantly crafted, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 Series notebooks are thin and light enough to take anywhere, and so stylish that customers will want to show them off. The slim one-inch profile simplifies mobility, since it’s easy to grip and handle on the go. The ultra-durable aluminium alloy design delivers excellent protection for the display, while the brushed silky smooth cover is upscale in its minimalist approach.

The high-capacity 6-cell Li-ion battery gives users up to eight hours of battery life for all-day productivity, fun and communications. Integrated 802.11b/g Draft-N wireless provides a reliable untethered connection to hotspots and wireless networks. Plus, the integrated webcam and digital microphone delivers smooth video and voice quality for real-time video streaming, online chatting, and video conferences. In addition, Gateway customers can enjoy even more uptime with the Gateway PowerSave one-touch key, which puts the notebook into energy conservation mode with a single touch. The Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines feature the Gateway MyBackup Manager for backing-up important files and information, as well as the PowerSave solution for maximizing battery life.

Designed to readily handle everyday computing tasks, the EC58 and EC54 notebooks use ultra-low voltage Intel Core 2 Duo and Pentium Dual-Core processors. The notebooks deliver excellent computing performance and generate low heat output, since they use Intel’s Laminar Wall Jet technology to cool internal components and the case. As a result, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 notebooks are incredibly comfortable in customers’ hands as well as on their laps.

On-the-go entertainment is dynamic and exciting with the large 15.6-inch LED-backlit display that features a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixel resolution. Images are incredibly clear and crisp, while the cinematic-quality video is realistic and smooth. Dolby Sound Room audio enhancement and two built-in speakers deliver crisp, natural surround sound to complement the stunning video.

Compact, Packed with Features

They eye-catching design of the Gateway EC14 Series lets everyone know it’s the ultimate notebook for on-the-go computing. Available with a 6-cell battery, the Gateway EC14 notebook line provides battery life of up to eight hours, so customers can use it nearly all day to stay in touch. This long battery life is the perfect complement to the ultraportable notebooks’ sleek size that measures only about an inch thick and weighs only 3.79 pounds.

Updating social networking sites and exploring web pages is easy with the EC14’s integrated Wifi 802.11b/g/Draft N. Plus, customers can capture video and photos and stay in touch via video chat with the integrated webcam and built-in digital microphone that provides excellent voice quality. Consumers will enjoy listening to audio with the Dolby Headphones and two built-in stereo speakers.

To ensure customers have all the horsepower they need to drive applications, the Gateway EC14 line is well-appointed with Intel Ultra Low Voltage Pentium Dual Core, Intel Celeron Dual Core and Celeron (single core) processors, a hard drive up to 500GB in capacity, a multi-in-1 media card reader and 4GB of memory that may be upgraded to 8GB.

The attention-grabbing design of the Gateway EC14 models is fun and youthful, while details such as rounded edges, engraved logo and silver trim make the design even more compelling. The textured palm rest provides a comfortable hand rest for consumers.

Gateway Extras Maximize Mobile Capabilities

The Gateway EC Series notebooks enhance productivity with a Multi-Gesture Touchpad that can be used with unique movements so customers can intuitively move through Internet sites and digital media. For example, customers can make an inward or outward pinching motion to naturally zoom in and out on photos. They can move two fingers horizontally to flip through photos and web pages. Also, customers can swirl their fingers in a circular motion to scroll through web pages, long lists of files and music playlists. The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

Additionally, these new models come with Windows 7 Home Premium, which makes mobile computing more reliable and responsive, enhancing the user experience. In addition, the Gateway EC notebook lines are Energy Star qualified.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability

The new Gateway EC Series will be available beginning Oct. 22, each with Windows 7 Home Premium. Sample configurations and pricing are listed below.

