Gateway P-7811FX Notebook: A Centrino 2 Bargain?
Gateway have announced a new Centrino 2 notebook, the first from the company with Intel's latest mobile chipset. The P-7811FX continues the design theme of previous FX-series laptops (such as the P-6831FX we reviewed in March) but adds a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 processor (3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB), NVIDIA GeForce 9800M 512MB graphics and a 17-inch 1920 x 1200 widescreen display.
System memory is maxed out at 4GB, there's a 200GB 7,200rpm hard-drive and a second available drive bay for expansion. Gateway have also added a multi-format DVD burner and eSATA port for backing up and connecting external storage.
Other connectivity options include WiFi draft-N, gigabit ethernet, an HDMI 1.3 port, three USB 2.0 ports, Firewire and a 5-in-1 media card reader. A 1.3-megapixel webcam is fitted as standard. Although the keyboard itself is not backlit, the multimedia keys above it are; there's also a touch-sensitive volume slider.
OS is Vista Home Premium 64-bit, and the whole laptop is 1.7-inches thick and weighs 9.2lbs. All in all, it looks to be something of a bargain; personally I'd slap another 200GB hard-drive in there, as the notebook apparently supports RAID 0 or 1. The Gateway P-7811FX is on sale at Best Buy (though backordered at time of writing), priced at $1,399.99.
Press Release:
GAMING, ENTERTAINMENT FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL AND BEYOND WITH AFFORDABLE GATEWAY P-7811FX NOTEBOOKGateway Continues to Extend Incredible Value to its P-Series FX Edition Line with New Model Boasting Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 14, 2008 – Gateway, a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., today debuts the Gateway P-7811FX® notebook PC, the latest in its P-Series FX Edition line for gaming, entertainment and digital media hobbies such as photography and video editing.
The Gateway P-7811FX is designed to meet the needs of consumers who want a solid mobile enthusiast platform without the price premium typically associated with such PCs. It is the company's first notebook powered by Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology, which delivers breakthrough performance, smooth multitasking, and improved energy efficiency.
"The Gateway P-7811FX is a great choice for customers such as students and professionals who want a notebook that can handle all of their computing needs – from creating videos and playing games to tackling work, school and home projects," said Todd Titera, senior manager, notebook product management. "And while the new notebook is ideal for demanding gamers and enthusiasts who want the latest technology, its affordable price also makes it perfect for digital media hobbyists and casual PC game players."
The Gateway P-7811FX uses the latest NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTS graphics solution with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory to deliver outstanding graphics performance and real-time 3D visuals. Combined with the Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor (2.26GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz), the NVIDIA GeForce 9800M graphics card results in first-class mobile performance and vibrant, realistic video displayed on the 17-inch widescreen (1920x1200 resolution).
Further enhancing the consumer's entertainment experience, the Gateway P-7811FX is loaded with extras. The HDMI v1.3 media connection lets consumers connect their notebook to a display device (TV, monitor) to enjoy high-definition video and audio through a single connection. The illuminated multimedia keys are integrated into the keyboard surround to allow access to frequently-used audio and video functions, while the touch-control volume slide provides convenient control.
Staying in touch is easy with the P-7811FX thanks to its 1.3 megapixel webcam that lets consumers enjoy video conferencing, video emails, voice over IP and still photos. The notebook also features 802.11 Draft-N with expanded wireless features, so consumers can communicate more effectively on the go. Plus, consumers have ample ways to connect to electronics, peripherals and digital media with the notebook's 5-in-1 media card reader, three USB 2.0 ports and an IEEE 1394 port.
Ready to take on the latest applications, the Gateway P-7811FX comes with leading-edge technology including 4GB of memory, a huge 200GB(1) hard drive, an available second drive bay, and a Multi-Format Dual Layer DVDRW w/ DVD-RAM with LabelFlash (2). Also, the eSATA port delivers an industry-leading fast connection to external storage devices.
The Gateway P-7811FX comes with Microsoft Windows Home Premium 64-bit Edition.
Availability and Price
The new Gateway P-7811FX is available for sale now from Best Buy. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,399.99.
Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support
The Gateway P-7811FX is backed by a one year limited warranty.(4) Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. In addition to the company's standard limited warranty options, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.
About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning products and world-class service to customers worldwide. Gateway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., the world's third-largest PC company. See www.gateway.com for more information.