• Creative's $500 Nomad Jukebox (pictured above), was not only "sleek"—at least when compared to a CD Walkman—but "can hold as much music as 150 CDs."

• The Extiva was a $350 DVD player from Samsung with the Nuon chip, so "you can also play videogames." Not sure which videogames we were referring to there.

• Our pick for digital camera was Nikon's twisty CoolPix 990, 3 million pixels for 1 thousand dollars.

• Gateway laptop with 12.1-in. display, 550MHz chip and a year of free AOL was "a great deal" at $1300.

• Two-way pagers from Motorola, $180 each, let you send messages back and forth, and came in "four hot colors."

• LG's Touchpoint 3000 smartish phone cost $400, combined an address book and an organizer, and had one killer app: "Tap someone's name, and it dials for you."

• The $300 Iomega HipZip took little PocketZip magnetic disks instead of flash memory so it was easier to "get with the MP3 revolution"—hooray for obscure proprietary formats that died within a year!

• Cybiko was invented a decade ago but promised to do almost more than what the Peek does today—with wireless messaging and an MP3 "attachment."

• "It's near impossible to find this killer game console—and just as hard to find good titles to play on it." The console? PlayStation 2.

• Handspring Visor Prism, the great hope of the PDA world, had a cartridge slot so that you could "turn it into a cellphone, an MP3 player, or a miniature digital camera." Only trouble was when the cartridges started costing more than the $450 PDA.

The whole list is pretty hilarious—I encourage you to pop over and read more. [Time.com]

I apologize for the crappy quality of some of the images—I had to go grab promo shots found out on the web. For some reason, Time didn't preserve our gorgeous photoshoot online. Guess they thought the internet was just a fad.

The $1400 ZX6800 has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p), and can also double as an HDTV—it has with a built-in TV tuner, remote control, 5.1-channel audio, and 5-watt stereo speakers. It's powered by a 2.33GHz Core 2 Quad 2.33GHz processor, 8GB of DDR3-1333 RAM, and 1GB ATI Radeon HD 4570 graphics.

And for an all-in-one, the storage looks pretty damn sweet: a 64GB solid-state drive handles the OS and apps, and you get a 1TB hard disk for your media. Good stuff. The ZX6800 also has 8x DVD writer, multi-card reader, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Gigabit ethernet, HD webcam, 6 USB slots, and an eSATA slot.

Meanwhile, the $750 ZX4800 is a 20-incher (1600 x 900) with a 2.1GHz Pentium Dual Core T4300 processor, 4GB of DDR2-800 RAM, 750GB hard disk, and pithy Intel X4500HD integrated graphics. The ZX4800 doesn't have the ZX6800's TV tuner or SSD, but the rest of its specs and connectivity are the same.

Both Windows 7 all-in-ones are set to arrive in late October/early November.

It's believed the EC18T will support up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, and have Mobile Intel GS45 Express graphics (aka graphical blah). The design looks decent enough, though, and I'm betting it has multi-touch like the Lenovo ThinkPad T400s. [Engadget]

Just see if you can guess what the spec sheet looks like: It's got an 1.6-GHz Atom N270 with GMA950 graphics, a 1024x600 screen, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, a three-cell battery and Windows XP. In other words, ignoring the centered Gateway badge, the LT2000 is every miniature craptop you've used in the last two years, reiterated to a T. At this market segment the biggest differentiators are comparatively minor: Does it look nice? Are you a fan of the brand? Does it hackintosh well? That last one remains to be seen, but the first two are up to you. The full press release below. [Slashgear]

Gateway Expands LT Netbook Line to Maximize Mobility, Communications

Svelte 10.1-inch Model Ideal for On-the-Go Mobility; Delivers Convenient Wireless Connectivity

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 20, 2009 – Gateway Inc. today introduces the Gateway LT2000, a new sleek and compact netbook with a 10.1-inch TFT LED-backlit display that will let mobile customers maximize their time on the go to stay connected and productive. At the core of the Gateway netbook line is excellent mobility and wireless communications, so customers can shop online, browse websites, make VOIP(1) calls, and stay in touch with friends and colleagues via email and social networks. The Gateway LT2000 netbook line is powered by Intel Atom processors and can provide easy access to the Internet via Wi-Fi 802.11b/g.
Incredibly portable, the new Gateway LT2000 netbook line measures only about an inch thin and weighs only 2.62 pounds so it is comfortable to hold, easy to transport and fits neatly into a purse or backpack. Boasting the same fashionable design seen in the Gateway LT3100 netbooks launched last month, the new Gateway LT2000 netbooks come in NightSky Black and Cherry Red with an engraved Gateway logo and modern silver trim accents.

"The new sleek Gateway LT2000 netbooks let customers do more with their time on the go – from enjoying the Internet to video chatting and staying in touch via email and social networks," said Ray Sawall, senior product marketing manager for Gateway. "The expressive design is modern and stylish, looking perfect whether it's used for work or play."

Its 10.1-inch TFT LED-backlit LCD display gives today's mobile-savvy customer the room they need to view web pages, documents, email, digital media and more. The Gateway LT2000's petite form factor features all the ports for connecting to the latest peripherals. It has three USB 2.0, Ethernet and VGA as well as a multi-in-one digital card reader.

Additional Features Make it Incredibly Functional
The new Gateway LT2000 netbooks are well-equipped with features that make them highly useful for enjoying life on the go. They come with a full 1GB of memory and 160GB of hard drive space(2), so customers have ample room for music, photos and other files. The integrated webcam is ready to go with a simple software click. Customers can capture memories with still photos and live video that can be posted to personal blogs and sites like YouTube and Facebook. Also, video emails and video conferencing calls offer a more personal way to stay in touch.

