MX8711 Notebook

...

I have seen other people reporting on the same issue, the different
processor. One person mentioned that there was a note on their box that
stated that the PC should not be sold before January 30. I wonder if the
machines with the T2250 processor were early release machines before the
T2060 was fully in the pipeline. The T2060 appears to be surrounded by
mystery. The only information on it appears in a pdf table of all the Intel
processors and it is shown in its own category. It appears to be a Core Duo
with a smaller cache, however it is referred to as a Pentium.

In any event, I have the proper processor, the T2060 as reported by the
bios, by Windows and by the system information in Microsoft Works.

I just got this laptop a week ago, and I have been very satisfied with
it for the most part. I agree with the 17 inch monitor. It is
borderline non portable. But the numeric keypad is helpful. My
biggest complaint is getting used to Vista, but that's not the Laptops
fault.

I also found discrepancies with the hardware and what Vista reports.
I noticed that Windows shows 2 different CPU models. In the Device
manager, it shows an Intel T2@1.6 GHz which is what the specs
show. But the BIOS, System Info, and other programs in Vista show an
Intel T2@1.73GHz. I also downloaded CPU Info, and it showed the
T2250. I tried getting in touch with Gateway to find out which it is,
but they said it may be a problem with Vista. I don't buy it. Not
with the BIOS showing a different chip. I just checked the Device
Manager and it also says the 945GM chipset.

If you get a chance, check your processor, and let me know what it
says. Thanks.

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Well, we received ours yesterday. My initial impression is very positive.
First reaction, this puppy is big. As we are basically using it as a
desktop replacement (that can be moved from room to room) the size and
weight are not great issues, however someone looking for a portable device
would probably want to go with a smaller screen.

Gateway took advantage of the added width with the 17" screen and put a
"full sized" keyboard on the unit. Although it is more compact than a
standard desktop keyboard, I love the layout with the separate cursor keys
and number pad.

Interestingly enough, Microsoft Vista reports a different chipset than
Gateway claims for the unit. The Gateway specs call for the Intel 943GML
chipset. Vista reports that the laptop is using the Intel 945GM chipset
which appears to be a more robust and mainstream chipset.

Basic setup was easy. After allowing the laptop to go through its setup
routine, it only took moments to get the laptop on our wireless network and
to get it to recognize the network printer. I haven't had an opportunity to
browse through the software much, but it appears to be pretty standard,
Microsoft works 8.5 and a trial version of Office 2007 Student and Home
edition.

This laptop looks like a keeper, the special that Best Buy was running with
it, made it a bargain at $700.