Gateway EC1430u: MSRP $549.99

• Intel^® Pentium Dual Core Processor SU4100 (1.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 11.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel^®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB⁽²⁾ 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• Integrated webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• Intel^® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• 3.08 lbs.
• 11.2” (W) x 0.87-1.18” to 1.18” (H) x 8.03” (D)

Gateway EC5409u: MSRP $649.99

• Intel Pentium^® Dual-Core Processor SU4100 (1.30GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 15.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel^®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel^® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB⁽²⁾ 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• 8x DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
• Integrated HD webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• 2^nd Generation Dolby Sound Room^® Audio Enhancement
• Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Dedicated numeric keypad
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• Gateway MyBackup Button
• 5.29 lbs.
• 14.85” (W) x 1.01-1.08” (H) x 10.0” (D)

Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support

The Gateway EC Series notebook PCs are backed by a one year warranty. Gateway’s commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. In addition to the company’s standard limited warranty options^, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.

Remember desktop PCs? People used to use them before laptops were powerful. Some people still use them today, believe it or not! I have one – ha! If you want to see what all the fuss is about in regards to desktop PCs, then Woot! has a pretty stellar deal on a quad-core Gateway system with 8GB of RAM for $480 – it’s refurbished but carries a 90-day warranty.

Other specs include:

• Intel Core2 Quad Q8200 CPU at 2.33GHz, 4MB L2 cache, 1333MHz FSB
• 8GB DDR2 RAM
• NVIDIA GeForce GT120 GPU with 1GB DDR2 memory
• 640GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
• Card reader, HDTV tuner, 8-channel audio, DVD burner, Gigabit Ethernet
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

So for $480, there’s plenty of pop here. Might take a while before this thing is

OBSOLETE

Yeah, that was the secret word.

My gut reaction to seeing these all-in-one computers is that they might make a nice addition to a dorm room or an aging couple’s den. But then Gateway goes and says something like this:

“The powerful One ZC6800 Series is a no-compromise, high-performance configuration entirely suitable for serious gaming.” I roll my eyes and then look for the actual specs, to find…

• Windows 7 Home Premium
• 23-inch touchscreen LCD at 1920×1080 resolution
• Intel Core 2 Quad CPU at 2.33GHz
• Intel GM45 Express Chipset (ah ha! – that’s not for gaming!)
• ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 with 1GB DDR3 memory (whoa, curve ball – that’s for gaming)
• 8GB of DDR3 RAM – eight!
• 1TB SATA hard drive for data storage
• 64GB solid state drive for OS and programs
• DVD burner, card reader, 6 USB ports, eSATA port, HD webcam, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Hybrid TV tuner with remote control, wireless mouse and keyboard
• MSRP of $1400

That’s actually a pretty impressive list of features for $1400. Sure, it’s not exactly “no-compromise” and those of you interested in “serious gaming” would probably never be caught dead with an all-in-one computer but for anyone who likes the idea of an all-in-one but has to this point been underwhelmed, this configuration may be worth a closer look.

There will also be a more budget-friendly option in the One ZX4800, priced at $749. That one includes Windows 7 Home Premium, a 20-inch 1600×900 touchscreen, 2.1GHz dual-core Pentium CPU, Intel GMA X4500HD graphics, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, and a 750GB SATA hard drive. So no SSD, TV tuner, or ATI graphics, but a much more manageable price tag.

Various configurations will be available in late October/early November, with the loaded-up configuration referenced in the beginning of this post due out “later in Q4.”

Gateway Introduces New Gateway One ZX Series All-in-One PCs [Press Release]

Ah, mysterious Gateway tablet. Were you not leaked to Engadget by an anonymous tipster, we may not even be talking about you. But your lack of pricing and availability makes you an enigma wrapped in a riddle wrapped in a mystery.

There are some basic specs to go by: 11.6-inch screen, Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, Intel GS45 graphics, up to 4GB of RAM, Windows 7, no optical drive (or perhaps an external one?). The whole getup looks relatively light and appears to take some style cues from Gateway’s 11.6-inch LT3100-series netbooks that are currently on the market.

