Opinions needed on Gateway notebooks

I found this Gateway NV7312h LX.WGE02.018 Notebook PC

interesting as I like the screen width and the price, I don't game and there's plenty of power for my needs. I can't find too many vendours for Gateways just to see reviews. Is there something wrong here? Thanks guys.

 

The first thing that strikes me is the fact that it is DDR2 and not DDR3. This implies to me that it is old stock. It may not be important to you but if I was going to get a new machine it would have to have the current standard which for the most part has shifted to DDR3. Also for a new machine I was serious about I would want to have a USB 3.0 slot, but USB 2.0 -> 3.0 is early in the process of crossing over so will be hard to find without a price jump; hence I would wait.
Also, I would be worried about a 6-cell battery for a 17.3'' display.
Other than that nothing really strikes me as out of the ordinary and the price is reasonable.
You know what your criteria is better than anyone else so I hope I come don't off as overly opinionated, this is just my impressions of the machine.
I wish you the best outcome in your decision.

 

Some, maybe, interesting links for you:

About laptops
http://windowssecrets.com/comp/101202

How to buy a laptop on a budget
http://majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=26
A tutorial from MA at MG.

Extend the life of a laptop's battery.
Windows Secrets Newsletter
The address of this issue is http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/101014
NB: This is in the Subscriber (Paid) part of the Newsletter, but worth subscribing to , IMHO.

Re: my son the geek needs a laptop...
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=222749
From "bigbazza"

What is the Windows Experience Index?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/What-is-the-Windows-Experience-Index

Why your laptop runs out of juice so fast.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=192493

Hope these help your choice.

Bazza

 

Based on my experience working in retail a few years ago, I would give Gateway (at best) an average rating.

Gateway is now owned and manufactured by Acer. Although their notebooks are fine when they work; their warranty service often leaves a lot to be desired. If you end up having to ship it back for service, the turnaround time is usually (at best) a few weeks (this being said, HP/Compaq isn't any better).

Although not a fan of their desktop systems; Dell's Vostro (business-grade) notebooks would be my choice. Although a bit pricier, many of them include on-site next-day warranty service if something goes wrong. To me, it would be worth a bit extra up front to avoid spending a small fortune on shipping and waiting for weeks if it dies under warranty.

 

I'm glad I slowed down and asked a question!:-o I'm looking really hard at the Dell Vostro 3750, sports an i3, 2GB DDR3 and a large screen for $600.:cool Thanks everybody!

 

Thanks MA, been looking at the Toshiba Satellite L670D/L675D, there's another excellent candidate.

 

Apparently, you want a laptop with a 17 inch display. In other words, you want a large laptop. If a smaller size was acceptable and you wanted to keep the cost as low as possible, I'd suggest HP Compaq Presario CQ56-240CA XZ014UA Notebook PC. I have a Compaq laptop that I bought in July 2007; no complaints other than battery life could be better.