The unique Multi-Gesture Touchpad on the new Gateway LT2000 netbooks lets users move around websites, documents and digital media in an incredibly intuitive way. For example, customers can swirl their fingers in a circular motion to scroll through web pages, long lists of files and music playlists. In addition, customers can move two fingers to flip through photos, web pages and PDF documents as well as make an inward or outward pinching motion to zoom in and out on photos and documents.

The new Gateway LT2000 netbooks use the latest Intel® Atom(TM) processors to deliver excellent mobile performance while promoting extended battery life and power efficiency. The line provides up to 3 hours of battery life (3).

Available Configurations Pricing and Availability
The new Gateway LT2000 is available now in several configurations at a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $299.99. One of the configurations follows:

Gateway LT2001u
• Intel® Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache)
• Genuine Microsoft Windows XP® Home (Service Pack 3)
• 10.1-inch WSVGA 16:9 ratio TFT LCD (1024×600 resolution)
• Mobile Intel® 945GSE Express Chipset
• 1024MB DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM
• 160GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive(2)
• Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
• Web Camera
• Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
• Dolby Headphone Technology
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• 3-cell Li-ion Battery
• Chassis: NightSky Black
• One-Year Standard Warranty
• 2.62 lbs.
• 10.17 (w) x 7.24 (D) x 1.03 inches (H)
• Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $299.99

Well, we might think so, but that enticing price and surprisingly good looks are enough to keep us intrigued by this notbook. The LT3100 packs a 1.2GHz single-core AMD Athlon 64 L110 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and Windows Vista—sigh-inducing laptop specs, to be sure, but in an 11.6-inch package that costs under four bills, it should find a market. Press release follows. [Gateway via Crunchgear]

Gateway's First 11.6-inch Netbook Delivers Functionality, Performance

Customers Can Stay in Touch, Do More with Large Display, Performance-Boosting AMD Athlon Processor, Full-Size Keyboard

IRVINE, Calif., June 23, 2009 – Gateway today introduced the Gateway LT3100 netbook, the company's first with a productivity-boosting high-definition 11.6-inch display. Complementing the new display are features that equip customers to do more with their netbook, including wireless connectivity and an AMD Athlon Processor. Weighing only 3.14 pounds and measuring about an inch thick, the Gateway LT3100 sports a sleek and compact design that can be taken anywhere.

Savvy mobile customers who are always on the move can stay in touch and connected using the new Gateway LT3100. Compact and easy to use, it is an ideal netbook for customers who want a reliable WiFi 802.11b/g wireless connection to the Internet to stay up-to-date on emails, post updates on social networks and enjoy online entertainment. Students and small business customers can use it for conducting online research, reviewing materials for class and communicating with colleagues.

Customers can do more with their new Gateway LT3100 netbook. The device's Ultrabright™ high-definition widescreen display is a large 11.6 inches, providing increased screen real estate to view Internet sites as well as multiple applications and windows. As a result, customers can avoid extensive vertical and horizontal scrolling and can more easily move between windows for a better overall experience. The display on the new netbook line is LED-backlit and features an entertainment-enhancing 16:9 ratio and 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixel resolution, so images on it are incredibly clear and crisp. Plus, the larger display size made room for a full-size keyboard, so even typing is easier.

"The Gateway LT3100 is a smart netbook choice – it gives customers the freedom to connect to the Internet for everything from staying up-to-date on the latest viral videos and enjoying digital music and photos, to checking on the status of projects and studying for classes," said Ray Sawall, senior product marketing manager for Acer America. "At the same time, it delivers reliable mobile communications. Customers get the larger-sized 11.6-inch display along with enhanced netbook performance, so they can do even more while on the go."

The Gateway LT3100 netbook delivers a heightened level of performance and usability thanks to its AMD Athlon 64 L110 Single-Core processor and ATI Radeon™ X1270 Graphics for enhanced performance when browsing websites, downloading music, moving through applications and handling multiple tasks. Ready for customers who want to take their digital media and files with them, the Gateway LT3100 netbook models will feature up to 2GB of DDR2 memory and up to a 250GB(1) internal hard drive. Available with a 6-cell battery, the LT3100 netbooks provide battery life of up to five hours.(2)

Customers can capture moments on the go in video with the integrated webcam. With it, consumers have an easy way to document their adventures in video, record video emails and enhance communication with "face-to-face" video-conferencing. It captures smooth video and high-quality images even in low-light conditions. Plus, the built-in digital microphone conveys excellent voice quality, keeping background noise levels low and minimizing echoes. Consumers will enjoy audio with the Dolby Headphones and two built-in stereo speakers.

The Gateway LT3100 netbook further enhances productivity with its Multi-Gesture Touchpad. Unique movements on the touchpad let users intuitively move through Internet sites and digital media. For example, customers can make an inward or outward pinching motion to naturally zoom in and out on photos. Customers can move two fingers horizontally to flip through photos, web pages and PDF documents. Also, customers can swirl their fingers in a circular motion to scroll through web pages, long lists of files and music playlists.

The sophisticated design of the new Gateway LT3100 notebook gives it a fashionable look and feel. The glossy chassis is punctuated with a subtle yet defining Gateway engraved logo and modern silver trim and is available in both NightSky Black and Cherry Red. Sleek and comfortable to hold and use with an incredibly portable form factor, the LT3100 has a starting weight of 3.14 pounds. The LT3100 measures only about an inch thick, so it neatly fits in a backpack or purse.

