Gateway 7330GZ

Can anyone give me some input on the Gateway 7330GZ. I've had company issued laptops before (dell, compaq, mac, HP,) so this is the first time I'm buying one for myself, I don't do any gamming or anything high end like that,
I just need it for travel mostly email , playing texas hold'em, using Microsoft Office Apps, would be nice to watch a DVD sometimes too. Here are the specs and I found it priced at $1024

Intel Pentium 4 532 With HT 3ghz
Screen Size 15.4"
RAM (Preloaded / Maximum) 512MB DDR (Exp. To 1.5GB)
Hard Drive 80GB 4200RPM
Optical Drives DVD +/- RW & CD-RW Combo Drive
Graphics Up To 64MB Shared
Average Battery Life Info Not Available
Product Weight 3.4 kg
Audio Type AC 97
Battery Type 8-Cell Lithium-Ion
Cache 1MB L2
Fax/Modem 56K V.92
I/O Ports See The Features Section
Included In Box AC Adaptor, Manual
Network Card Info Not Available
Other Software See The Features Section
PC Card Slots 1 x Type II
Pointing Device Touchpad
Preloaded Operating System Windows XP Home SP2
Processor Speed 3.06GHz
Product Dimensions 26.5(W) x 4.1(H) x 35.6(D) cm
Removable Storage See The Features Section
Screen Type Ultrabright TFT
Speakers Gateway 7330GZ
System Bus Info Not Available
Warranty 1 Year Limited Parts & Labour

FEATURES:
Software: Gateway Internet Security, MS Works 8.0, MS Office Trial 2003, MS Money 2005, Power DVD, Nero 6
Graphics: Intel Extreme 2
Interfaces: 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x VGA, 1 x IEEE1394, 1 x RJ11, 1 x RJ45
Removable Storage: Compact Flash, MicroDrive, MMC, SD, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro
--
Let me know what you think.

 

I bought one a week ago. So far it has been great. The Mobile Pentium 4 @ 3.06 Ghz is a decent CPU; I have done some internet research on it. It runs at 40 - 55 degrees Celsius which is acceptable. I have Autocad LT 2005 on it which works fine. By the way, I also upgraded the RAM to 1 GB while at the store.

The weak points is the HD at 4200 rpm, and the integrated GPU and VRAM (64 MB). I would have prefered dedicated Video RAM of 128 MB and a better GPU, but so far no complaints with what I've got.

The display is great - clear and sharp and vivid. The only issue so far, is I have a 20 GB USB 2.0 flash drive, and it takes at least several minutes for the computer to pick up the drive (could be due to the size of the 20 GB drive).

Bottom line, I have no regrets.

 

Thanks for the feedback
If the brand name is Gateway, how come I can't find it on the Gateway website, but Its on Staples website? Is it not the same gateway with the cow logos?

 

Pentium 4s run hot and they are heavy. The battery life will be two hours or less. The Pentium M is the best notebook CPU. Something like the Compaq v2000 would be a much better choice especially if you are carrying it around. I'd recommend the 5400RPM hard drive and 12 cell battery for excellent battery life. The larger battery does add a little weight. You can configure a good one on HPShopping.com for around the same price as the Gateway. Plus HPShopping.com unlike Staples only charges tax in a few states. Good Luck.

 

I think I would much rather have the Pentium M series - but, I'm looking at a really big price difference. Even if I bought 2 erxtra batteries I'd be spending a significant amount less. But I'm gonna keep shopping around before I make a decision. The model i posted eqrlier seemed to be a good deal for the price.

 

I configured a Compaq on HP's website with a Pentium M, 12 cell battery, DVD burner and 5400RPM hard drive for $1024 plus there is $50 rebate. HPShopping does not charge tax unless you are in CA or TE. The thing will probably go 6-7 hours on a single charge which is probably more than the three batteries on the 7330GZ put together. It weighs at least a couple pounds less not including the two extra batteries.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...ooks/compaq_presario&storeName=computer_store

 

Just type 7330GZ in the search box of the Gateway site and it should pull up the specs for you.