Description:
The Basics:
Developed primarily for those who prioritize futuristic conveniences and easy portability over mind-numbing power, the Gateway 4520GZ Notebook PC is ideal for businesspeople, personal users and students who are always on the go. Similar in most respects to the pricier Gateway 4525GZ but with a smaller hard drive and no DVD recording capabilities, the Gateway 4520GZ features such perks as wireless connectivity, battery-efficient Intel Centrino technology, DVD playing and a 4-in-1 memory card reader. Diehard gamers and serious 3D artists and designers will want to look for a notebook with superior 3D graphics capabilities, but highly mobile users should find the Gateway 4520GZ delivers enough power and most of the amenities they’re likely to need. Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (processor), a massive array of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today’s notebooks are equipped with state-of-the-art CPU’s on par with those found in the finest desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The Gateway 4520GZ is equipped with an Intel Pentium M 705 processor running at 1.5 GHz. This is one of three components (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless) that comprise Intel’s efficient Centrino system. Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller and easier on the batteries than their non-Centrino counterparts, with a heaping helping of "Level 2" cache for faster retrieval of recently accessed information. It is important to note, however, that this particular processor is the most affordable of the newly revamped Pentium M roster, and as such offers just one MB of Level 2 cache. While this is an impressive total when compared to non-Pentium M CPUs, it is half the Level 2 cache of all other new 2004 Pentium M CPUs. Nevertheless, it should easily handle most common mobile tasks while at the same time improving battery life. Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Gateway 4520GZ incorporates 512 MB of RAM of PC2700 DDR RAM, an average allotment and speed for midlevel notebooks. This total may later be expanded to an impressive 2 full GB, more than enough for even the most demanding multitasking purposes. Video:
CPU’s are usually so busy performing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen, a duty that falls upon the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system’s graphics controller is an Intel Extreme Graphics 3D with 32 MB of "shared" video memory. This is an entry-level video controller, not equipped with "dedicated" memory and appropriating just 32 MB of the system’s main memory. As such, the system will accurately display 2D and some midlevel 3D tasks, but is not recommended for modern 3D games or other demanding applications such as 3D animation and 3D graphic design. Display:
Some of today’s largest notebooks are equipped with massive 17-inch displays, while many super-compact "ultra-lights" sport substantially smaller 12-inch displays. The Gateway 4520GZ features a midsize TFT XGA 15-inch non-widescreen display. Hard Disk:
A sub-compact notebook with a truly large hard drive is not commonplace, yet the Gateway 4520GZ houses a generous 60 GB of internal storage space. If you need to install and operate a broad range of applications and also keep a small library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files, the unit is up to the job. Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today’s computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable DVD discs and archive huge volumes of files (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Most drives allow you to do a combination of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW/DVD drive through which you can do all of the above except burn DVDs. Audio:
Gateway has equipped the system with an integrated audio chip, built-in stereo speakers, a microphone jack and headphone/audio out. Keyboard and Controls:
You’ll control your notebook via a standard mobile keyboard and a touchpad with vertical scroll zone. Connectivity and Expansion:
The Gateway 4520GZ offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated 802.11g wireless connection for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and a versatile 4-in-1 Digital Medai Manager for reading memory cards from devices such as cameras, PDAs and the like. Operating System and Software:
Gateway has fitted the unit with today’s most popular operating system, Microsoft’s Windows XP Home Edition. Other applications include Microsoft’s Works 7.0 productivity suite, Microsoft’s Money 2004 financial center, and an array of multimedia and Internet utilities. Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today’s most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and bulky for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that generally aren’t as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and fit comfortably inside a large purse. Tipping the scales at just 5.5 lbs and measuring a mere 12.9 by 10.5 by 1.08 inches, the Gateway 4520GZ is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or large purse and not so heavy that it’s prohibitively cumbersome on long journeys. Power:
The unit is equipped with an 6-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
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