Electronics

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Gateway 4520GZ Notebook PC (1.50 GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Average customer rating:

Fool me twice...shame on me...
a little bang for a lot of buck
Superb Quality Notebook
Excellent laptop, but....
Good notebook crippled by terrible support

Gateway 4520GZ Notebook PC (1.50 GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Manufacturer: Gateway
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Notebooks | Gateway | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics

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ASIN: B0002OU7PC

Amazon.com Product 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.

Customer Reviews:

Fool me twice...shame on me..........2006-05-06

It *seemed* as robust as the other offerings, and it was such a great deal. Sure, the LCD on a previous Solo stopped displaying the left 15% of the screen, and sure, another had the backlight drop out - but things just happen, right? Gateway surely solved those types of issues, right? Right?

Not quite. The laptop is good - when it's running. I now have it sitting on a desk, plugged into another monitor so I can see to type - backlight is out. I can't move it much, since the DC jack didn't stand up to the strain of being plugged and unplugged - it's now wrapped on the motherboard with duct tape to hold the contacts together.

It's my own fault really, I knew better.

a little bang for a lot of buck.......2005-02-23

I happen to be one of those consumers that reads every possible review and opinion of a product prior to making a purchase. With that said, most of my toys and business tools are terrific.

I had decided on a Dell laptop, and then at the last minute, I made a huge mistake. I opened the Sunday paper and I was seduced by the low price point of the Gateway. On the surface, it looks great.... excellent styling, good performance, decent screen.

Tapping away at a keyboard will eventually show wear and tear. But, this piece of junk started wearing down in month three. The space bar has lost most of its coating, the hinge started to crack and I was rethinking my decision.

Just as all of the other comments. I tried to log in and report the problem. Unfortunately, Gateway didn't recognize my serial number. So, I sat on ignore at Gateway customer support for a few hours and they told me that they do not even like the Best Buy program and they don't support them. I am positive that an Indian call center would not give a rude response like that.

I then returned it to Best Buy and they scolded me for not buying the $250 protection plan. Well, I ponied up the $25 dollars for shipping and I said goodbye to my only computer.

Three weeks later, the "Geek Squad" website says that my computer is still being repaired and no other information is available.

To sum up a long and boring story, I must say: "Avoid this piece of dung."

Superb Quality Notebook.......2004-10-25

I have not had my notebook for very long, but it is already exceeding all my expectations. It is very lightweight and easily fits into almost any bag, which is excellent for anyone using this as a notebook for school. It also has a pretty nice sized screen for its size. I haven't had to resort to customer support, so I can't say what the quality of their service is. But everything else about this computer is wonderful. It has a huge hard drive and the centrino technology gives you built-in wireless capabilities, so you can tap into wireless without a card virtually anyone wireless networks are available. I'm telling you, you will have lots of fun with the advanced technologies this computer provides. Every computer will have its setbacks, and depending on how often you think you may need to get in touch with customer support, I think the benefits of this computer far outweigh that one setback!!!

Excellent laptop, but...........2004-09-13

I wasn't even in the neighborhood for a new laptop since I already had, but I saw this in Best Buy for a terrific price and couldn't resist.
I have to lug a computer to and from classes everyday. It only weighs 5.5 pounds and is really thin. Decent power to boot and integrated wireless G. It's got a huge hard drive.
...but...it's support is absolutely horrendous. I had problems with it since I took it out of the box. You don't get Gateway help, you get eMachines help since this is nothing more than a rebadged eMachines. You have to call a non-800 number to get service. I sent it in for repairs and they didnt fix it, so I sent it back. My laptop has not worked most of the month I've had it. And the customer service locked and kindness or the such. I'm dependent on this computer and they take just over a week from first contact until the computer ships back. I can't last that long without it. Luckily I had a backup, but what about those who don't.
I felt safe buying because the sales ad said "Backed by Award Winning Gateway Customer Care"...um...no its not. A bold faced lie. A great deal...just check it as soon as you get it home and make sure its ok...if not, return it ASAP.

Good notebook crippled by terrible support.......2004-09-07

The 4520gz and 4525gz notebooks are truly nice. Very light and thin, easy to read, keyboard and pointer are ergonomic, does not generate excess heat, and the battery seems to last 5+ hours.

The bad side is that the support for the notebooks is essentially non-existent and nobody except an expert should buy these products. The first bad sign is that gateway's site suggests that "For personalized support enter your serial number", but it will not accept the serial numbers from this product. When you go to the FAQ it will answer silly questions like how to change the battery but has no information on substantial subjects such as wireless configuration. (The Intel wireless software as installed out of the box complains that it is misconfigured.) There is almost no other information except for these useless FAQs. You can search but the search includes sources such as the Microsoft knowledge base and the search engine does not allow much filtering, so any search seems to end up with hundreds to thousands of results, of which one or two might be relevant. Gateway will gladly charge you for answers - the only free contact you have is with a sales rep. They provide bad free information and charge for answers - this is not a company I'd choose to deal with and I regret not checking this before purchasing.

Net: Avoid these products until Gateway decides to better support them. Check for yourself -- go to the gateway site, look up this product by its model number, and try to find information on something like wireless operations.

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