The Gateway LT3100's ports make it easy to connect to peripherals such as printers, a display and consumer electronics such as digital cameras. It has an impressive three USB 2.0 ports for ample ways to connect as well as Ethernet and VGA ports. Plus, it features a multi-in-one digital card reader for accepting popular digital media cards.

Pricing, Availability and Configurations
The new Gateway LT3100 is available in several configurations at a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $399.99. A sample configuration follows:

Gateway LT3103u

* AMD Athlon™ 64 Single-Core Processor L110 (1.20 GHz, 512KB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
* 11.6-inch WXGA High Definition LED back-lit display (1364 x 768 resolution and 16:9 ratio)
* 2048MB DDR2 SDRAM Single Channel Memory
* Integrated ATI Radeon™ X1270 Graphics
* 250GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive(1)
* Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
* 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
* Integrated Web Camera
* Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
* Three USB 2.0 Ports
* 6-cell Li-ion Battery
* 11.26W x 7.99D x 1.03H inches
* NightSky Black
* Microsoft Windows Vista Basic with Service Pack 1
* One-Year Standard Warranty
* Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $399.99

The Gateway LT3100 netbook line comes with additional preinstalled software including Microsoft Works with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial, Gateway Recovery Management, Adobe® Reader®, and Norton Internet Security™ 2009 Trial.

Flickr user Jason Scott stumbled on an old CD (for Windows 3.1!) that came with Gateway desktops, containing a pile of amazing cow-based images to be used for wallpaper. They're all pretty amazing, and make us wish Gateway hadn't abandoned its bovine style so readily. The cow is ripe for a comeback! [Jason Scott Flickr via Boing Boing Gadgets]

They're all a clear step above the last generation of netbooks in terms of design as well—as you can see, none of them are ugly, and they have massive, mostly comfortable keyboards.

The new Aspire One grows to 11.6 inches while slimming down to under an inch thick, has an LED-backlit WXGA screen to go with it, dragging the battery life out to a supposed eight hours. It's got 3G built-in, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Dolby speakers. Of course it runs Atom, and has a 160GB hard drive.

Gateway's netbooks also balloon up to 10.1 and 11.6 inches with the LT20 and LT30. I think they're better looking than the Aspire One—the cherry red one. They've got pretty much the same guts, and a multi-touch trackpad for gestures.

Spec-wise, it's a 15.6-inch notebook with a 16:9 aspect ratio LED-backlit screen, Dolby speakers and multi-touch gesture trackpad (like much else Acer's rolling out tonight).

The Langenlinine tower (left) uses the old harbor as its geometric inspiration and features bright orange soffits. Meanwhile, the Marmormolen tower (right) draws its inspiration as the city's gateway, mimicking the yellow light and shapes of a metropolitan area.

Of course the buildings are extremely green, packing everything from photovoltaics in the curtains to a seawater heating/cooling system that warms the floor slabs and cools the ceilings—plus wind turbines on top of the bridge power the ambient public lighting (so people don't fall off, die, etc).

Walking around Chicago and watching builders put the finishing touches on Trump's latest generic blue glass tower (which claims the accomplishment of the world's tallest continuous concrete pour, I believe), I can't help but to feel like the US isn't exactly pioneering the new era of remarkable architecture. [World Architecture News via Inhabitat]

GATEWAY INTRODUCES NEW DESKTOP PCS; SEVERAL MODELS FEATURE FACTORY OVER-CLOCKED PROCESSORS AND GRAPHICS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

Gateway Offers One Model with Windows XP through its Direct Channel

IRVINE, Calif., May 6, 2008 - Gateway today introduced a range of new desktop PCs for retail and direct customers. Offering either AMD or Intel processors, leading technology and rich multimedia features, Gateway's new line up includes PCs for general home use, tech savvy enthusiasts and high-performance gamers. While most of the new products include Windows Vista, Gateway is still offering one model with Windows XP.

For those who prefer to purchase from their local retailer, Gateway has increased the performance of its value-based FX desktop, with the introduction of the FX7026. The newest generation PC in this line features a faster processor, over-clocked graphics, more memory and increased storage. Recently introduced at retail outlets nationwide, Gateway's line of FX PCs maximize gaming and digital media performance at a compelling price point. With widespread availability through the retail channel, the FX line takes the guess-work out of purchasing a gaming PC, bringing high-performance gaming within reach of most mainstream consumers.

Gateway has also refreshed its powerful GT Series of desktops, offering Quad-Core and Triple-Core processors, premium integrated graphics and up to 4GB of memory. GT Series PCs are designed for consumers managing digital media libraries, editing video and photos, or for online game playing.

For customers who prefer to purchase direct via phone or over the Internet, Gateway has refreshed and added several new models to its mainstream multimedia DX line as well as its flagship no-compromise FX Series of PCs.

"Our new line up includes something for everyone," said Steve Bulling, senior manager of desktops. "Regardless of cost or how they are going to be used, each one of these systems offers great technology that will enhance the computing experience. From the over-clocked graphics found in our value based FX7026 gaming PC to the availability of a powerful DX system with Windows XP, our customers have the ability to make choices that best fit their needs."

New Retail Systems Provide Rich Feature Set and Tremendous Value

Gateway FX7026 - Bringing High-Performance Gaming to the Masses
At just $1,099.99, the FX7026 challenges the specs and performance of systems costing almost twice as much. It features an Intel® Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9300, over-clocked NVIDIA® 8800GT graphics, an incredible 4GB of memory and a massive 640GB(1) hard drive. It is powerful enough to handle just about any graphic-intensive task, blazing through games and multimedia applications with ease.

