Thinking about getting the gateway P-7811FX

Im thinking about getting the P-7811FX but Im going to have to downgrade it after I get it to 32bit vista. Im not planning on using this laptop for gaming but work. All the specs work for what I need in a work laptop, minus the 64bit vista and the price is right. I already have a copy of 32bit vista so thats not an issue. I just want to see if everyone is happy theirs or should I be looking else where. The sooner I get a response the sooner I can order. Thanks

 

So far all I have heard is positive feedback so I would go for it. If I had the money I wouldnt be here right now, Id be at best buy.

 

The laptop itself is great, and most everyone seems to really like it. I just got mine today and I love it (despite the fact that I can't set it to raid-0 like I'd hoped). Gateway support is pitiful, so if support is a big issue for you, might want to look elsewhere.

 

Umm. A lot have found, myself included, that 64bit Vista is actually smoother running than 32bit with little to no compatibility issues. Is there a special program you have that specifically doesnt run in Windows Vista 64bit? All my 32bit programs, with the exception of an older defrag and an Intel test program work fine.

 

Im a trader and non of my trading programs work with 64bit


Also whats up with the finger print reader, it doesnt seem to come with it but some reviews says it does.

 

It doesnt, unfortunately. The reviews either guessed, or were given a test unit that happened to have the reader on it.

 

Lots of screen real estate would be good for trading programs. I wonder how the resolution will affect the size of your print for readability? I'm actually a little concerned about this myself. Might be worth a look see at the store if you have not already.

Edit: Those charts should look good.

 

If you are going to use it for work, then you should consider other laptops since most "work applications" like AutoCad, Photoshop and the like need powerful CPU's.

This laptop is great for gaming but I doubt it's going to perform as well as an ASUS when it comes to CPU intensive work.

 

Are you certain your trading programs won't work on Vista x64? Most stuff does work, but there are some exceptions, mostly with software that messes with your hardware (like drivers). Application programs should work fine.

One thing to try is bringing a copy of your tranding software to your local BB and asking to install it to test.

If you really need Vista 32, I believe that the machine comes with the option to install it and replace the pre-installed Vista 64. I think, but I'm not sure that the necessary 32 bit drivers are also included.

The fingerprint reader and bluetooth capability you read about in reviews resulted from the reviewers receiving pre-release hardware for reviews. Clearly, BB and Gateway decided to hit a pricepoint that did not allow for including those features.

Ira

 

I agree that another good option would be looking into Lenovo's also. They are great for business/workstation use.

 

I went ahead and got the gateway, for the price it worked out the best. I thought about the Lenovo or Asus but didnt want to deal with ordering and waiting for it game. I already got 32 installed and it seems perfect now minus a few drivers issues.

I did try my trading programs on 64bit but most are custom programs anyway and none of them worked.

 

Umm. If both the machines have similar processors and or configuration, what difference does a name brand make on how it performs? There are several Asus machines that have a lower end processor. Is the fact that its an Asus going to make it instantly leapfrog the Gateway?

EDIT: OP. Glad it worked out for you! I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

I am afraid it will not work with 32 bits Vista, because you may not have the driver to support it.

Good Luck!

 

now thats a new one, no support for x86 drivers. lol
in 10 years maybe

 

LOL. That's pretty comical, right there.