Other than that, we’re in the dark. The Windows 7 hint means that it won’t be available until at least late October and the standard Intel CPU likely means it’ll cost more than $500.

Gateway’s Windows 7-boasting EC18T tablet images, specs leak onto the screen [Engadget]

Starting next Sunday, October 4th, you’ll be able to pick up the Gateway LT2016U through Verizon for $150 after a $100 mail-in rebate and with a two-year data plan. The machine will come preinstalled with a 3G Gobi chipset from Qualcomm, which will work here in the US and abroad as well.

The netbook’s specs include a 10.1-inch screen at 1024×600 resolution, 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, and Windows XP. These things sell new at Best Buy for around $300 without the 3G chips so you’re getting $150 off, plus the Gobi chip.

An unlimited data plan through Verizon will set you back $60 per month. You can also purchase the machine through Verizon for $319 with a one-year contract or for $499 with no contract.

[via Engadget]

Quick Version: Gateway’s new student-oriented NV series packs a lot of bang for the buck, although the machine is almost too heavy and bulky to function as a truly portable computer. If it’s going to spend most of its time on a desk, though, you get a fully-featured computer at roughly the price of an expensive netbook.

Features and Specs:

• AMD Athlon 64 X2 QL-64 dual-core CPU (2.1GHz)
• 15.6-inch screen (1366×768 resolution)
• Vista Home Premium 64-bit
• 4GB DDR2 RAM
• 320GB SATA hard drive
• 802.11b/g/n
• ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics
• Six-cell battery
• 8x DVD burner
• Four USB ports, HDMI, VGA out, card reader
• Weight: 6.82 pounds
• MSRP: $329

Design: For a $530 computer, the look and feel is pretty nice. It’s still mostly plastic but it’s kind of got a faux brushed aluminum trim with a nice subtle pattern of tiny interlocking hexagons adorning the lid. The trackpad button is a cool long, thin reflective bar and the power button sits inside the right hinge.

As far as portability is concerned, this thing’s a beast, tipping the scales at almost seven pounds. It’s got a pretty significant footprint, too, at 14 inches wide by 10 inches long by 1.25 inches thick.

I’m really not sure why Gateway made this computer part of its back to school offerings because, as someone who still remembers what it’s like to be a student, I wouldn’t have lugged this thing around campus unless it was absolutely necessary.

Screen: The 15.6-inch screen is plenty big and plenty bright. No complaints here. Videos hum along smoothly and the LCD is bright enough to ward off glare and reflections. The resolution is a standard 1366×768, which makes 720p videos look great. Gateway could have probably squeezed a 1400×900 panel in here but that would have driven the overall price up considerably.

Keyboard: I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of big notebooks. However, with big notebooks you generally get big, spacious keyboards. So it’s a little disheartening that Gateway’s decided to add a 10-key numpad to the keyboard on the NV series.

I would have much preferred a huge, sprawled out keyboard. Instead, there’s a decent keyboard that’s positioned slightly off-center. The keys almost feel a bit cramped, if you can believe it. You’ll get used to it after a while but this is not a great keyboard for those of you who are going to be typing all the time. Again, kinda defeats the whole idea of marketing this computer to students.

Fun fact about Gateway notebook keyboards: I purchased a Gateway MX3215 for $600 way, way back in early 2006 and to this day, it’s still the best notebook keyboard I’ve ever used. I gave it to my mom and now she types like the wiiiind!

Battery: Battery life is okay — not great, though. I was able to manage an average of almost two and a half hours of actual computing. That’s a mix of surfing the internet, listening to music, watching short movie clips, and playing some older games. With Wi-Fi off and the brightness turned down to around 50% you ought to be able to manage close to three hours. Whatever the case, you’ll probably want to carry the charger with you at all times.