Serious gamers, high-quality media creators and enthusiasts alike will be thrilled with the phenomenal performance of a 64-bit processor, 4GB of memory and Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit Edition. This combination packs a powerful punch for video, large database searches, multitasking, games and other programs that require complex calculations and a lot of memory. Further enhancing the computing experience, Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1 includes quality improvements that help improve reliability, security and overall performance.

Gamers will especially appreciate the system's ability to deliver realistic 3D effects and ultra-fast system response and frame rates, making it an ideal system for playing the hottest games with DirectX®10 technology.

Gateway GT Series - Ideal for Multimedia Applications and Managing Digital Media
Gateway's GT Series of desktops offer intense power and plenty of memory, so consumers can blaze through applications and watch, listen, burn, play and download digital content without any compromise in performance.

The new GT Series models include the Gateway GT5670, GT5674, GT5676 and the GT5678. Depending on budget and needs, consumers can choose a system best suited to their requirements. With prices ranging from $549.99 to $849.99, the new models feature a range of leading technologies, including AMD Phenom(TM) Quad-Core or Triple Core Processors and 3GB or 4GB of memory, providing what it takes to stay productive, multitask with ease and manage digital media

Providing stellar realism to gaming and video playback, models include either integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® 6150SE or ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3200 graphics, which also provides DirectX® 10 support and HDMI output.

Two models offer Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit, giving the performance needed by serious gamers, high-quality media creators and enthusiasts who demand the most from digital media.

Compelling productivity features make it easy for consumers to be tech-savvy and get the most enjoyment out of their PC as possible.

With the 15-in-1 digital media card reader, photos can easily be transferred from a camera onto the PC. The integrated Smart Copy button instantly downloads the photos and organizes them into files.

The desktops are ideally suited for consumers who want to create personalized DVDs or CDs of their favorite photos or music for family or friends. Consumers can use the SuperMulti optical drive to burn content on any disc format, and then use the Labelflash(TM) technology(2) to laser-etch personalized images and text directly onto the discs.

With hard drive sizes ranging from 320GB to 750GB(1), there is ample storage for movies, photos and music files.

Pricing and Availability
The Gateway FX7026 Desktop and Gateway GT Series desktops are available now at leading retail outlets nationwide. Visit www.gateway.com/retail for additional information or to locate a store.

New Gateway FX541 and DX442 Desktops Provide Leading Technology

FX541 - An Extreme Machine for Serious Gamers
The FX541 is Gateway's fastest, most powerful desktop. Engineered for next-generation gaming and high-end applications and optimized for high-definition media, the FX541 Series delivers pure, raw quad-core power. Ideal for extreme gaming, digital content creation and advanced multitasking, it is designed for enthusiasts who want the latest in cutting-edge technology but don't want to spend a fortune.

The FX541 includes an NVIDIA SLI-capable motherboard, dual PCIe x16 slots with SLI support and dual Gigabit Ethernet for maximum online gaming performance. The FX541XT offers a factory over-clocked processor and runs dual NVIDIA 8800 GT factory limited warranted(3) over-clocked video cards in SLI mode for maximum performance.

Last but not least, the Gateway FX541 Series includes a 700 watt power supply, ensuring it can support any additional high-performance hardware or future expansion requirements.

Pricing and Availability
Some models in the new FX541 Series are available now direct from Gateway. Customers can visit www.gateway.com or call 1-800-GATEWAY for more information or to order a system. Prices range from $1,199.99 to $3,499.99.

DX442 - Cutting-Edge Technology at an Affordable Price
Gateway's mainstream multimedia desktop line, the Gateway® DX442, combines functionality and entertainment through a well rounded blend of features. The advanced
technology housed in these desktops allows consumers to listen to music while doing the family finances or editing video without experiencing a reduction in performance.

The models include an Intel Pentium Dual-Core, Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Quad processor. All use the Intel® G33 chipset with GMA X3100 Graphics, a 1333MHz Front-Side Bus and 800MHz memory support. Fast 2GB or 3GB of DDR2 memory ensures the system is responsive when handling multiple tasks, such as editing and managing digital photos, exploring demanding multimedia and games or running home office applications. The DX442XP includes the Windows XP Professional Edition operating system.

The smart case design provides easy access to media options used most, including front A/V inputs and a high-speed USB 2.0 15-in-1 media reader located near the top of the system. Available front video input makes it simple to transfer digital and analog video from camcorders.

Large 320GB or 500GB hard drives(1) are the perfect place to store treasured family photos, home videos and a music library. In addition, the PCs come with a multi-format DVD-RW and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive. The SuperMulti optical drive features Labelflash(TM) technology(2), for personalizing images and text directly onto discs.

Pricing and Availability
Some models in the DX Series are available now direct from Gateway. Customers can visit www.gateway.com or call 1-800-GATEWAY for more information or to order a system. Prices range from $549.99 to $999.99.

U.S. Based Telephone Technical Support
While many PC vendors go off-shore to save service costs, Gateway's telephone technical support for U.S. customers is 100-percent based in the United States. Customers are assured their calls are handled by knowledgeable, experienced, well-trained and dedicated support agents close to home(4).

