Computer maker Gateway is the latest company to announce new netbooks built around Intel’s latest “Pine Trail” Atom processor—and, like offerings from other companies, the new netbooks support Windows 7 and offer substantially improved battery life compared to previous generations. Gateway says the new LT21-series can get up to 10 hours of use off a 6-cell Li-Ion Extended 5600mAh battery…although they’ll ship standard with a 4400mAh battery that runs for up to eight hours.
“Netbooks have been firmly embraced by consumers as an incredibly convenient, easy-to-use way to stay connected, be more productive and stay in touch,” said Gateway product marketing manager John Nguyen, in a statement. “Gateway LT21 Series netbooks are designed to go anywhere for use by anyone, as their sleek form factor and intuitive design naturally fit into how people live and connect today.”
The LT21 series netbooks feature Intel’s N450 Atom processor running at 1.66 GHz, a 10.1-inch 1,024-by-600-pixel display, 1 GB of RAM, up to a 250 GB hard drive, a multi-in-one digital media card reader, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi networking, an integrated webcam, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, a multi-gesture trackpad, and a total weight of just 2.62 pounds. The series will be available in a variety of configurations with red, white, and black cases featuring a “subtle” wave pattern; the systems also feature a keyboard with 93 percent full-size keys for easier typing.
Gateway will offer the LT21s with either Windows 7 Starter Edition or (for the old school) Windows XP Home. But here’s the kicker: prices will start at just $299.99, although units with 250 GB hard drives will run around $350. Expect to see them from from Gateway retailers this month.