Performance: Gateway did the right thing by making four gigabytes of RAM standard on this machine (there’s actually a special 3GB version available at Fry’s). The Windows Experience Index is 3.7, bogged down by the graphics, but the 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium clips along nicely. The included free upgrade to Windows 7 ought to make things even smoother, too, and upgrading the RAM and hard drive wouldn’t take too much time at all.

You won’t be doing any serious gaming with the ATI 3200 graphics chip but older games and current casual games will work just fine. You’re supposed to be doing your homework anyway!

Other Features: HDMI out is a big plus, making it easy to connect the notebook to your HDTV. And Bluetooth is a welcome addition that has a tendency to be left out of lower-priced notebooks from time to time. The audio system is powered by Dolby and gets adequately loud, although at music and videos tend to snap, crackle, and pop at maximum volume so you’ll want to keep things at around 80% or so. You’re not going to rock a house party (or even a dorm room party) without external speakers, though.

Overall: It’s a nicely-equipped system for the price. You get a fast processor, tons of RAM, a decent graphics chip, and a beautiful screen, along with thoughtful extras like HDMI out and Bluetooth. However, as a portable computer, it’s not very portable at all. The near-seven-pound NV series is going to weigh even the lightest of backpacks down uncomfortably, while taking up plenty of space to boot. If it’s destined to sit on a desk for most of its life, though, the NV series packs plenty of bang for the buck.

Gateway NV Series [Gateway.com]

In the search for affordable 11.6-inch netbooks, you have a couple of enticing choices in the Acer Aspire One 751h (see review here) and the Gateway LT3103. Both pretty much come from the same company, as Acer owns Gateway, and while the outward look and feel of each system is pretty similar, there are some notable internal differences.

Scott Wasson over at the Tech Report did an excellent job comparing the two systems, so make sure to hit up his 10-page opus for the full details. Here are some of the highlights:

• The Acer 751h is whisper quiet, while the LT3103′s fan is constantly running
• The Gateway LT3103 has better trackpad
• The Gateway LT3103 has better web browsing performance
• The Gateway’s screen is a little better with color reproduction
• Both keyboards are pretty much exactly the same
• Neither system does well with video past 480p QuickTime, SD DivX, and low-res Hulu in a window
• Wasson removed McAfee from the Acer, and Norton from Gateway and replaced Vista on both machines with Windows 7 RC1. The Acer had more bloatware out of the box.
• Battery life with a six-cell battery: Gateway got 3 hours while watching movies, 4 hours when web surfing; Acer got 5 hours while watching movies, 6.5 hours when web surfing

Overall, Wasson finds the LT3103 to offer the fewest compromises — the main one being battery life, but that’s about it. Without having tried the LT1303 myself personally, I can still see his point. The two systems are very similar as far as price and build are concerned — the Acer offers marathon battery life but not much power, while the Gateway offers much more power at the expense of battery life and noise:

“The Gateway LT3103 is the most successfully executed of the two systems, because its Athlon 64 processor and Radeon graphics give it the performance to match its larger screen and keyboard. The grown-up looks and finish of the Gateway set it apart from the Aspire One 751, as well. If you like to fret over the semantics of ‘netbook’ versus ‘notebook,’ the LT3103 will positively put you into a tizzy of hair splitting and confusion—endless hours of fun. I could see this system replacing a full-sized laptop for an awful lot of users. It’s a heck of a bargain, too, compared to the Aspire One 751, since it comes with a larger battery at the same price.

The only real compromise the LT3103 requires, other than the lamentable lack of Bluetooth and 802.11n support, is its run time of roughly four hours…

…Although I don’t like the performance compromises required by the Aspire One 751, there’s no denying that it has a place in the market for folks who value sleek, quiet systems with high-res displays and long battery life—so long as you’re talking about a version with the six-cell battery. This is perhaps more of a color Kindle-killer for the web—a mobile device, if you will—than a full-fledged computer. You’ll just want to have your eyes wide open going into the purchase and be prepared to have your patience tested from time to time.”