Gateway Warranty, Service and Support
The new PCs are supported by the company's standard limited warranty options(4), but to help customers adopt and get the most out of Vista, Gateway recommends Answers by Gateway, which provides 24/7 telephone support for assistance with questions that go far beyond the system's standard limited warranty. For instance, Gateway's experts can help resolve most "how-to" questions about setting up e-mail or a home network, connecting a printer or transferring a home movie. They can also provide help with non-Gateway technology products, assisting with questions related to software, wireless networks, televisions, printers and digital cameras from most major manufacturers. This ensures Gateway customers are getting the most out of their Gateway PC and that their system works seamlessly with all of their consumer electronic equipment.

Additional service and support options are also available. Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. The company's extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading

About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning products and world-class service to customers worldwide. The company's value-based eMachines brand is sold exclusively by leading retailers, while the premium Gateway line is available at major retailers and over the web and phone. Gateway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., the world's third-largest PC company. See www.gateway.com for more information.

Cow rapper guy is funny, but you know he can't win because all that dancing at the end only leaves his viewers scarred for life:

We're glad we watched Redneck Slip-n-Slide before YouTube introduced smell-o-vision. Still, we think that cat has the right idea (get outta the way!!!):

We commend the boys behind "Our Great Heights" for their professed love of cheese and the high risk to their nads:

OK, now this one is just gross:

Nice work, dudes. You all deserved, well, something. [Contest Site]

Now I've heard that in this day and age, some folks are inclined to do silly things and even shoot video of them. Most corporations tend to look the other way, a few might frown on it, but we didn't think any actually encouraged it.

Nevertheless Gateway is planning to give away a $3,000 FX540XT machine and one of the coolest monitors in the world, the 30-inch 1600p XHD3000 with Silicon Optix Realta HQV upscaling to the best video submitter. The contest's only main rules are that a) the video must be under 3 minutes and b) it must feature "a genuine or fake Holstein cow." Yep, you are completely bananas, Gateway.

While this contest is in no way affiliated with Gizmodo, any of you ballsy submitters out there can feel free to CC your craziest works to our tips line as well. [Gateway Contest]

GATEWAY'S FIRST FX EDITION NOTEBOOK IS A MOBILE MEDIA AND GAMING POWERHOUSE

Gateway extends attributes of its award-winning FX-Series desktop PCs to new notebook line to deliver leading-edge mobile performance at competitive prices

LAS VEGAS AND IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2008 — Gateway today debuts its new P-Series FX Edition notebooks, giving tech enthusiasts and gamers everything they need in a notebook PC without the price premium typically associated with such PCs. (See additional announcement today from Gateway regarding new FX desktops.)

Gateway's lauded "FX" line of desktop PCs for digital media, gaming and other advanced applications was the inspiration for the new "FX Edition" notebooks. Like Gateway's FX desktop line, the new P-Series FX Edition notebooks provide the outstanding performance and features that PC enthusiasts demand. The notebook line includes world-class technologies, such as the NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8800M GTS 512MB GDDR3 graphics solution, HDMI and ESATA ports, as well as a vibrant 17-inch display.

Gateway designed the P-Series FX Edition to be available with a range of technology and features at varied price points. So, while the new notebook line is ideal for demanding gamers and enthusiasts who want the latest technology, it will also be perfect for digital media hobbyists and casual PC game players.

"The first-rate features give the P-Series FX Edition notebooks the extra edge for everything from editing a video of a special vacation or playing the latest DirectX™ 10 games," said Todd Titera, Gateway's senior manager of mobile products. "And while enthusiasts and gamers will love the new notebooks, independent professionals such as photographers, designers and developers will appreciate that they can use the P-Series FX Edition's advanced technology and features to remain productive while away from the office."

The Gateway P-Series FX Edition will be available this week from Gateway and from Best Buy® retail stores.

Designed for Enthusiasts from the Inside Out

Delivering an impressively fast mobile gaming experience, the Gateway P-Series FX Edition utilizes the NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTS graphics solution with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory with DirectX™ 10 support to deliver outstanding performance typically found only on high-end desktop PCs. The new notebooks boast advanced performance technology. Most models come with an Intel® Core 2 Duo™ processor with Intel Centrino™ Mobile Technology. Gateway will sell its high-end configuration, the P-171XL FX Edition, direct to consumers with the latest in mobile PC processing - the Intel Mobile Extreme X7900 processor - which can be overclocked for even greater responsiveness. This model also features a HD-DVD drive (DVD-RW).

The new P-Series FX Edition notebook line has a large and vibrant 17-inch widescreen display, available either in WXGA+ (1440x900) or WUXGA (1920x1200) resolutions, depending on the model. The impressive display delivers stunning visuals on everything from productivity applications and digital media hobbies to ultra-realistic gaming.

In addition to being the ideal PC for gaming and digital media enthusiasts, the P-Series FX Edition also has the features needed for those in the arts, graphics, design and engineering fields, as well as those in financial industries such as accounting and economics. The notebook's large widescreen size and advanced graphics and processing technology make it the optimal notebook for viewing large and complex documents, digital renderings, graphics, drafting, schematics, video and spreadsheets. Further enhancing productivity, the notebook's widescreen design also makes room for a full-sized keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad, so number entry is quick and easy.

The distinctive look and feel of the P-Series FX Edition notebook starts from its solid design. It's made with a high-impact finish that withstands the challenges of mobile computing. Emblazoned with a Copper Core "FX" on the cover and Copper Core keyboard profile accented with a dark metal surround, the P-Series FX Edition has a stand-out image that conveys its leading-edge capabilities.

