A couple questions concerning Gateways

One of my friends is aware that I'm scoping out laptops at the moment and he suggested I check out Gateways. He, like a couple of my other friends, owns one and is happy with it. I've had a tendency to stay away from them based on my previous biases against their desktops, and I've been looking more at Asus lappys -- the Z70a, specifically. I figured I might as well look into them since I can get Gateways at a local retailer instead of online, and I might surprise myself. The worst that could happen is that I decide not to get one in the end, right?

Anyway, I have a couple questions.

How do Gateway laptops compare to other manufacturers, like Asus? In general, how is the build quality, reliability, etc.. I'm going to be taking my laptop to and from classes and I need it to be strong, and I need something that can play a couple of my favorite games.

Secondly, what are some of the better models I can be looking at? I'd like one with a Pentium M processor. I'm not a big fan of the glossy screens, either.

 

*bump*

Anyone?

 

Myself, I want one that is 74 bit upgradable. An the Gateway MX7515 seems to be the best bang for the buck to me.

 

I was also considering an Asus v70a refresh model. I ended up purchasing an 8510GZ. Mostly cause of the cost savings, longer battery life, and larger screen. It's heavier...and not a good choice for some, but I liked the full keyboard option, as I use the Num Keypad quite a bit.

The build quality is fine. Probably not as finessed as some like Asus...but it's not cheap. My friends have been impressed with my unit...and they all were into higher end units(various rebranded Clevo's, Apple, Sony, etc...).

As far as glossy screens...most retail models come with them...cause they appear to have more vivid colors at first and many consumers like that(impulse buys). However, many of the Gateway/Emachines models have similar versions on Gateway's site that you can custom order and choose whether or not to get the glossy screen. Price them out there, then call in to order and negotiate a discount over the phone. I saw people ordering the online version of my laptop and getting a $2100 verion for $1750 after negotiation(granted...that's when they bought a 3-year in home warranty or something...where there's more room to move on price....but still a really good deal).

Check them out. Not right for everyone, but good budget machines that seem generally reliable and fairly good performers. Not usually the best at anything, but good for the price.

 

Thank you for your input! I'll start checking out some of those models.

(And more is always welcome!)

 

I don't thing Gateway laptops are cheap-looking. Most of the Gateway models I've seen are well-built and have sweet features that other manufacturers don't have. I have a m675 model (17" screen) and, except for Apple, the competition's models (Toshiba, HP...) were not as loaded in terms of equipments as the Gateway model. However, my laptop doesn't have a Pentium M processor, it has a Pentium 4 cpu (therefore I can't comment on Gateway's power autonomy!).

I had a Compaq Presario laptop before and Gateway's design and overall quality is from far better than Compaq/HP!!

 

Without knowning you budget and what you plan to do with it, it is hard to help. You should consider the FAQ in the hardware forum and post there. Generally, I would prefer an Asus over a Gateway.

 

Just to suggest, I would stay away from the M320 and M325, the M520 (also sold as the 7330), and unless you really need LOTS of power, the 74xx and 75xx series. All these models have had build quality issues in the past (in particular, hinge cracks, although this problem may be fixed by now--not sure).

Most of the other models available are pretty good. Just about all have glossy screens, however.

Truth be told, very few companies truly compare to Asus. Lenovo's build quality may be a tad better, but Thinkpads generally lack upper tier graphics cards, and most people don't find Thinkpads near as stylish as Asus' machines.

Do yourself a favor and fill out the FAQ--it will help you think thru your priorities, and will also help us understand what you really want.

 

74 bit!!!! is there something that i dont know about? lol... so where are they hiding those extra 10 bit extensions..........

 

Sorry guys, I posted one of the "FAQ" threads a while back but now I'm just narrowing down my options. I'm almost decided on the Asus z70va, but a friend told me to look into Gateways. My current config for the Asus is going to run around $1600, so if I were to go Gateway, it'd have to be under that amount.

Here's a link to my "FAQ" thread - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=27962&page=1&pp=10

After poking around for 2 months, I've decided a few things:

-I still want a Pentium-M
-I want a widescreen, matte-style LCD
-I want dedicated video (ATi preferred)
-I want good build quality

 

Something something buy the ASUS.

 

If you want the matte style screen, you'd have to get a "Built to order" Gateway. Scratch any of the Best Buy models off your list...as I believe most(if not all) will come with the glossy(tru-brite or whatever it's called) display.

As for ATI video...I think the highest you can get on a Gateway is a 128MB x700. If that's adequate...fine, otherwise you'd have to settle for a 6800Go or get another brand laptop.

I like the Asus laptops..and they are nicer than the Gateways...but typically more expensive. So you have to decide. Browse Gateway's built to order site and configure some models. Figure you can call and negotiate a few hundred off that price...and decide if you'd rather get the Gateway or the Asus for the money.