Gateway 7422GZ

I'm in the market for my first notebook and wonder what you guys think of the Best Buy offered Gateway 7422GZ.

Here's the specs.
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AMD64 technology provides simultaneous support for 32-bit and 64-bit computing, including today's 32-bit applications and tomorrow's 64-bit software; 1MB L2 cache memory for efficient processing while multitasking
15.4" WXGA TFT widescreen display with Ultrabright technology and 1280 x 800 resolution
80.0GB EIDE hard drive
ATI Mobility RADEON 9550 graphics with 64MB video memory; S-video TV-out
6-in-1 digital media reader supports CompactFlash, Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and IBM Microdrive
4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports and 1 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface for fast digital video, audio and data transfer
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN with 125HSM technology (802.11b/g); 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; V.92 high-speed data/fax modem
Weighs 7.5 lbs. and measures 1.6" thin for portable power; lithium-ion battery
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2) operating system preinstalled; software package included with Microsoft Picture It! 9.0, Nero 6 Suite, CyberLink PowerDVD and more
Price 1399.99
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I really wanted an Acer 2020, but since they are discontinued in the US, and I can't find another PC that has as much cosmetic appeal, I may have to settle for something else, thats why I'm evaluating this Gateway. I currently have a Gateway Desktop that I ordered customized directly from Gateway. I'm not really big on buying PC's in stores, but this will save me some time.

Please share your feed back.

 

It is a great notebook for the price but if you want to play high end games on high settings( Doom 3 and Half Life 2) go for a differant pc. I have the 7405gx and its a nice computer it plays planetside well, but i kinda regret not getting a better graphics card. Also watch out for dell these days because they are changing there lineup so u might b able to get a steal like $700 off.

Overall That is a great pc, im kinda mad though cause the week after i get the 7405gx the 7422gx comes out

 

I downloaded the newest Omega drivers for the Radeon 9600, and my 7405 runs Doom 3, HL2, etc. w/o a hitch.

The 7422 did change to a Radeon 9550, for some reason....

 

Thanks folks for responding and sharing your input.

I was considering this gateway because I was unable to find my "dream" laptop in the United States.

However last night I finally found a vendor who ships to the US, and if all goes well, I will be using a brand new Acer 2023Wlmi
Spec sheet:
http://www.acer.co.uk/acereuro/page4.do?dau22.oid=4921&UserCtxParam=0&GroupCtxParam=0&dctx1=17&ctx1=UK&crc=66313880

I like this one better because #1 it looks GOOD!
#2. For some reason I don't trust Gateway as much as I used to. (probably from reading buyers reviews latey)
#3. It uses the proven Pentium M
#4. It can achieve 5 hours of usage
#5. ATi Radeon 9700/128MB
#6. It's only 6 lbs!!!

Wish me luck!

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by mawathen
Wish me luck!
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

Good luck, please let us know how much you paid for the Acer.

 

I saw the Best Buy ad for this Gateway, too. It has 1 gig of RAM! Seems too good to believe for $1249. Is this really a good deal? What's the catch? I'm tempted to run over there and grab this baby.

 

I just purchased it, and it runs VERY well. It's as fast as my desktop, something I'm not used to in a notebook. The graphics card is listed as a Radeon 9550 on BB's site, but my notebook came with a 9600. It runs Halo, Doom 3, and Half-Life 2 smoothly on 640x480 with medium-high graphic settings.

If I get around to it I'll post a proper review in a few days, but I can HIGHLY recommend it for the price!

 

I'm seriously thinking about exchanging my Toshiba A75-S209 for this machine. My machine is a piece of crap with various hardware defects and Best Buy has offered me an exchange--and the Gateway, which costs $50 less than I paid for my machine, beats it in every specification--but I like the poster above am worried, basically, what's the catch? After my craptacular experience with Toshiba (a company reputed to build solid machines--maybe I just got a lemon, but it doesn't feel like it, as it's not one defective part but rather various design defects) I am really concerned about cheap, shabby build quality, and really afraid of getting that all over again if I go for the Gateway. Can someone who has experience with them alleviate (or validate, whatever) my worries?

Edit: I also have issues with my Toshiba running much too hot--as in, the fans run *all the time* (right now they're running at max speed even though all I'm running is IE and AIM, and CPU usage is at a whopping 3%) and if I try to put it in silent mode it promptly overheats and shuts down. (I'm pretty sure this is because it's defective, but it has made me concerned about these things as it's way annoying.) Does the Gateway machine run hot or loud like this or have overheating problems?

 

Does anyone know the RPMs of the hard drive it comes with?

 

One week and still no problems. I've recommend this to a few more people in the process. I've never used a better notebook...