Leading-Edge Technology for Mobile Computing

The Gateway P-Series FX Edition notebook line comes with the latest technology that makes it a mobile powerhouse. The HDMI media connection lets consumers connect their P-Series FX Edition notebook to a display device (TV, monitor) to view applications, games, digital media content, as well as high-definition video and audio through a single connection. Frequently-used audio and video functions such as play, stop, fast-forward, and rewind can be conveniently accessed via the stylish multimedia panel with precision-cut keys integrated into the keyboard surround. Plus, the P-Series FX Edition features high-definition audio for superb sound that can be easily controlled by the new touch-sensitive volume slide. Access to flash media is quick and easy thanks to the notebook's 5-in-1 media card reader.

The new P-Series FX Edition features the best in connectivity options. The notebooks come with an integrated web-cam and 802.11 Draft-N wireless so consumers can stay connected on the go to the Internet, via emails and with video conferencing. All models also come with Gigabit Ethernet for a fast network connection, while Bluetooth technology lets customers wirelessly connect to peripherals such as printers, mobile phones, keyboards and mice. The wireless connections can be turned off with a dedicated switch for power conservation or use on a plane.

The P-Series FX Edition notebooks include several additional features that provide customers with additional functionality. The eSATA port delivers an industry-leading fast connection to external storage devices. Select models feature an integrated fingerprint reader that can be used for user authentication, data protection and for banking passwords to password-provided websites, folders, documents and applications.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability

Gateway will sell the P-Series FX Edition through its direct channels at www.gateway.com and 1-800-GATEWAY.

The flagship model, the Gateway P-171XL FX Edition, comes with an Intel Core 2 Extreme X7900 processor, NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8800M GTS 512MB GDDR3, 17-inch WUXGA display (1920x1200), 3072MB of DDR2 SDRAM, 400GB(1) of storage (two 200GB 7200RPM SATA hard drives) and an HD-DVD player (DVD-RW). It is priced at $2,999.99 and will be available Jan. 10.

The Gateway P-171S FX Edition will be available with an Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8800M GTS 512MB GDDR3, 17-inch WXGA+ display, 3072MB of DDR2 SDRAM, a 250GB(1) 5400RPM SATA hard drive and a slot-load multi-format dual layer DVD-R/RW/DVD-RAM drive with LabelFlash™ technology(2) which lets users laser-burn scratch-resistant personalized images directly on CDs and DVDs. It is priced at $1,599.99 and will be available Jan. 10.

The Gateway P-171X FX Edition comes with the new Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 processor, NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8800M GTS 512MB GDDR3, 17-inch WUXGA display, 3072MB of DDR2 SDRAM, a 200GB(1) 7200RPM SATA hard drive and a slot-load multi-format dual layer DVD-R/RW/DVD-RAM drive with LabelFlash technology(2). It is priced at $1,999.99 and will be available Jan. 31.

In addition, the Gateway P-Series FX Edition will be available at Best Buy retail stores. The premier model, the Gateway P-6831FX, will be available beginning this weekend at the price of $1,349.99. It comes with the 17-inch WXGA+ display, NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8800M GTS 512MB GDDR3, an Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 processor, 3072MB of DDR2 SDRAM and a 250GB(1) 5400RPM SATA hard drive. The multi-format dual layer DVD-R/RW/DVD-RAM drive comes with LabelFlash technology(2).

GATEWAY INTRODUCES POWERFUL NEW FX SERIES DESKTOPS

The Gateway FX7020 makes extreme gaming affordable, while the high-performance FX540 takes the reins as Gateway's top-of-the-line multimedia desktop

LAS VEGAS AND IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2008 - Giving gamers a reason to type "w00t," Gateway today unveiled two new powerful FX Series desktops designed for extreme gaming and other high-performance, graphic-intensive multimedia applications. Gateway's new powerful FX Series desktops provide the raw power necessary for gamers to dominate the latest games and blaze through multi-threaded programs with unparalleled speed. (See additional announcement from Gateway today regarding its new P-Series FX Edition notebooks.)

The FX7020 is a value-based gaming power house costing close to $1,000 less than comparable systems. The high-performance FX540 brings several new leading technologies to the FX line, including NVIDIA SLI™ technology for powerful, elegant and super-rich graphics for games and other graphics-intensive applications.

Featuring AMD quad-core power and DirectX® 10 graphics, the Gateway FX7020 is powerful enough to handle just about any graphic-intensive task. With a compelling price point of just $1,099, it costs well below a comparable $2,000 system. With the introduction of a value-based desktop in its flagship FX computer line, Gateway brings high-performance gaming within reach of most mainstream consumers.

The Gateway FX540 Series is the next generation of Gateway's flagship no-compromise desktop line. Ideal for extreme gaming, digital content creation and advanced multitasking, it is designed for enthusiasts who want the latest in cutting-edge technology but don't want to spend a fortune.

"No matter what your budget or skill level is, Gateway's FX Series desktops include a range of choices that are both powerful and affordable," said Glenn Jystad, Senior Manager, Desktop Products, Gateway. "The FX line is designed for gaming, as well as digital photography and video editing, so customers know that no matter which system they ultimately choose in the line, it will be powerful enough to handle a wide variety of multimedia applications."

The Gateway FX7020 Brings Gaming to the Masses

Featuring quad core power, high-end graphics, a compelling price point and widespread availability through the retail channel, the FX7020 takes the guess-work out of purchasing a gaming PC.

"The Gateway FX7020 is certainly designed for those who take their gaming and content creation seriously," said Jystad, "but given its low price, it also allows a wider range of people to experience the thrill of modern PC gaming or to get involved with advanced photo, video and music applications."

