Gateway's back-to-school desktops also black, shiny

In addition to HP's announcement, Gateway also took the covers off two new back to school desktops today. And also like HP, Gateway does its own part to ensure piano black uniformity across the Windows ecosystem.

(Credit: Gateway)

Gateway SX2800-01

The SX2800-01 is a $499, fixed-configuration, slim tower with an impressive configuration. Comprised of a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Quad chip, 4GB of RAM, 64-bit Vista, and a 640GB hard drive, the SX2800-01 is one of the most affordable quad-core system we've seen. You have to spend $550 with HP for a SlimLine with a quad-core chip, or $460 for a quad-core Inspiron 537s from Dell, but both come up short in their other specs. Gateway has impressed us with its configuration acumen even since it pulled back its build-to-order business; and by its specs, the SX2800-01 seems to demonstrate further proof that Gateway's all-ready-made PCs are worth your attention. Offering a fully featured quad-core PC at $499 also takes another chunk out of the already feeble Nettop argument.

(Credit: Gateway)

Gateway DX4820-02 and DX4300-03

You'll find the mainstream Gateway desktops at various retailers. The $749 DX4300-03 features a 2.4GHz quad-core AMD Phenom II X4 configuration, and the pricier $899.99 DX4820-02 has a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Quad chip. Other specs vary between the two, with a 1TB hard drive and a 512MB ATI Radeon HD4650 3D card in the DX4300-03, while the DX4820-02 comes bundled with a 23-inch Gateway LCD. Again, these systems compete well at their various price points against HP and Dell. We also like the look of Gateway's new DX4000-series chassis, which has a much cleaner feel than the older version did.

Gateway didn't mention a Windows 7 upgrade program for its systems, although we know the SX2800-1 and the DX4300-03 are Best Buy-models, and Best Buy itself is offering a free Windows 7 upgrade voucher starting tomorrow, June 26. The systems discussed here go on sale by Monday, June 28, so with Best Buy at least, you're OS upgrade worries are covered.

[Peter-C]

These desktops look good, but I have had a bad experience with the Gateway that I currently own - there are numerous problems with it. I might give these systems a try for back-to-school.

[Jonnygthedrummer]

iv had too many to count problems with mine

[tad0900]

Replacing a Gateway system that is 4-5 years old and has had very few problems. I trust this brand more now that it is owned by Acer. 2800-03 model from Costco is very good - but I can't make it work well with Pinnacle Video, so may have to return it or upgrade with a video card, but it looks like the 220w power supply can't handle most add-in cards. Or maybe find a new video processing program. Need something to work with output of a Canon HF20 HD camera.

[fcgiii]

I bought a 2800-1 at Costco last week. It was wonderful, very fast and dead quiet. The video output died after 2 days. I went to the help site (which turned out to be ASUS) and their only solution was for me to pay the postage to send the thing to Texas for repair.,

I took it back to Costco and returned it for a full refund. Then I got another one, hoping it was just a lemon.

This one seems to have a defective DVD/R drive as it will not burn the DVD's needed for the system recovery.

So far it is a terrific machine at a good price but poor quality control.

[dgncpa]

I have the same problem that DVD+R will not burn the system recovery discs. Bought mine from J&R in NY via mail order, I'm in CA. Great machine, no video problems or other problems of any kind. iTunes 8.0 has a registry key problem, but minor. Still cannot understand why the gateway system recovery discs will not burn to my DVD+R. Have not called tech support, takes so much time. Hope to find solution on internet soon. Thanks for posting at least I know I'm not the only one with the problem.