Just as an aside: I tried out Windows 7 RC1 on the test Aspire One 751h that I have here and found it to be a bit too sluggish for everyday use. Once I reverted back to XP, everything was noticeably snappier. If you’re considering the 751h, I might suggest you look into one of the XP systems. Windows 7 ran okay once I ratcheted everything down as far as the display and graphical effects are concerned but XP ran pretty smoothly straight away once I’d removed McAfee and added an extra gigabyte of RAM.

Aspire One 751 vs. Gateway LT3103 [The Tech Report]

Ready? The LT2000 has a 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU paired with GMA950 graphics, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD, and a 10.1 1024×600 screen. See what I mean? This netbook is nothing special at all. Good thing it’s MSRP is only $299.

Gateway’s got a new line of student-friendly notebooks in the NV Series. There’ll be a myriad of configurations available starting at $499, most or all of which will feature a 15.6-inch LCD with 1366×768 resolution, 4GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive, six-cell battery, DVD burner, integrated webcam, HDMI, and Vista Home Premium.

The NV5214u will have an MSRP of $499 and come outfitted with a 2.1GHz dual-core AMD Athlon 64 CPU and ATI Radeon 3200 graphics while the NV5807u will carry and MSRP of $599 and feature a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and Intel’s 4500MHD graphics chipset.

The NV series notebooks will be available soon in four colors: black, blue, red, and brown. Full press release below:

NEW GATEWAY NV SERIES AFFORDABLE ENTERTAINMENT NOTEBOOK DELIVERS ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY

Affordable Entertainment Notebook Offers Exceptional Performance, Style and New One-Touch Buttons; MyBackup Quickly and Easily Protects Data; PowerSave Enhances Battery Life

IRVINE, Calif., June 25, 2009 – Gateway today debuts its new Gateway NV Series notebook, a workhorse entertainment notebook that pairs the latest notebook technologies and important one-touch buttons with excellent style at an affordable price.

Packed with premium performance features that deliver a stellar entertainment experience, the new Gateway NV Series is ready to deliver multitasking performance to take on the most popular everyday tasks with the latest technology including processors and graphics from either Intel or AMD. At the same time, the notebook’s incredibly affordable price points, starting at $499.99, make the Gateway NV line ideal for anyone on a budget.

Designed for Entertainment, Staying in Touch

A cinematic entertainment powerhouse, the Gateway NV Series has a 15.6-inch High Definition LED-backlit TFT Widescreen display that gives customers a true cinematic viewing experience thanks to its 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366×768 resolution. As a result, it’s perfect for watching HD movies and video, viewing digital images and enjoying digital media content. The notebook’s Dolby Sound Room complements the video with spectacular surround sound from the two built-in stereo speakers. The HDMI port delivers crisp high-quality visuals and high-fidelity audio to a home theater or external LCD via a convenient, single cable connection.

The latest WiFi b/g Draft-N Certified connectivity will keep customers attached to the Internet to check email, websites, and other social networks like Twitter via convenient hot spots and wireless home networks. Connectivity on the go can be further enhanced by using the integrated webcam for video chats and video emails. The Gateway NV Series features communication buttons to turn the WLAN and Bluetooth functions on or off. The WLAN on/off is exceptionally convenient for customers who need to shut-off wireless operations but want to continue using their notebook, such as on a flight.

One-Touch MyBackup and PowerSave Keys Ease Customer Concerns

To help ease the concerns of mobile customers who want to protect their precious data, the Gateway NV Series includes a convenient MyBackup Button, a simple one-touch way to quickly and easily back-up all the important files and information stored on it, such as music, photos, video, contacts, emails and Internet favorites. The MyBackup Button gives customers a simple, convenient way to backup files to another location such as a USB drive, external hard disk drive, or another hard drive partition. Also, customers can set the MyBackup function to schedule a regular time to back-up data automatically or simply press the button for an immediate back-up.