Challenging the specs and performance of systems costing almost twice as much, the FX7020 features the most advanced AMD quad-core power and NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800GT graphics. The AMD Phenom™ Processor blazes through games and other multi-threaded programs with remarkable speed, while the NVIDIA® 8800GT graphics solution features 112 stream processors and ultra-fast frame rates to play the hottest DirectX®10 games with 512MB video memory in a single card. Combined with 3GB of memory, the FX7020 delivers incredible overall system speed, deftly handling multiple tasks, delivering rich demanding content and speedily running all applications.

Featuring a 400 watt power supply, the FX7020 can support additional high-performance hardware and future expansion requirements.

Rounding out its raw processing power is a combo standard definition (NTSC)/high definition (ATSC) TV Tuner with a Media Center remote control, so customers can watch and record live television. Rich 8-channel, 7.1 high-definition audio delivers a premium sound experience for viewing the latest games, online entertainment and DVD movies.

Customers with large photo and music libraries will appreciate the integrated Labelflash™ technology(1), which makes burning personalized discs quick and easy. Using the same laser that burns content onto discs, Labelflash™ can also burn unique, custom made labels directly onto DVDs and CDs. These high-resolution, transparent and scratch-resistant images do not require an external printer or paper labels.

The FX7020 boasts a slick, jet-black design with metallic keyboard, mouse and system accents and copper LED status lights.

Specifications

* AMD Phenom™ 9600 Processor (AMD LIVE!™) (operates at 2.3GHz; 2MB L3 cache; 3600MHz system bus)
* Windows Vista® Home Premium
* NVIDIA®GeForce®6150SE chipset
* NVIDIA® GeForce®8800GT (w/512MB on board memory)
* 3072MB DDR2 memory, dual channel
* 500GB SATA II (7200RPM, 16MB Cache)(2)
* 18x DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash™ technology
* High-performance 15-in-1 digital media card reader with Smart Copy button and integrated IR receiver
* 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 front; 4 rear)
* 8-Channel (7.1) high-definition audio
* Amplified stereo speakers (USB powered)
* Elite multimedia keyboard
* USB optical 2-button wheel mouse
*Analog/digital TV tuner w/ 3-D combo (PCIe)
*Gateway Portable Media Drive Bay
Pricing and Availability

The Gateway FX7020 Desktop will be available later this month for $1,099.99 at Gateway's retail partners. To locate a store, customers can visit http://www.gateway.com/retail.

Gateway FX540 Delivers the "w00t" Factor

Featuring the horsepower and technology to deliver a superior computing experience, the Gateway FX540 is the perfect desktop for extreme gaming, digital photography, video editing or managing large amounts of data, such as music and photo libraries.

"Recently crowned 'word of the year' by Merriam-Webster, w00t is an expression of joy coined by online gamers," said Jystad. If any product is worthy of a w00t, it's the blazingly fast Gateway FX540 and its leading technologies."

Gaming enthusiasts can play the most advanced games on high-resolution displays without sacrificing performance or breaking the bank. The FX540 brings several new leading technologies to the FX line, including:

·an NVIDIA SLI-capable motherboard

·dual PCIe x16 slots with SLI support

·the ability to run dual NVIDIA 8800 GT/GTX factory limited warranted(4) over-clocked video cards in SLI mode for the maximum performance

·support for 800MHz memory standard on select systems

·and dual Gigabit Ethernet for maximum online gaming performance

As an SLI-Ready PC, the FX540's NVIDIA nForce SLI motherboard and SLI-Ready graphics card give it the ability to be upgraded with a second graphics card. No other PC component upgrade can offer even close to the gaming performance boost gained from adding this second card. Gateway will offer several configurations, including a factory limited warranted(4) overclocked model. Furthering its appeal, the FX540 includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports to eliminate network bottlenecks and improve performance when gaming online.

Last but not least, the Gateway FX540 Series includes a 700 watt power supply, ensuring it can support any additional high-performance hardware or future expansion requirements.

Pricing and Availability

The new FX540 Series will be available later this month direct from Gateway. Customers can visit www.gateway.com or call 1-800-GATEWAY for more information or to order a system. Prices range from $999.99 to $3,799.99 depending on model and configuration.

Nice looking from the rear:

Apple avoids the clear glass look, but both Dell and Gateway are suckers for it. The Dell has a clear lucite base that makes us wonder why the designers didn't go further. The Gateway has a funky clear keyboard arm rest that makes us scratch our heads a bit.

All mice are not created equal. Apple's wired mouse is, of course, not a favorite, but even the Wireless Mighty Mouse doesn't always behave. Dell's mouse is okay, very standard. Gateway's is the best, with a touch pad down the center for scrolling, and a cool one-piece two-tone design.

Keyboards are another accessory that can vary a ton. Dell's is my favorite because of all the stuff it can do. It has a full touchpad for mousing around, has full media controls, so you can ditch the ugly silver remote, and it's better looking than Gateway's, even if it doesn't quite have the otherworldly sleekness of the Apple. (Again why, Apple, do you ship ANYTHING with a cord?)

Here you can see all of the fun stuff on the Dell keyboard:

For the most part, these remotes are standard. In fact, the Gateway's controlled the Dell, and the Dell's controlled the Gateway. I know Apple's statement is that the remote is simple, but let's face it, that's because, compared to Windows Media Center, Front Row is too simple. I went with Goldilocks on this one: Gateway's remote is just right, a nice compact model that matches the rest of the system.

