gateway m-6862 review

I am still running stock gateway drivers for my M-152XL.

I saw no advantage upgrading to the new drivers via mobility modder, rather I saw an increase in temps by 1-2C

 

I picked up the Belkin cooler pad, but it doesn't seem to "sit" on it too well due to the size? or something. The temps were initially cooler (19 - 22) but just idling now they're up near 34c. Is there a technique to having the laptop on a cooling pad?

 

Q1: Is your laptop a tad wider for the Belkin Cooler!?!?

Q2: Can you take the cooler back if it is giving a hassle already ... sliding or whatever ...!?!?

BTW folks has anyone checked their M-6862 CPU to see what they have gotten ... I was playing around with "PC Wizard 2008" program ... and it says that my CPU is a T7200 vs what the box says a T5750. If that is the caase then I have 4MB L2 Cache ... woohoo!

G!

 

cpu-z says T5750, i bet yours is just an error or the machines that make them is screwed up, which is a scary thought. lol.

 

Hi Josh,

Well I am going to open it up when I have a chance and check it out if it is a T7200 ... then is up for Sale to the Highest Bidder!

G!

 

I think the pad is suppose to make the laptop fit ontop with the rubber legs? on the bottom on the outside, but it doesnt seem to work as it was designed.

 

I reviewed the belkin and described how it fit with a M series gateway (since they all use the same chassis). Shoulda read it before you ordered

What what do you mean 19-22 cooler? This F or C? What is idling at 34C now? You sure about your results? I did extensive testing and I never got results that good.

 

I second that. I bet it is an error. Best way to find out is check under device manager.

 

Just looked inside mine, took like 5mins to unscrew to get to the CPU compartment. It is a T5750. I know this also because the T5750 is a budget T7200, which is only missing the increase cache. Otherwise with the CPUs it is difficult to tell the difference because they are both C2Ds with identical clock speeds.

Picture Proof (Sorry taken w/ phone):

 

When it was first booted up, they were around 22c. Now after being on for a few hours, with just IE up, its at 35/31c for core0/core1 and 53c on GPU. Topped out at 68c for cpu with WoW on w/ performance.

What cooler would you suggest that fits this laptop? Almost seems like it does no good since the temps are pretty much similar with it off.

 

Someone else also posted those core temps and they seem very very low for a T5750. My T8300 runs hotter then that. And I swear my dad's M-6862 is also hotter then that. Can you do me a favor and try something? Put your computer to sleep then pull it out. See if your CPU temps are being recorded at around the same range or if they are higher. There is some sort of bug with my M-152XL that the temps read abnormally low until I put my computer to sleep and pull it out.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=300749
There I did a basic comparison of the three coolers that have had the best cooling for me. Belkin actually is one of them. In gaming, you should see a difference in max temps.

 

im looking for windows xp 32bit drivers now?

too hard to find for 64

 

That is it "Krazyphire" you are definitely off of my "Christmas List" this year . Oh Well!

G!

 

lol, I only seek to inform the masses.

 

I went on gateways driver page and they had a handful of drivers for XP. They didn't specify if they were XP32 or XP64 drivers, however I would venture to say XP32.

Try looking there but be warned, they won't let you into the drivers section without a serial code (located on the bottom of you laptop).

http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/mydl.asp?tab=MY&os=Windows XP

 

^ has anyone successfully downgraded to win xp 32 with all the hardware working?

i really need to finish this tonight

 

hey i just realize something, after a clean format i guess there is a driver for the multimedia buttons? because right now they don't work but my volume control works

help?

 

its called hotstart i believe. You can get it from your gateway recovery center if you installed it...

 

uhh what happen if i did a clean format so that means no more GRC?

 

Hotstart? You mean boot the machine into some limited mode for playing dvds and such? I'm not sure this laptop has that.

But there should be a set of drivers for the mulitmedia keys.

EDIT: Just found it. Its in the Gateway Recovery Center. So look in there for Application Recovery and the multimedia drivers.

EDIT: Hotstart is a Vista feature? Wow. Just found out what it does. Never used it before.

EDIT: Wow, 3rd edit, a record for me. Does anybody that know a lot about this Hotstart feature point me to a whitepaper/specification? I'm trying to figure out how it works exactly. Googleing it just points to a whole mess of pages that repeat the exact marketing paragraph on Microsoft's site. (Does anybody write new material these days?) I want to know how Vista is handling the hardware interface and booting to get an app up so fast.

 

I linked you a thread earlier from which you could install GRC from after a clean install. If you decided not to do it, thats your problem, sorry.

 

The hotstart drivers enables the multi media buttons that are at the top of your keyboard. They open on windows media center I believe.

 

you're right i remember now thanks ill do it when i got time

 

does anyone know where I can dload the Video card drivers for this?

FOR WINXP64

 

I don't think there are XP 64-bit drivers for this laptop.

But if you go to Gateway Support page and have your Laptop Serial Number Handy ... you can download all XP, and Vista 32 and 64-bit drivers.

