CES 2009

Dell's done it. HP's done it. Toshiba's done it and so has a slew of other notebook vendors, and finally Gateway comes on board.

Gateway introduces it first notebook PC with a 13.3-inch wide-screen display, hitting the sweet spot display and size for the mobile user. However, with a starting weight of 5.3-pounds, it is a bit heavy for a 13-incher.

The UC series has a round touch pad, black, brushed-aluminum keyboard and palm rest, brushed-aluminum barrel hinges, metallic trim, and rounded edges and corners.

(Credit: Gateway)

Beginning January 8, the Gateway UC Series will be available in several set configurations and prices will begin at $799. Specifications are as follows:

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• 13.3-inch Ultrabright wide-screen WXGA TFT display (1280x800)
• 3GB DDR2 667MHz memory
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M
• Slot-load 8X multiformat dual-layer DVDRW with DVD-RAM
• 4-in-1 Digital Media card reader
• HDMI connector v1.3 and VGA
• 1.3 megapixel integrated Webcam
• 6-Cell lithium ion battery
• Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless
• 10/100 Ethernet, 56K ITU v.92 ready fax/modem
• 3 USB ports
• Expresscard type 34 expansion slot
• Dimensions: 12.6 inches wide by 9.4 inches deep by 1.5 inches high
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1

Editors' note: This specific configuration is for the Gateway UC7807u and will be sold at Costco and TigerDirect.com

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.