The New Gateway Convertible Notebook and 21" Widescreen Monitor

Gateway just showed us two new products that are pretty special: Their new "Convertible Notebook" PC which combines performance with pen input and all-day battery life and a super new 21" widescreen, high-spec LCD monitor.

Gateway’s new CX200 convertible notebook PC is a unique all-in-one device that combines the power of a full-featured notebook PC with the innovation of pen input. To the best of my knowledge this is the industry’s first convertible notebook with a 14-inch widescreen display. This type of display allows you more room to take handwritten notes, draw diagrams, edit documents and enjoy entertainment applications.

The new Gateway CX200 convertible notebook should be easy to use in a number of environments where a keyboard and mouse are not practical – such as taking notes in class or in a meeting, or while standing or just generally moving around. It uses Intel Centrino technology for wireless capability.

The 14-inch widescreen display is ideal for viewing DVD movies or digital photography while on the go. Plus, you can "soup it up" with an optional dedicated graphics, so game playing is incredibly realistic. Also included is Microsoft's Experience Pack for Tablet PC, giving which includes a few applications for you to try out the pen and display. Further delivering an all-around environment for fun and productivity, this new Gateway comes with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 operating system. Also, Gateway throws in Microsoft Office OneNote 2003, an easy-to-use, all-in-one program that lets tablet PC users capture, share and organize information, audio and files. (This is usually a $99 extra option, but it is included at no charge on the new CX200 convertible notebook).

Maximum Battery Life; Latest Technology for Configuration Flexibility
We all fuss about laptop battery life, well; this one can be configured for a very long battery life of up to 8.5 hours of usage time, using a slightly larger battery. When mobility matters most, you can opt for the lightweight 6-cell modular battery that delivers about half that much time. Both 802.11g or 802.11a/b/g WiFi options are integrated for immediate mobile computing.

The new convertible notebook is offered with a premium range of performance and technology features. The system features the latest Intel technology with PCI Express architecture and dual-channel DDR2 memory support. Additionally, you can choose from several high-capacity SATA hard disk drives as well as even higher speed Intel processors, customizing this new-style form factor notebook to your specific needs.

The CX200 convertible notebook is available for pre-order now by calling Gateway (1-800-GATEWAY). It can be purchased in several ready-to-ship configurations or can be built to order so it is optimized for enhanced performance, value or extended battery life, depending on your needs. The system I saw and recommend included:

The Gateway CX200X unit, plus:

• Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
• Processor: Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (1.73 GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache) with Intel Centrino technology
• Chipset: Intel 915GM Chipset with DDR2 Support
• Memory: 512MB DDR2 Dual Channel 533MHz SDRAM
• Hard drive: 60GB SATA
• Optical drive: DVD+/-R/RW
• Media Reader: Integrated 7-in-1
• Video: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 with up to 128MB shared memory

The second new product we saw was Gateway’s High Performance, High Definition 21" Monitor
The Gateway FPD2185W, is a 21-inch widescreen display which combines high-definition picture quality with excellent graphics performance. Designed with professional-grade engineering, this monitor is ideal for work, movies or gaming.

It delivers significantly more viewing space with a 1680 x 1050 widescreen aspect ratio compared to the current standard 1280 x 1024 display. The Gateway FPD2185W is a category leader with a best-in-class contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a wide viewing angle of 178/178 and fast 8ms refresh rates. It also offers advanced video processing technologies by Faroudja, algorithms that were previously only made available in high-end home theater systems. This technology removes jagged edges and makes even standard definition video input look clear and sharp (at least as good, or better, than any monitor can do working with this older video standard).

Like so many new products hitting the market, you cannot avoid the dreaded DRM (Digital Rights Management) which is built-in. DRM is a concept fostered on unwary consumers by the "content providers" which restrict your ability to copy digital content—even if you have bought and paid for it! No knock on Gateway for complying with the new standards, but I sure hate to see it appearing on so many new products. In Gateway’s words: "The HDCP video content encryption chip is required for viewing high-definition content if the PC is running Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista". (Reason enough not to "upgrade" to Vista, in my opinion). Despite Gateway's compliance (they really have no choice); you can use this great monitor today with all the current operating systems, just as you use your current monitor. DRM restriction features are a "future tech" problem for us and when they arrive, your current monitor won't work with protected content, but this Gateway will.

But on to more of the good stuff: The display offers benefits to multiple audiences due to its high performance and generous size. Everything form architectural drafting, to gaming, to digital photography is enhanced due to the monitor's fast refresh rates, contrast ratios and wide viewing angle. It is also ideal for anyone who requires the best-in-class display technology.

Let's save the best for last: The Gateway FPD2185W has a suggested street price of only $599. It wasn't long ago that a monitor like this one would easily set you back $5,000 and not offer half the performance.

If you want a real deal, contact Gateway at 1-800-GATEWAY, or on the web at: www.gateway.com. Of course you can also find it at leading electronics and technology retailers.

John Lentz