Gateway teases new FX series budget gaming laptops

Both of these new Gateway FX gaming laptops are listed as "available soon."

We've been getting a handful of reader queries per week recently about Gateway's well-known line of budget gaming laptops. The FX systems, including the most recent models, the P-7805u FX and P-7808u FX, have always impressed with mid-high-end components, big screens, and--most importantly--low prices. But these models have an unfortunate habit of vanishing from store shelves before the next update is ready, leaving PC gamers in a lurch.

Fortunately, two new models are within reach (although one isn't really all that new), even if they're not available for sale yet. Gateway lists both the P-7807u FX and P-7809u FX as "available soon," with the latter model slated for J&R and Fry's, and the former for "select retailers," (which usually means Newegg.com). Note that the P-7807u FX isn't exactly brand new--it's been available sporadically in some areas, but it looks like Gateway is "relaunching" it at a discounted price.

Both keep the same Nvidia GeForce 9800 GPU (which is getting a bit long in the tooth), but the prices are still hard to beat, and these should be fine for all but the most hard-core, frame-rate-obsessed gamers. Here's a glance at the specs:

Gateway P-7809u FX
-$1,249.99
-Intel Core 2 Duo Processor1 P8700 (2.53GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache)
-Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) with SP12
-4096MB 1066MHz DDR3 dual-channel memory (2-2048MB modules)
-500GB 5400rpm SATA hard drive
-Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS graphics with 1GB of GDDR3 discrete video memory
-Intel PM45 chipset
-Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN 802.11a/g/Draft-N Wireless LAN

Gateway P-7807u FX
-$1,099.99
-Intel Core 2 Duo Processor1 P8600 (2.4GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache)
-Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) with SP12
-4096MB 1066MHz DDR3 dual-channel memory (2-2048MB modules)
-320GB 7200rpm SATA hard drive
-Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS Graphics with 1GB of GDDR3 discrete video memory
-Intel PM45 chipset
-Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN 802.11a/g/Draft-N Wireless LAN

For the 7809 version, you're essentially spending $150 on a faster processor and larger hard drive. We are, however, disappointed to see these systems have only 1,440x900 17-inch displays. Earlier versions (such as the P-7811 FX), had a much more impressive 1,920x1,200 resolution.

We'll let you know when we have solid availability dates for these two new gaming laptops. In the meantime, here's a sample of some recent e-mails on the subject we got from CNET readers (edited for length and clarity):

I was curious as to if you had any information on whether or not Gateway would be replacing their P-7805u gaming laptops. I am a graphic design student at my college, and I am required to have a performance laptop for next semester. Being that I want the best power to price ratio, I hope Gateway releases a new gaming laptop that is cheap and amazing like the p-7805u was, within that time frame.
--Logan

I'm writing this to inquire as to whether or not CNET will be publishing an article about the new Gateway FX laptop...With the cancellation of the 7805 and the 7808 we are all waiting on nails to figure out what new wonders that Gateway can come up with for us.
--Kamin

With your connection to things, I was wondering if you had any whiff if a new line to replace the Gateway P7805? With that laptop going outlet at BestBuy there isn't many better options except the upcoming Asus G51 and G71. But of course the Gateway faithful want a shot at this too.
--Victor

I drove down to my local Best Buy [and] went to ask the nearest Associate if they had any Gateway FX laptops in stock, and they replied that they sold the last one yesterday (yeah, it would be my luck...) [I asked] when they plan to get more shipments in... Thier answer shot me through the heart, "The 7805u isn't going to be restocked..." Which brings me to the end of this email with a question I propose to you...What happened to all the Gateway FX Laptops?
--Antonio

I have a question about the Gateway FX P-7805u which you reviewed a while back. It seems like an amazing deal for the price and I really want to get it. But I recently went to a couple of Best Buys to try it out, and it's nowhere to be found, I asked a guy and he looks on their computers and says the model has been discontinued. Do you think a new model is coming out since it was discontinued?
--Marco