Computer maker Gateway is getting back into the all-in-one home PC business with its new Gateway One PC, featuring a sleek all-in-one design with a 19-inch 1,440 by 900 pixel display, Core 2 Duo processors, an integrated Webcam, and surprising expansion options. Although it bears more than a little resemblance to Apple’s flat-screen iMacs, with a slim profile, quiet design, and reduced cable clutter, Gateway is aiming to make the One seem more like a widescreen TV with a wireless keyboard, while still making it a powerful PC for home use.
"Gateway One exemplifies the idea of simplicity, of less is more," said Gary Elsasser, Gateway’s senior VP of products, in a statement. "This computer complements its environment and becomes a design element you want to show off as much as you want to use. Because it doesn’t compromise on features or performance, it will be appreciated for its brains as well as its beauty."
Gateway initially plans to offer three editions of the One, the GZ7108, ZX190, and GZ7220, at base prices of $1,299.99, $1,499.99, and $1,799.99, respectively. The GZ7108 will offer a 1.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 processor, 2 GB of RAM, Intel integrated graphics, a 320 GB hard drive, 7.1 audio support, a slot-loading 8× DVD±R/RW optical drive, a 5-in-1 digital media card reader, 802.11n Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet, 7 USB 2.0 ports, a IEEE 1394 port, and a 1.3 megapixel Webcam. The ZX190 adds ATI Mobility RAdeon HD 2600XT graphics with 256 MB of video memory and a 400 GB hard drive, while the GZ7220 kicks up to an Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 running a 2 GHz, a 500 GB drive, and 3 GB of RAM, along with a USB TV Tuner.
The Gateway Ones also feature a simple setup, since they come with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and can literally be up and running just by connecting the system to its "smart" power module, which also offers USB ports to keep cable clutter from things like printers, scanners, and modems away from the desktop or tabletop. The external power module also means the Gateway Ones run almost silently. The Ones also offer an integrated speaker solution which aims to eliminate the need for external speaker systems, and the easily-accessed case apparently can accommodate an extra eSATA hard drive for backup and storage expansion. The systems ship with Windows Vista Home Premium.
Gateway will offer the GZ7108 and GZ7220 configurations exclusively through Best Buy, while the mid-range ZX190 is available through Gateway’s own retail channels; expect the systems to be available in November.
