www.top1shop.com | Shopping

BABY

BOOKS

COMPUTERS

DVD

ELECTRONICS

GIFTS

HOME & GARDEN

MUSIC

PRODUCT DETAILS

Gateway 450X Notebook (1.4-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo)

Gateway 450X Notebook (1.4-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo)

Compact and battery efficient yet as powerful and versatile as many larger, bulkier portable computers, the Gateway 450X is a smart choice for those who put equal emphasis on performance and portability. Those who regularly push the capabilities of their notebook with complex professional applications, deep multitasking or 3-D games should perhaps explore Gateway's M500X series, which incorporates a more capable video card and double the RAM memory, but this model should suffice for light- to medium workloads.

Not surprisingly, the unit features Intel's new Centrino technology. Built upon a triad of interconnected elements -- an Intel Pentium M CPU (with 1 full GB of Level 2 cache), an Intel 855 chipset, and a cord-free network connection -- Centrino-equipped notebooks deliver more power and more perks than their comparatively diminutive size and rated processor speed would otherwise indicate. In the case of the Gateway 450X, that processor is a 1.4 GHz Intel Pentium M. Along for the ride is a somewhat minimal alloent of 256 MB DDR SDRAM memory and an ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics controller (32 MB dedicated video memory). In this configuration, the unit will certainly suffice for typical mobile tasks.

Measuring just 13.1 by 10.6 by 1.3 inches and tipping the scales at a mere 6.13 pounds with optical drive and battery installed, the Gateway 450X is a very compact unit. It does, however, feature several impressive mobile features, including an adequate 40 GB hard disk and a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive through which you can play and burn audio CDs, archive data and enjoy DVD movies. DVD writing is not supported. At 15 inches, its display is larger than might be expected, and capable of an extremely accurate 1400 by 1050 resolution. Communication options include not only a standard 56K dial-up modem and a 10/100 Ethernet network adapter, but also an integrated 802.11b wireless connection for those times when you can't or don't want to plug in.

Other important amenities include a pair of high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with external peripherals such as scanners or digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (typically used for digital camcorder downloads), a VGA port for external monitors and a parallel "printer" port, but no S-Video TV-out.

Bundled software includes Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works Suite 7.0 and a 90-day free trial with Norton AntiVirus.
Manufacturer: Gateway

Price: $1,649.99

Gateway 450X Notebook (1.4-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo)

User Reviews

Well-balanced middle weight
rating: 5

I've used the Gateway 450X for several months now and find it to be a solid, reliable full-featured laptop that strikes a decent balance between weight and features.

The case is sleek, thin and modern, but plastic not metal (don't let the silver color mislead you).

The screen is bright with fine detail.

The keyboard is responsive with good feel. The wrist rest is a little deep compared to the ideal and there is only a touchpad, no pointing stick. However, the touchpad is better than many. I have an HP that drives me crazy with an overly sensitive touchpad.

The 450X has very good battery life and good wireless performance. I use a Linksys wireless network and the 450X has better range with its built-in wireless than older laptops with add-in cards.

There are some trade-offs. The optical drive is a good DVD-CD/RW combo drive, but no DVD writer is available. Similarly, the speakers are not really adequate for a multi-media presentation platform.

Gateway's dock or port replicator plugs into a slot on the bottom of the laptop case and promotes ventilation and a good typing angle. The availability of a port replicator was a requirement in my selection process (so you can leave printers and other peripherals plugged into the dock). I highly recommend this accessory. It makes working with a laptop much easier.

This is not a video creation platform, but for everyday work in Microsoft Office and web browsing, it's a great laptop with balanced features and excellent pricing.

I also recommend Gateway's service and support. Support information is individualized to your actual machine. Gateway's website resolves most issues for me without resort to techs, but when techs are necessary they are located in the United States and have consistently been helpful. This is my sixth Gateway computer and the service and support system is a key reason for coming back.

Gateway 450X Notebook (1.4-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo)