Gateway’s New Back-to-School PCs, Notebooks

Gateway has announced several new notebook and desktop PC models at retail, hoping to catch some of parents' and students' back-to-school enthusiasm.

Computer maker Gateway—recently acquired by Taiwan’s Acer—has announced several new notebook and desktop PC models aimed at mass market retailers and targeted especially at the back-to-school market as parents and students get ready for a new academic year. Starting prices on the new systems range from $549.99 to $1,149.99, and Gateway has even assembled a new online retail (ahem) gateway to help users peruse the company’s offerings and find a retailer offering specific models.

“Summer is the ideal season to buy a new notebook or desktop PC from Gateway,” said Acer senior product development manager Steve Bulling, in a statement. “Families can take advantage of their extra time by enjoying the latest games, as well as making videos and creating photo slideshows of summer events. In the fall, students can take advantage of their new PC’s impressive performance to jump into research and studies.”

Gateway has added new configurations to its 17-inch P-, 15.4-inch M-, and 14.1-inch T-series lines, all with integrated Wi-Fi wireless networking and several with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Centrino mobile technology, and HDMI output. Many models also feature integrated Web cams, LabelFlash-compatible DVD burners, and the M- and T-series are available in retailer-specific color configurations. Highlights include the garnet red M-6848 and pacific blue T-6836, each featuring a 2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, and Vista Home Premium for $799.99.

Gateway has also added models to its FX, DX, and GT desktop lines, including the retail gaming FX4710 system, featuring an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, 6 GB of RAM, and overclocked Nvidia GeForce 9800GT graphics controller (along with a streamlined black case and LED highlights) for $1,149.99. In the meantime, Gateway’s GT series offer a budget-friendly alternative, offering AMD Triple and Quad-Core processors, 4 GB of RAM, ATI RAdeon HD 3200 graphics at prices starting at just $549.99.