Description:
Compact and battery efficient yet as powerful and versatile as many larger, bulkier portable computers, the Gateway 450X is a smart choice for those who put equal emphasis on performance and portability. Those who regularly push the capabilities of their notebook with complex professional applications, deep multitasking or 3D games should perhaps explore Gateway’s M500X series, which incorporates a more capable video card and double the RAM memory, but this model should suffice for light- to medium workloads. Not surprisingly, the unit features Intel’s new Centrino technology. Built upon a triad of interconnected elements -- an Intel Pentium M CPU (with 1 full GB of Level 2 cache), an Intel 855 chipset, and a cord-free network connection -- Centrino-equipped notebooks deliver more power and more perks than their comparatively diminutive size and rated processor speed would otherwise indicate. In the case of the Gateway 450X, that processor is a 1.4 GHz Intel Pentium M. Along for the ride is a somewhat minimal allotment of 256 MB DDR SDRAM memory and an ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics controller (32 MB dedicated video memory). In this configuration, the unit will certainly suffice for typical mobile tasks. Measuring just 13.1 by 10.6 by 1.3 inches and tipping the scales at a mere 6.13 lbs. with optical drive and battery installed, the Gateway 450X is a very compact unit. It does, however, feature several impressive mobile features, including an adequate 40 GB hard disk and a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive through which you can play and burn audio CDs, archive data and enjoy DVD movies. DVD writing is not supported. At 15 inches, its display is larger than might be expected, and capable of an extremely accurate 1400 by 1050 resolution. Communication options include not only a standard 56K dial-up modem and a 10/100 Ethernet network adapter, but also an integrated 802.11b wireless connection for those times when you can’t or don’t want to plug in. Other important amenities include a pair of high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with external peripherals such as scanners or digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (typically used for digital camcorder downloads), a VGA port for external monitors and a parallel "printer" port, but no S-Video TV-out. Bundled software includes Microsoft’s Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works Suite 7.0 and a 90-day free trial with Norton AntiVirus.
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