Digital TrendsTechnology news and Product Reviews

Gateway 200XL Review

Write a Review

Write a User Review


  1. Pete •  September 23, 2003
    Rating: 4.5/5

    I have the Samsung X10 which the Gateway 200XL is based on and I love it. It’s super slim, light, and has the speed to move my applications. I do have the extended battery adapter so the battery life isnt really a concern for me. The only additional feature that I would like to have is better speakers (but I dont think anything better can fit in a 1 inch thick notebook, oh well) But all in all, I would highly recommend it.

    Rating: 9 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  2. Sean •  September 24, 2003
    Rating: 4.5/5

    My Gateway 200XL just arrived about a week ago. So far, I’m extremely impressed. Not only is it thin, light, and portable, but it also has some power to burn. The wireless range is excellent, as I’ve been able to walk around my house (as much as 40-45 feet away from my wireless router) and have flawless performance. This is the third notebook computer I’ve owned and is easily the best so far.

    Rating: 9 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  3. E.J. Hunyadi •  September 28, 2003
    Rating: 4.5/5

    My 200XL arrived over a week ago now, and after putting it through it’s paces over the past week as a full-time college student (and former Software Engineer for a Top-3 PC Manufacturer), I have to say that this notebook is hands-down the finest notebook I’ve owned. The light weight and super-slim body would make one think that it’s a lightweight in performance, but this is not the case. This notebook blows away every other notebook I’ve ever owned, not only in performance, but in design, layout, and overall ergonomics as well. The USB ports, the external monitor port, firewire port, sound/mic; all are on the side, where they are easily accessible. The longer-lasting battery was added to my purchase, and has been truly an incredible performer. I can go through three classes a day (nearly 5 full hours of computer time) without worry. I finish my long day with more than 40 minutes of battery time left. I usually carry the original smaller battery with me just in case I decide to go to the library or work on some homework on-campus. My only gripe, and it’s very minor, would be the ultra-tinny sound from the miniscule speakers, but this is completely acceptable, as I’m not listening to music or other sounds in class where I use my notebook most. When I’m home and using my notebook, if I want to hear music or anything else, I just plug in my headphones (conveniently placed on the right side of the body of the notebook). There is nothing I would change about this notebook, and I look forward to many years of use from it!

    Rating: 9 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  4. Charles •  September 29, 2003
    Rating: 3/5

    I have the Samsung X10 as well (don’t think it is sold in the US), which is the same machine as the Gateway.

    A few things – it isn’t made of metal, instead being metal coloured plastic. The paint wears off unless you take off your watch (shades of the Powerbook there!) leaving black plastic exposed. Same goes for the surround of the trackpad, though bizarelly, what is revealed as the paint wears off around the trackpad is shinier metal coloured plastic.

    Other than that it is a lovely machine that is a great performer. The only really annoying thing I can think of is the battery life.

    Rating: 6 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  5. Neal •  October 13, 2003
    Rating: 4.5/5

    After several generations of notebooks, manufacturers are finally getting it right. The 200X(L) is the result of refinement and evolution. Featuring a centrino Pentium M (1.4 or 1.6MHz) with 802.11B (upgradable to G at 54MB/sec), a DVD burner and a super-sleek 1″ thick 4.3lb. body, I couldn’t be happier with my machine. It performs flawlessly. Add the optional 6 cell battery and it is as perfect as the market provides. This machine runs rings around the competition, which is either 6 pounders with less features or 4 pounders with an external drive. Add to this value the best service I have seen and Gateway has a best of breed product. Highly recommended.

    Rating: 9 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  6. Brian •  October 20, 2003
    Rating: 5/5

    Well… After going through an HP ZE5400, Compaq 2500, 3 Toshiba Satellites, and a Toshiba Tecra. I have rested. My quest is now over. The Toshibas have caused wrist pain that is nearly unbearable, from their misplaced keyboard. This is a pleasure to use, and feels 2x faster than their 2.4 g celeron.. What a crisp operating, beautiful design, with all the necessary items included. I have added an 8 cell li ion battery, which gives me 5.5+ hrs(!) of use if I need it (quit whining about the battery! 100 bucks fixes it & you have a terrific computer) The speakers could be better, but what do people really want?!?!? Lightness less than 4lbs, AND 10″ woofers on the keyboard….?

    Get real, the weight had to go somewhere, and it was the heavier duty magnetic coils on speakers that was a cinch to drop the weight. I plug it into my Altec & shake the roof…. I dont’ need to do that on a plane or appointment.

    Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  7. Carl •  December 22, 2003
    Rating: 5/5

    My second gateway laptop. I hated my old Solo 9550, but I have to say that I love my new 200X. It’s so light and sexy. No problems! Great price!

    Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  8. RonF •  March 1, 2004
    Rating: 4.5/5

    I bought this computer because it was thin, light and just plain looked good! To my surprise, it performed just as well as it looked. But like everyone says, “buy the bigger battery”. I would have given it a 10 if it wasnt for the battery.

    Rating: 9 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  9. Roger •  November 11, 2004
    Rating: 1.5/5

    Never buy a computer from gateway, they have the worst customer support, and worst and most expensive warrenties that dont cover anything.

    Rating: 3 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  10. Alex •  August 23, 2005
    Rating: 4.5/5

    This notebook really has good performance. Light enough, but buttery it is additional cost and worst customer support from Gateway.

    Rating: 9 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

  11. Jane •  October 24, 2005
    Rating: 0.5/5

    I had endless problems with this computer from the day i bought it. There is a documented flaw in the ribbon that connects the hard drive to the motherboard, and it causes the computer to crash, become very unstable, and frequently makes it unable to load windows. Do some research- others have had this problem too. After four months I finally got a full refund from gateway, but believe me, pulling teeth would have been easier.

    Rating: 1 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful.

competitors