The Dell is the only one with controls on its face. They're triply redundant given the fact that both the remote and the sweet keyboard also give similar controls, but they are cool when they light up. I particularly like the disc-indicator light, which only glows when a disc is inside, and the screen shut-off switch, which does nothing to mess with your system:
More pics:

The Official Gizmodo Awards Chart:

• In January, Intel will introduce what they claim is the smallest SSD in the industry. Officially named the Z-P140 PATA SSD, the drive holds 2GB or 4GB and is 12x18x8mm (about the size of a penny if you couldn't tell from the pic), and 0.6 grams. The Z-P140 can act as a controller for compatible NAND memory, which means these drives are expandable to 16GB. Intel says that this new style of SSD should be showing up soon in several UMPCs and other mobile internet devices from companies such as Asus, BenQ, Clarion, Lenovo and more.

• Intel will also bring WiMax and other wireless connectivity options to these devices. A WiMax/Wi-Fi combo chip, code-named Echo Peak, will also come to market in 2008. Of the 25 devices in the mobile computing category planned for next year, Intel says that 20% will have WiMax, 60% will have 3G and 40% will have GPS. 100% will of course support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

• For desktop users, processor capacity and hi-def performance will see major enhancements in 2008. "Skulltrail", a new dual-processor based platform, will enable high-end and professional computer users to run dual quad-core Core 2 Extreme processors for a massive 8-core performance, for gamers and other hardcore users. In addition, a new feature called HD Boost is an instruction set that will provide faster video encoding/decoding, 3D rendering and photo editing.

• Consumer electronics such as set-top boxes and digital televisions will also get a boost from "Canmore", a "system-on-a-chip" that combines 1GHz processing core with A/V processing and graphics and I/O components onto a single chip. Intel sees increased internet connectivity in these types of devices, and cited examples such as playing video games over your cable box as possible implementations.

• Santa Rosa Refresh, an updated version of the Centrino processor, is a 45nm Penryn chip with better graphics capabilities. The Refresh will be offered in notebooks and desktops and is geared to improving the quality of HD DVD and Blu-ray, among other graphic intensive applications.

• Finally, Intel says that the Gateway One and Dell XPS All-In-One will get the Penryn boost next year, and I was also told that they are "talking to Apple."[Intel]

24-inch Model Offers Vibrant Visuals and Leading-Edge Features

The Gateway® 24-inch High Definition Widescreen Display delivers 1080p HD support and 1920x1200 resolution, making this display ideal for viewing PC content, high-definition video and multimedia applications. To further enhance the viewing experience, the display features a new Ultrabright Glare panel with a 92 percent color gamut, making colors richer and more defined. Additionally, the 1000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness and ultra fast 3ms refresh rate deliver stunning visual performance.

The new Gateway 24-inch Display gives users several viewing options including an auto-rotation capability that allows the display to be viewed in both landscape and portrait modes, providing a 160 degree viewing angle. This enables users to view multiple applications or documents side-by-side, increasing productivity and efficiency. The included Gateway EzTune™ software automatically adjusts the screen image when the monitor is moved between orientations. This software also provides advanced color calibration, making it ideal for photographers, artists and graphic designers. The standard height-adjustable stand can be raised, lowered, swiveled, tilted and rotated for customer comfort.

22-inch Model Delivers Full Feature Set at Mainstream Price

The Gateway® 22-inch High Definition Widescreen Display offers users high-performance features and a vivid viewing experience at the price of $349.99, making it ideal for home or work. This new 22-inch Display offers 720p HD support and 1680x1050 resolution, coupled with a 1000:1 contrast ration, 300 cd/m2 brightness and an ultra fast 4ms refresh rate, providing excellent image quality.

It also comes with a standard tilt stand for premium viewing angles and has a built-in orientation sensor that offers image auto-rotation when coupled with the optional height-adjustable stand.

Premise
What they promised seemed unfeasible: a gaming monitor with an upscaling chip capable of over a trillion calculations per second. [1]

Design
The XHD3000's uncluttered design hides a bevy of adjustments...When you press the menu button, menu items appear on screen, and flat, touch-sensitive buttons light up under the glossy black bezel. These blue-lit buttons—which remain invisible until you summon them—change with each of the many menus; only the ones that are needed appear. [3]

Functionality
One of the more striking features—beyond the displays 30-inch size—is the integrated product tour and tutorial. This is actually built into the firmware of the display, and shows you different usage models and points out key features. You can disable this bit of eye candy in the menu. [2]

Gateway's EzTune is a version of Portrait Display's DisplayTune application customized for Gateway displays...Take the PiP feature, for example. Using EzTune, you can move the PiP anywhere on screen—it's not limited to one of the four corners. [2]

Thanks to the XHD3000's HDCP support, you can watch your content-protected video on a suitably equipped Windows Vista machine. [3]

Performance
Console games (even ones on the Wii) look snazzy and PC titles are some of the finest we've seen ... ever. Blu-ray and HD DVDs look so realistic, we took to ducking explosions during our Serenity screening. [1]

...the built-in HQV video processor does a superb job of upscaling 480i content. We ran Silicon Optix's own HQV benchmark on the XHD3000, and garnered a score of 121 (out of a maximum of 130.) That's excellent, especially if you consider that the image was being de-interlaced, then scaled to 2560x1600 pixels. [2]

Most of our judges preferred the Gateway's image over that of the Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP and the Samsung SyncMaster 305T. [3]

Conclusion
As we've seen, the XHD3000 is a competent, if not highly exceptional, desktop display. But simply using this as a desktop display would be a waste. If all you want is a 30-inch desktop display, you'd be better off with the HP LP3065, which offers a wider color gamut at a lower cost...As a multifunction display, though, the XHD3000 excels. [2]