Since buying it, I've installed countless additional hardware devices from webcams to printers and have had no driver problems.
About its graphics capabilities...I've successfully run Halo Multiplayer on highest grahpics quality settings with ZERO lag. The notebook gets a little hot while playing it, but nothing too bad.

The speakers sound great in comparison to my old Toshiba system. Add some headphones and the built-in virtual surround sound manager does wonders.

It only lists 802.11g on the site, but it's actually g/b. I have a b network and it connects without any problems.

The notebook performs incredibly well. That's just the best way I can describe it...I've done everything I can think of with it: editing large images in Photoshop, connecting to remote servers with Dreamweaver, playing Doom 3, listening to radio stations, and playing DVDs...and then all at once with minimal system lag.

Please, let this post clear your doubts. Quality-wise, I can't say for sure. But if you get Best Buy's service plan, it covers all problems for three years...

 

Bought this thing at Best Buy. Very frustrating. No disks for any of the software/drivers. My first objective was to nuke the pre-installed xp home, and install xp pro. Had brutal time finding the video driver. Now I can't find the audio drivers. Not even sure what audio card is in the thing. Anybody know where I can find audio brand/drivers?

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by mawathen

 

You can get the Money fix at the Gateway web site. Go to the download section of the support page. It will ask you for your serial/model number. Funny thing is, that's the only download they've got for this thing.

Solved my driver problem. Just dug through the recovery cd's. All the drivers are in there. Just takes a litte work to find them.

 

got mine on 1/14 about four hours after they put them on display.

not much on gaming but I fiddle with MS Train Simulator a lot and it runs very very smooth on this machine even on highest res and color setting.

Made its own Recovery DVD when starting up. not sure what I'd gain with XP Pro so haven't investigated updating.

Can't seem to get a Compact Flash card into the media reader correctly - anyone figured that out yet.

Two other frustrations. Support comes from a different group until after the first year and the MSMoney is not installed cirrectly and they have no fix yet.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by mawathen

 

I bought one of these at Best Buy last week and it is one of the best PCs I've ever had. Plenty of video RAM for what I need (not a gamer) to do with video editing, etc. Screen is nice and bright and DVDs look great on it.


<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by mawathen

 

anyone successfully read a compact flash card in the media reader?

 

Yes. I've used both the compact flash and SD. No trouble at all...
Mine also came with a backup disc with all the drivers on it. I've had it for three weeks now, running wonderfully. I've used in in multiple presentations on battery life, and it lasts an average of 3:03 from 12 tests.

 

I just went to BestBuy myself and checked this laptop. It seems great, but I am wondering why I could not find this model number on the gateway website. Is this specifically made for BestBuy? If so, what makes it so? Are these refurbished parts, by chance?

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by millie

 

Hi. i just want ask to you ywo things, because i see you in several opinions in notebook reviews.

Yes, i want to change my NEW sony vaio PCG-K25. is not bad, but im a laptops lover. sony vaio is very nice to your eyes, and gateway..... i dont know, i never have had a gateway, but looks "simple"

Tell me please, what's the difference between 7422gz and 7422gx. Both have the same configuration but i think 74422gz is the newest. is it?. i see some pictures in one forum of 74422gx (your pictures), but whe i went to the gateway page and i look this model i cant find the s-video port. is important that my new laptop have everything!! does the 74422gz have s-video port?. is the gateway best brand that sony? is the ultrabrigth the same Xbrite?.
is bestbuy the only place to buy? is 1399 de lowest price in the market?

sincerely do you think this laptop is better than sony, plese help me to take the best choice.

as you can see my english is not good, thats because im a latin man, im in mexico, but im sure you understand what i mean.

I hope your answer!!

Thank you very much
<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Zeke

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by pulpo

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>I just went to BestBuy myself and checked this laptop. It seems great, but I am wondering why I could not find this model number on the gateway website. Is this specifically made for BestBuy? If so, what makes it so? Are these refurbished parts, by chance?<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

1. It's not a BBY exclusive model, it's a retail-only model. That's why it doesn't come up on Gateway's main site. It does appear on their retail section. If you go to Gateway's main page, there is a link called "View Products at Retail Stores" - that's the link to the units that Costco, CompUSA, BBY, etc. are carrying. Here's the link to the 7422GX in particular:

http://gateway.com/home/products/ret/ret_7422gx.shtml

 

when the compact flash is inserted into the 6 in 1 media reader, it doesn't seem to "snap" or lock into anything. Instruction book is vague.

If someone has actually accessed a compact flash in this reader how about some hints.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by guardrail22

 

Just saw the new Best Buy ad. The Gateway 7422GZ Will be 1249.00 Starting sunday. Hoping I get my income tax back so I can go pick it up. I was going to wait for the Fujitsu 3510 but this will save me about 300.

Blake