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    New Gateway FX Chassis? Yay? Nay?

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by idiotpilot, May 13, 2009.

  1. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    What are your thoughts on the chassis of the fx notebooks? Are you content with it or would you like new styles? Please explain what you would change about it (looks, features, general design). Who knows, maybe a gateway employee might stumbled upon this thread ;)
     
  2. Kamin_Majere

    Kamin_Majere =][= Ordo Hereticus

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    I like it. Simple and effective. Plus still using all of the old stuff alows gateway to buy in HUGE bulk and pass the savings on to us.

    As to changes... none really. I would like a 4th USB port, and a reinforced screen but thats about it
     
  3. d.rivera08

    d.rivera08 Notebook Evangelist

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    I like the aesthetics of the Gateway FX series.... perfect for Halloween. The look is pretty simple and manages too catch eyes without all the eye candy. :D
     
  4. nels1316

    nels1316 Notebook Guru

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    I like it for the most part. I like that it is not obnoxious like a lot of gaming notebooks. I still really hate the CTRL and Function keys being swapped. I would have them fix that.
     
  5. Tybalt39

    Tybalt39 Notebook Evangelist

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    I would also like a more "rugged"/stiffer lid. Unfortunately, I don't think an aluminum lid or reinforcement would work as the antennae for this laptop are in the lid.

    I would have liked a more "generic" look so that I could take it into meetings and seminars when traveling without looking unprofessional, but I can't argue with the economics of scale (keep everything the same to cut costs/prices).
     
  6. skogar

    skogar Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would love the FX to be in a Vaio Chassis ; D
     
  7. wootage

    wootage Notebook Consultant

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    A panel to access the GPU like you can the CPU.
    More air vents to move the heat out from below the motherboard instead of letting it come up through the keyboard.
    Same for the hard drive section - my (just replaced) Seagate Momentus was sizzling at 50c, and that's not good for it or for anything near it like the MB.
     
  8. hax0rJimDuggan

    hax0rJimDuggan Notebook Deity

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    Really? You think it looks that unprofessional? I think the design is subtle, not really a "look at me I'm a gamer!" type.
     
  9. azrickster

    azrickster Notebook Guru

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    I wouldn't change the looks, like them they way they are.

    I agree though that the CTRL key should be placed where it belongs! Also would like to see the Eithernet Port moved to the back along side the Modem - right side is a lousy location - gets in the way of mousing. GPU panel would be nice, but doubt they would ever do that as it isn't an upgradable part since it is soldered on.
     
  10. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    I'd change the general look of it. The carbon fiber look is awesome, though I'm not too keen on the bright metallic orange accents. Like a previous poster said, a much sturdier lid and hinges would also be nice, mine are making noise when I open and close the notebook. Also, I'd move the wireless switch. too many times have I turned my internet off while playing online games. Keep the multimedia touch keys though, they are awesome. I also love the touchpad and the heatsink vent placement.
     
  11. Tehkun

    Tehkun Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah, the wireless switch is in a pretty bad spot. Sometimes I think its my router, so i will leave it for a minute then go back and start thinking im going to have to go through a big ordeal of calling comcast to ask why my internet isnt working, all to figure out i flipped the wireless switch off. For the most part, I do like the look of them, but maybe a little change would be nice, considering they are all the same it would be nice to have a discerning quality about specific models, but that would probably raise the prices a little.
     
  12. Tybalt39

    Tybalt39 Notebook Evangelist

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    OK, this is just a little off-topic but...

    I would like to see a better firewire chipset. Not the Agere that is currently used, but the TI chipset. Much better for throughput.

    Like I said, just a bit off-topic, but still a change to the lappy....
     
  13. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    Rofl, I've done this soooo many times. Whenever I tote it around in my messenger bag it always switches off. So when I arrive at my wifi spot, it is turned off and I'm looking around at everyone else' computer to see if the internet is working for them. I've also done the whole "check if router is working correctly" thing as well. I end up feeling like an idiot when i realize what the problem is... D'oh.
     
  14. N00d13s

    N00d13s is too legit to quit!

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    i wouldn't change the way it looks at all, i think it looks great. The GPU panel would be nice and moving the ethernet port, i don't use it too much and i can easily just bend the cable, but it'd make more sense in the back or at least further back on the side. I haven't had any problems with the wireless switch, mine actually sticks pretty well, so it's hard to accidentally hit it or hit it and not notice.
     
  15. lukychmz

    lukychmz Notebook Guru

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    the only thing I would want is illuminated keys like the alienware's have
     
  16. rot112

    rot112 El Rompe ToTo

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    They could at least have a few more color schemes. Like Red and Silver would make it look alot better.
     
  17. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    imo cheap plastics need to be better. colors are okay def not to bad
     
  18. Agent.Orange

    Agent.Orange Notebook Geek

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    Does anybody else find that the power plug comes out a lot? When I'm laying in bed the power plug tends to swivel with the butt of the plug hitting the battery, if it swivels a bit more it ends up getting levered out of the hole.

    I'm not a big fan of the volume control, and I think something needs to be done about the media buttons. As many of you may know, some of the 7811 (maybe 7805u and others as well) get screen distortions from the screen to board connector getting loose. I think it may be because of the use of the media buttons, as they are right over the connector. One of the buttons probably pushes on one edge, and causes the other edge to lift up.

    mmmm and yea it needs a sturdier lid.
     
  19. desmondhume333

    desmondhume333 Notebook Consultant

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    personally the only thing that bothers me is the colors i guess. i think silver and blue would look nice
     
  20. cyclist14

    cyclist14 Notebook Consultant

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    If anything I would add active cooling or a heatsink system to the hdd bays along with a little more protection for the drives, relocate the Ethernet, eSata, VGA and HDMI Ports to the rear of the chasis and add 2 more USB ports
     
  21. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    I agree with back lit keys and would love EASY acess to the GPU and fan for cleaning and paste...........

    Edit; Although they don't add alot, a SUB Woofer would be greagt as well.............
     
  22. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm with you for the subwoofer, the speakers are garbage :(
     
  23. a3r0x

    a3r0x Notebook Evangelist

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    I would wanna change the follwing:

    1. Easy acces to the GPU ofc.
    2. Speakers (+ Subwoofer which is a standard for these class laptops)
    3. Back lit keyboard would be nice.
     
  24. N00d13s

    N00d13s is too legit to quit!

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    back lit keys would be cool, i'd even settle for the light just around the keys.
     
  25. andyroo

    andyroo Notebook Guru

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    1. CTRL KEY IN THE CORRECT PLACE PLEAAASSSEEE
    2. Backlit keys


    Overall the chassis design looks great and (imo) is comparable to those of pricier gaming notebooks.

    It's also a plus I can take it to work and not draw attention =D
     
  26. Syngensmyth

    Syngensmyth In All Seriousness

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    The speakers are good to OK but not great. My old Everex XT5000T has amazing sound for a cheap laptop so it can be done. If the sub would do it then it gets my vote.

    Yes to standard control key position.

    I have not even cracked it open yet (going on a year) except to add/swap HD. That is some kind of record.
     
  27. Tybalt39

    Tybalt39 Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm jumping on the speaker/amplifier bandwagon. I just can't get enough volume from this unit when listening to audio files (when I'm outside right next to it). I have an old Compaq E500 (Pentium 3) that has enough volume and sound quality to fill a room (or be well heard outside). I really miss that when I use this lappy....