“The need to back-up data has never been greater, since consumers have a greater quantity of important digital content than ever before – such as photos and video,” said Ray Sawall, senior product marketing manager for Gateway. “With the Gateway NV notebook, customers have the MyBackup Button to conveniently protect their precious data to make sure its available to enjoy and share more readily with friends, family, and online via social networks like Facebook and MySpace. All the additional features make it notebook the ideal to enjoy their digital media, stay connected and productively handle projects for home, work and school.”

Gateway designed a conveniently located PowerSave Button on select models of the new Gateway NV notebook line. Located above the keyboard, the PowerSave Button allows consumers to easily prolong battery life to extend uptime for customers. A simple press of it activates the advanced power saving settings, traditionally a tedious procedure accessed through numerous software-based steps. This one-button approach simplifies the process, saving time while extending battery life.

Stylish Design, First-Rate Technologies

With a stylish and streamlined design, the Gateway NV Series notebook line is both eye-catching and comfortable to use. The smooth notebook case is covered with a subtle Honeycomb pattern that gives additional interest to the four vibrant, yet classic, color options that won’t go out of style: NightSky Black, Midnight Blue, Cherry Red and Coffee Brown. Additional elements, such as the refined silver trim, rounded edges and classic barrel hinge that cleverly houses the power button, team up to give the NV Series a sleek, modern appeal.

Additional design elements boost productivity. The wide size provides room for the widescreen display and dedicated numeric keypad. The widescreen display helps customers stay productive by letting them view multiple windows at once, while the dedicated numeric keypad is ideal for students and professionals that need to quickly and efficiently input numbers. Plus, the Touchpad Lock prevents accidental cursor movement.

The Gateway NV line delivers a great combination of technologies that boost the digital media experience. With an integrated media card reader, DVD burner and up to 320GB of hard disk drive storage, customers will be able to easily and quickly view, download, store and share their digital media content. The NV notebook line also supports up to 4GB of DDR2 memory.

Gateway NV Series Availability, Price and Sample Configuration

The well-equipped NV Series will be available in a variety of configurations to meet a range of budgets, starting at $499.99. Details on two of the many configurations that will be selling in the line follows:

Model Number: Gateway NV5214u
MSRP: $499.99
· AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 QL-64 Dual Core Processor (2.1 GHz, 1MB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB)
15.6″ HD Ultrabright™ LED-backlit display with 16:9 ratio and 1366 x 768 pixel resolution
· 4GB Dual-channel DDR2 Memory
320GB hard disk drive(1)
· AMD RS780MN Chipset
· ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 Graphics
Integrated webcam
DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WiFi Certified
Digital media card reader: Secure Digital™ (SD) Card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick® (MS)Memory Stick PRO™ (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card™ (xD)
· Ports and connections: HDMI™ port with HDCP support, Four USB 2.0 ports, External display (VGA) port, Headphone/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support, Microphone-in jack, Ethernet (RJ-45) port and Modem (RJ-11) port and DC-in jack for AC adapter
· Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (Service Pack 1)
· MyBackup Button
· 6-cell Li-ion battery (4400 mAh)

Model Number: Gateway NV5807u
MSRP: $599.99
Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 processor (2.10 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
15.6″ HD Ultrabright™ LED-backlit display with 16:9 ratio and 1366 x 768 pixel resolution
· 4GB Dual-channel DDR2 Memory
320GB hard disk drive(1)
· Mobile Intel® GM459 Express Chipset
· Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Integrated webcam
DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300 (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N
Digital media card reader: Secure Digital™ (SD) Card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick® (MS)Memory Stick PRO™ (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card™ (xD)
· Ports and connections: HDMI™ port with HDCP support, Four USB 2.0 ports, External display (VGA) port, Headphone/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support, Microphone-in jack, Ethernet (RJ-45) port and Modem (RJ-11) port and DC-in jack for AC adapter
· Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (Service Pack 1)
· MyBackup Button
· 6-cell Li-ion battery (4400 mAh)