Gateway Build Quality

Thinking about getting the P-7811 FX model, but a number of people told me that their laptops are of inferior build quality. Just wanted some more opinions... Is the build quality of Gateway good, bad, or in the middle?

 

I would say average for a consumer laptop, has some good and bad points.

Bad points = Stiff media buttons, unreinforced lid.

Good points = keyboard and chassis is relatively decent for a 17" consumer laptop at the price.

 

I'll be using it for gaming mostly, so I guess an 'average' consumer laptop doesn't fit into that category.

 

I have no issues with my 7811 which I've been using for about a month now. My issues lie within Gateway's tech support which was a joke when troubleshooting my wifes desktop FX system.

If you have a slight to moderate knowledge about computers and how to fix them so tech support is not much of an issue, for the most part they are the best systems for the money you spend. But I re-iterate...if you will need Gateway support you may want to look elsewhere. Of course, this is just my opinion.

 

My opinion is that the P series laptops feel like work horses. They aren't pretty but they the job done, and frankly I like that. I don't mind if things don't quite line up just right or a few buttons are stiff so long that it runs cool, is reliable, and I get what I need out of it.

Considering you have to replace these things to stay up to date every 3-4 years I really don't think I want to spend an extra 500 or 1000 dollars to get something so luxurious I wont want to ever move it off my desk.

My biggest concerns are the mechanical bits that like the keyboard and the fans, and those seam very solid on the P series.

After I undervolted mine it ran just fine.

The only real complaint is that when my dvd rom drive revs up to full rpms it sounds like a jet engine taking off and the case vibrates. If I used discs allot I would be pretty pissed about that but thankfully I never use them.

Also the thing I really like about them is how easy they are to upgrade. I think my p6860fx CPU upgrade was the easiest I have ever done on any machine.

 

You do realize that most "gaming" laptops are consumer laptops right? The Clevo models are a little bit of both. They aren't designed as gaming laptops, but as performance laptops instead. It just happens that performance laptops can often be used as gaming laptops.

Consumer vs business models.
Business models would be, Dell's Latitude, Precision, HP's Workstation, Lenovo Thinkpad lines.

Strictly speaking, the most powerful single GPU 17" currently available is the Dell Covet. 17" with FX3700M. That's a business class performance laptop. The Sager 5797 isn't commonly available with the FX3700M yet.

For gaming laptop issues, look at the Asus G1S heat issues, or the M15X issues, or the X305 flex (now that's a terrible build).

M1730 has a very good, sturdy chassis, so does the OCZ whitebook.

 

To the OP... the requirements of quality build are less for Gaming Laptops.... think about it, you're buying a desktop replacement, you're not likely to move it even nearly as much as you would a regular laptop that you would carry around everywhere with you. Regardless, Gateway's build quality isn't the highest but is fine anyway

 

I realize that 'gaming' laptops are basically laptops that are suitable for gaming... don't get me wrong on that one. However, if it breaks down within the first year, I won't waste my money on it. My friend said that his college had a bunch of gateway laptops but they had massive hardware issues... and seeing that most colleges have 200+ students, that's pretty bad. I'm just wondering if that was a huge unlucky turnout, mistreatment of equipment, or gateway's fault.

 

As I said the gateways problems are only aesthetic. As far as I can tell from my experience and what I have read of other experiences its a very solid laptop.

I think the only issues are the build quality of the case itself. The internal components seam rock solid.

 

200+ students? That's a tiny college.

I agree that it's definitely possible that your friend's college's laptops had issues, however, all brands have systems that have more issues than others.

Take Dell's M1330/M1530 for example, they occasionally have chassis/build quality issues, the same applies for some of Lenovo's laptops, or the Clevo D900(T/K?)'s heat issues. Just because that particular line of Gateway laptops had issues, does not mean that all Gateway laptop issues will have issues. If that particular line was the T-16XX, those had serious heat/build issues.

Students can also be inordinately rough on laptops, particularly if they don't own them. In part a reason why schools tend to offer business class notebooks to students is to offer them a better build for the frequent use and portage.

If possible, I would strongly recommend for you to test out a model of the FX series in person, before you make the decision. Acceptable quality to one person may mean unacceptable quality to another.

At any rate, the earliest owners of the FX models are about the celebrate their first anniversary with their machines, perhaps you could ask them.

 

Thanks dude. I don't care much about aesthetics (except with Toshiba Qosmio laptops... those flames are STUPID) so I guess Gateway will be good for me. I take care of electronics, especially ones that I pay for... But did anyone else have problems with their laptops? I'm just trying to get a generalized few of how these laptops hold up.

 

I saw the gateway in person; the P-7804g (Re-branded FX P-7811 Asian edition) The keyboard is excellent, but the chassis and especially the back screen lid cover, could be better and yes the media buttons are a little stiff I honestly have to say.

To be frank and honest, My Dell Inspiron 1720's build quality is... honestly better. Base (top and underside), Chassis, Hinge, Keyboard, Screen Cover Lid, all of it. Virtually almost 0% flex on every part of my Dell as compared to Gateway. Once again, PERSONAL opinion. Yours may differ. However my 1720 is sturdier but alot heavier than Gateway's.

But yeah, for gateway's it is still within the acceptable range. It just that - personally - it could be better. It's just fine.

At least the keyboard doesn't flex.

And yes, how you care for your machine. It's every owner's responsibility to make it last.

 

Well I guess everything has its flaws, right? Seeing as I am doing most of my shopping online, I can't actually see the laptop in front of me, only pics. If Gateway has a little flex...that's okay. I can live with it. I just want it to last me 2 years then I'll be buying a new one (maybe...)

 

Yep. That's what I'm trying to say.

 

Well, I'll skip Gateway and go with MSI. Much cheaper, looks better, has warranties, and is pretty good overall (Especially the MSI GX630.)

 

I would have said good as my wife has a 6381 and it is awesome but I had a 6860 which was broken out of the box so uhh I didn't see random so average it is

 

I'm very happy with the build quality and general quality of my P-6831FX. The main issue I had with it was the keyboard ribbon was badly attached at 1st, but I took it apart twice to fix it (Didn't do it right the 1st time) and have had no issues since.

 

well mine has gone about 4 or 5 months without a scratch! I like it!