CES 2009

Leveraging the style of Gateway's MC Series notebook PC, the new Gateway MD Series notebook line delivers cinematic mobile entertainment and mainstream performance to consumers on a budget. The MD Series sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and high-definition 15.6-inch wide-screen display at a 1,366x768-pixel resolution. With its HDMI 1.3 media connection, it lets consumers connect to a display device for enjoying high-definition video and audio through a single cable. The MD series has the option for dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics with DirectX 10 support and 512MB of dedicated memory.

In addition, the Gateway MD Series has Illuminated Multimedia Touch Controls give consumers quick, easy access to their digital media. The ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness according to the external lighting. The integrated 1.3 megapixel Webcam lets consumers take and send video e-mails, make voice over IP call, send still photos, as well as enjoy live videoconferencing. Consumers can connect via 802.11a/b/g Draft N with expanded wireless features.

Available in two colors--burgundy and black--the new notebook line features a sculptured design marked by the cover's distinctive branding stripe flanked by silver accents. Both the burgundy and black feature a textured palm rest and polished keyboard surround.

(Credit: Gateway)

The MD Series platform will offer processors from both Intel and AMD. It can support up to 500GB of storage space and 4GB of DDR2 memory. Plus, the line was developed to support new technologies as they become more widespread, such as Blu-ray optical drives.

The Gateway MD Series will be available in several set configurations, beginning in January 8, 2009. Prices start at $649.

Available in Best Buy soon will be the Gateway MD7801u (in black) priced at $799 and will include these specifications:

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• 4,096MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Intel integrated graphics with up to 1,759MB of Dynamic Video Memory
• 15.6-inch High-Definition wide-screen WXGA TFT Display (16:9 aspect ratio and 1,366x768 resolution)
• 500GB 5,400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• 8x multiformat dual layer DVDRW featuring LabelFlash Technology
• 5-in-1 digital media card reader
• Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/Draft N Wireless
• 4 USB ports
• HDMI 1.3 connector and VGA
• 1.3-megapixel integrated Webcam
• 8-Cell lithium ion battery
• Expresscard Type 54 expansion slot
• Dimensions: 1.3-1.7 inches tall x 15.28 inches wide x 10.43 inches deep
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1

The Gateway MD7818u will also be available at Best Buy in the same configuration listed above in a burgundy chassis. It is also priced at $799.

Toshiba continues its lineup with a couple of new notebooks from its Satellite series.

(Credit: Toshiba)

First up is the 15-inch Toshiba Satellite L305-S5921, an average, entry-level notebook that will suffice for the student on a budget. Don't expect to find a FireWire port, Bluetooth, or a Webcam on this unit, but do expect to see the usual row of media-control keys for pause, stop, rewind, and fast forward and two programmable keys defaulted to mute and open Windows Media Player. Also on this notebook are three USB ports, a 4-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter, and an Express Card slot. It comes packed with 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM--upgradeable to 4GB--a 160GB HDD, and 128MB of Intel integrated graphics. Running on the T3400 Pentium processor, this system is available now for $549.

(Credit: Toshiba)

Second on the list is a Best Buy Blue Label exclusive retailing for $1,199. The 14-inch Toshiba Satellite E105-S1402 is a thin and light laptop and weighs less than five pounds. It features a built-in Webcam with face recognition, Bluetooth, 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter, two USB ports, including one e-SATA/USB combo port with sleep and charge capability. It also comes installed with 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 and comes packed with a hefty 320GB HDD, 4GB DDR2 SDRAM, and 128MB dedicated Intel integrated graphics, all on a powerful Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor.

Also, for those wanting to personalize their laptop experiences, Toshiba Direct is offering customized color lids for its Toshiba Portege A600-ST2230, A600-ST2231, and A600-ST2232 in Liquid White, Satin Pink and Liquid Black, as well as for the Toshiba Satellite M300-ST3402 and M300-ST3403 in Ruby Red and Frost White. These models are available now on Toshiba's Web site and start at $879.