Gateway are well known for their affordable laptops, a range which has just been extended through the release of a new series. The Gateway ID line currently features two new notebooks, with Core i3 and Core i5 models managing to match the competition in terms of features while still sticking close to the Gateway budget. With NVDIA Optimus technology, a glowing touchpad, multiple connectivity, and a very low price indeed, these two new ID models are likely to be a welcome extension to the Gateway range.
The two computers currently included in the ID range are quite similar in most respects, with differences coming down mosly to processor power and display size. The ID49 is the smaller of the two models, with a 14 inch 1266 x 768 display, and a Core i3 processor. The ID59 comes with more power in the form of a Core i5, enjoys a larger 15.6 inch screen, but has a slightly disappointing resolution at 1366 x 768. One of the most exciting features of the ID range is the Optimus technology that is used. NVIDIA’s Optimus allows users to automatically switch between integrated graphics and a discrete GeForce GT 330M GPU, meaning much better battery life for the end user.
Both ID computers sport a glowing aqua-blue touchpad, which not only looks cool but supports multi-gesture input as well. The glowing effect is enhanced when you scroll though your documents using the touchpad, and while this effect may get old fast, it certainly looks cool straight out of the box. These two ID laptops also feature single touch back-up capabilities, and a new integrated ‘social netwoking’ button that gives instant access to FaceBook, YouTube, and Flickr.
The ID range features most of the connectivity you would expect on a mid-range laptop, with a built-in memory card reader, Wi-Fi, a 1.3MP camera with two microphones, and a standard HDMI port. Like most Gateway laptops, individual configuration is possible, with the ID59 starting from a very reasonable $799.99 and the smaller ID49 starting at $679.99.
Specifications
- Core i3 / Core i5 CPU
- 14 inch / 15.6 inch display
- Optimus Technology with GeForce GT 330M GPU
- 8GB DDR3
- up to 500GB hard drive
- HDMI
- 8.02.11 b/g/n WiFi
- 1.3MP camera
- 5.07 / 5.5 pounds
