Gateway P-7811FX Notebook Packs Centrino 2

The new P-7811FX notebook is Gateway's first with Centrino 2 tech, Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS, 17-inch screen, and HDMI output.

Computer maker Gateway is out of the gate with its first Centrino-2-based notebook, the P-7811FX. Aimed at media enthusiasts and gamers, the P-7811FX sports Intel’s Centrino 2 technology, a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS graphics with 512 MB of dedicated video memory…plus a 17-inch 1,920 by 1,200-pixel display.

"The Gateway P-7811FX is a great choice for customers such as students and professionals who want a notebook that can handle all of their computing need—from creating videos and playing games to tackling work, school, and home projects," said Gateway’s senior manager for notebooks Todd Titera, in a statement.

The P-7811FX also sports HDMI 1.3 output for connecting to high-definition televisions and AV gear, a 1.3 megapixel Webcam, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless networking, a 5-in-1 digital media card reader, three USB 2.0 ports, an IEEE 1394 port, and a 200GB hard drive. The system also sports a DVD±RW DVD burner with LabelFlash, and an eSATA connector for popping on additional storage for backups and other uses. The notebook ships with 4GB of RAM and comes bundled with the 64-bit edition of Windows Home Premium. The P-7811FX packs a little bit of heft—9.2 pounds—but there’s not really such thing as a svelte 17-inch powerhouse notebook. Potential customers will have to look to add-ons if they want Bluetooth capability.

The P-7811FX is available now from Best Buy at a suggested price of $1,399.99. Remember Gateway recently shut down its own direct sales operations, so retailers and resellers will be the only way to set hands on the company’s products.