G!

 

BTW ... has any of you guys used the NORTON 360 Trial on this laptop!?!?

If so, how do you like it?

G!

 

I was talking about the Windows Hotstart feature. Where you press a button no matter the power state of the computer. It will start and run the function that you have mapped to the button as soon as it boots. Supposed to help you play DVDs faster.

 

I'm using it.

It's not bad, but I'm cheap and prefer free protection

Norton 360's not that bad, but I don't really feel like putting out money when I can get something comparable for free. I like free firewalls (like zonealarms, and I'm using Comodo right now) because I feel like they give you more control. Rather then just block stuff it asks you if you want to block it or not. Annoying to some maybe, but I like the additional control.

Like I said in another thread, I would just uninstall it, but If they're giving me 60 days free why not use it? (rhetorical)

 

Hi Justin,

THANKS! I was hoping that other folks would chime in too ... but I guess they are too busy! Oh well!

G!

 

oh no BIG problems guys i need help quick!

i open my laptop up m6862 to just change the thermal paste of AS5 that i have, everything went fine then as i was trying to screw the first screw in it fell somewhere and disappear! i shook the whole laptop but i did not hear the sound of the screw i also spent like 5 mins on the floor(and table) looking for the screw

so i was like ughh ill just try to boot it and see how it goes, i plug it in turn it on and it doesn't even load to desktop and turns off iono why, my battery should be fine

then my fan would turn on for a quick second and stop spinning then my laptop turns off

WHATS GOING ON?! can i still return it and get a refund? or exchange?! what do you guys think? i still got receipt and everything


*EDIT* even when i have the laptop plugged in it would turn off on me

 

Im Freaking Out Right Now!!!!

 

Hi Vince,

Well if you hadn't said that you were messing around with it ... I would guess your laptop symptoms as a VIRUS ... but ...

Vince, try looking for the screw again ...

Are you saying only 1 screw is missing and you put everything else back together just fine!?!?

Vince have you used F2, F10 or F8 or F12 buttons to reboot in safe mode!?!?
What is you result?

If no success I would run to BB if you are under 14 Days and Return it PRONTO!

G!

 

The screw probably is screwing up some connection in the laptop since it fell in.

 

just got back from BB to see what they got in stock

its only been about 10 days yeah its only one screw the 1st one from the GPU/CPU cooler, u could say i was messing around but i did change thermal paste on my c90s and it works just fine, also i can turn in any BB right?

 

whats an excuse i can come up with? plus ig otta pay 15% restocking fee huh? since its open will they take it out and try to start it? should i take out my files/songs/music?

 

**** my laptop won't stay on for more then 20 secs and it turns off i can't wipe the HD =[

 

Hey guys, I have a problem and would like some help. I just made a clean install with the OS DVD that came with the laptop, then I installed the Gateway Recovery Center to install the drivers, but when I go to the "Device driver recover" menu all the drivers are disable, so I can't chose anything and can't reinstall them.

Could someone help me? How can I make the drivers to be able again, I haven't erased anything from the recovery partition.

Thanxx..

 

Hi YoYo,

1) Just curious ... if you stayed with the Original 64-bits or choose the 32-bits?

2) Did you make your Recovery Discs ... right!?!? And they don't work?

G!

 

Mine has 32bits Vista, what don't work is the gateway recovery center, or at least the drivers menu in it. It was working before but now all of the drivers are disabled so I can't choose anything.

 

Hi yoyo,

So, are you telling us that you a Fresh "Vista 32-bit OS" dvd in your hand and you tried to do a "Clean Install" to get rid of the Bloatware!!! Right!?!?

Q1: But did your laptop also come with a "Driver CD"?

Q2: Did you make your "Recovery Discs" before trying a Clean Install?

I suppose with your Clean Install you Repartitioned your Drive also ... or did you keep it as one Big Drive ... since you have OS to fall back on!?!?

Thanks,

G!

 

Hi yoyo,

I think I have found the SOLUTION to your problem ... read this ...

Unable to Install Drivers or Apps Because Gateway Recovery Center is Not on Start Menu
http://support.gateway.com/s/issues/2-2420737301.shtml

Post back if it worked for you.

G!

 

I'll explain what I did, I took the OS DVD that came with the laptop and did a clean install, didn't repartition the disk (It's still one big 220GB hard drive), and didn't touch the Recovery Partition (D . I followed the instructions you posted to reinstal the Gateway Recovery Center, had no problem with that, but when I open the app and go to the drivers menu, all of the drivers are disable, meaning I can't select any of them. Every other menu on the application works just fine, except for the drivers part.

 

Hi yoyo,

Since you still have your Recovery Partition ... have you tried to RECOVER from there and see what happens!?!?

For now I am out of idea(s) ... may be somebody else can chime in if they have seen this type of delimma!!!

G!

 

I'm going to try a factory reset to see if it fix it. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the help!!!

 

Just curious... why did you do this to a brand new laptop? Did you have program compatibility problems w/Vista 64-bit right off the bat?

 

I just bought one of these NIB from a private owner. I work in a corporate environment where we are exclusively HP/Compaq. I was extremely surprised to find this laptop is, so far, every bit as competent as the HP models which are comparatively overpriced. In fact my current model NX7400, which will be replaced any day now, is slower than the Gateway. I have never really been a Gateway fan and avoided them, but for the value and features of this model it was just too hard to pass up. I primarily bought this for my girlfriend who's computer after five years is on it's last legs (a HP/Compaq). I was even tempted to trade her my NX7400 for the Gateway. I'll be getting my new laptop soon and am curious to see how they compare, they feature very similar specs, except the HP will have a 7200 rpm HD with dedicated graphics and 2.4ghz CPU. Keep it mind it will also cost nearly 3 times as much for a 14.1" screen which will keep the weight down since I carry it every day to work. We have also avoided using Vista here because of the numerous issues with it on a corporate level, but find that it too is, so far, very nice.

Opening up the box it was "optimized" by BestBuy so it had been opened before but still had the BB tape on the box sealing it. On first boot had the typical nag screens about Norton and other software, otherwise everything came up and worked as it should. It seem to take several hours to charge the batteries since I'm sure they were at 0%. The AC adapter gets quite hot and I worry about it's longevity down the road. The glossy screen I like very much, it seems to add a more detailed view and added contrast over the non-glare versions. Knowing the CPU can be upgraded later is also a plus. Watching "No Country For Old Men" on it was very crisp and clean looking. The choking scene was quite vivid and noticed details I hadn't seen before, probably due to the close proximity I was sitting to the screen. Updating the drivers gave no surprises either but the quick boot time was especially appreciated. I have wireless G at home at the moment and downloading was very fast. This laptop and my new one will both have N built-in so it's time to upgrade my access point/router. I liked the multimedia buttons and they worked well especially the volume control which I found extremely useful and unique. The keyboard to me felt solid and gave good feedback, the touchpad has a rough feel to it, and as delivered is a little slow responding, I'm sure it's easily adjusted although I have not done so yet. I have not tried any games yet or modding, and will probably leave it stock since it will be for my girlfriends use. The camera and microphone worked well and I liked how it automatically saved the files, maybe a bad thing later down the road. I could see it saving a 20 gig video by accident. Everything works as it should with no surprises or dissapointments with features that can cost you much more money than this laptop. I have been shopping for a couple weeks now and other than used, I have not found anything close to this deal NIB. Best Buy had an Acer for $399.00 with wireless N and 2.0 ghz CPU but with only 1mb cache, 160gig HD vs 250gig, shared video vs dedicated and 2gig ram vs 4gig, still not bad for the money and almost bought it except they had none in stock. Acer owns Gateway if I'm correct so it's no surprise they offer such value products.

Overall I'd have to say that for the money you'd be very hard pressed to find a laptop with such features in an attractive yet simple case. I definitely have been "mooed" over.

 

Hi DanTana,

Nice writeup & feedback.

It is a heck of a deal ... that one of the folks on NBR alerted us to it ... I personally would not have found it ... so it was a shear luck.

G!

 

Gonwk,

Thank you for your kind words. This laptop has been great so far, except for one thing, and it's not Gateway's fault but Windows Vista. I lost all internet access with both ethernet and wireless on it and for the life of me I couldn't get it working reliably again. It appears this is not an uncommon occurance with Vista. I ended up having to reload Vista again to resolve it. I don't even know why or how it occured because my girlfriend informed me after the fact. It would connect, then drop again after a few minutes, it was like it had a mind of it's own. Unfortunately my experience with Vista is very minimal but I tried everything I could to get it working again. Once I reloaded everything it was fine again, knock on wood. My girlfriend doesn't even really notice anything different with it even after a full reinstall. Good thing I made the back up and restore disks!! The restore method is a little confusing as well, but I just put in the Vista CD and almost went with the 32 bit version this time but decided to put the 64 bit on again. I'm still very happy with the laptop, it still performs extremely well, even after the reinstall. I reloaded all the factory software so it's as if nothing ever happened. It just cost me a few hours time and initial frustration. I was even tempted to put Windows XP on it, but figured I'll never learn Vista if I do that. I think this could of happened to any laptop or computer with Vista, judging for the searches I found about it. In one way I'm glad it happened so I got the chance to reinstall Vista, which I found to be very easy. Hopefully this won't happen again, but I'm not going to bet against it. I'm keeping the restore CD's close by for now.

Thanks,
Dan

 

Hi Dan,

What do you mean by "Reloaded all the Factory Software"? And where did you get those from? Do you mean from the Back-Up/Restore DVD that you had made!?!?

THANKS!

G!

 

do you guys have any links to for the webcam and touchpad shortcut buttons drivers for vista 64 bit? Can't seem to find them anywhere.