Gateway Refreshes Notebook Lines

Gateway has introduced a new slate of mobile computers, including an expansion of its FX line for gamers. And they all feature 64-bit Vista.

Computer maker Gateway has announced a major refresh of its notebook line, offering up a new entry in its popular FX line for gamers and computing enthusiasts. And all of the new notebooks ship with Windows Home Vista 64-bit Edition, so users will be able to leverage a full 4 GB of RAM and pending 64-bit applications.

"Gateway’s new notebook lineup offers our customers stylish and unique designs paired with exceptional features and new capabilities," said Gateway’s senior manager of mobile products Todd Titera, in a statement. "These new models and the rest of the line illustrate our dedication to continually exceed our customers’ expectations for performance and value."

First up, Gateway is extending its newly-introduced FX line to a new 15.4-inch notebook, the M-6850FX. Smaller than the earlier P-series FX notebook, the M-6850FX features an Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 CPU, 3 GB of RAM, an ATI Radeon HD 2600 graphics controller, and a dual-layer DVD burner with LabelFlash technology. Expect to see it at Best Buy at a suggested price of $999.99.

For folks who can’t life without the 17-inch screen, Gateway is also rolling out the P-172X FX Edition, with an Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 CPU, Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS graphics (with 512 MB of video memory) driving a 1,920 by 1,200-pixel display. The P172X will also feature two 160 GB hard drives (RAID 0), a slot-loading DVD burner, integrated Webcam, 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking. The P-172X FX Edition will be available from Gateway for $1,999.99.

Best Buy will also carry the P-6860FX for $1,349.99; it will feature an Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 CPU, 3 GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce 8800M GTS graphics, a dual-layer DVD burner, and a 250 GB hard drive.

Aside from new additions to its FX line, gateway is also offering new models in its M-series and T-series lineups, with selected models featuring an HDMI port for connecting to a large screen display. The new M- and T-series systems feature a range of AMD Turion and Intel processors, with the M-series carrying a 15.4-inch display and the T-series boasting a 14.1-inch screen. The new M- and T-series units will be available through leading retailers at starting prices well under $1,000.

Gateway has also introduced its C-142XL Convertible Notebook PC, with a Core 2 Duo T8300 processor, ATI RAdeon X2300 HD graphics, 3 GB of RAM, and a 250 GB hard drive; the pen-based tablet PC will be available in May at a starting price of $1,299.99.