Gateway MC series: The best deal on a 16-inch notebook?
Gateway announced its MC series notebook in late October, but so far it has received little coverage aside from Laptop Magazine's review. The MC series is one of several recent laptops with 16-inch widescreen displays geared toward entertainment.
Like other Gateway notebooks and desktops, the MC series competes by selling above average specs at below average prices, in this case $1,000 or less. But the MC series doesn't look like a bargain basement box (for that, check out the new $430 eMachines eMD620-5777). Instead the MC series has nice touches such as an edge-to-edge display (1,366x768), illuminated keyboard and touch media controls, ambient light sensor and an attractive industrial design.
There are two configurations. The Gateway MC7801u has a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800, 4GB of memory, Intel integrated graphics, a 320GB hard drive, multi-format DVD drive and Vista Home Premium 64-bit with SP1 for $950. It comes in burgundy with brushed metal palm rest. The step-up Gateway MC7803u, which has a shiny black case and leather palm rest, adds ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics with 512MB and sells for $1,000. Both are now available in stores.
As Laptop Magazine points out, those configurations are about $200 to $300 less than direct competitors such as the HP HDX 16 and Sony VAIO FW series. Though it's a bit heavy for its class, Laptop Magazine concludes the MC series could be a "game-changer" for Gateway with its stylish design, stunning display and above average battery life.
