Amazon.com Product Description

Sitting atop the range of Gateway's entry-level desktop PC series, the Gateway 310XL is a great choice for the budget minded, balancing affordablilty with powerful features and including a 15-inch flat panel monitor. It comes equipped with everything for basic computing plus a built-in CD burner for backing up data, saving digital photos, and burning your own mix CDs. Other features include a 2.6 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor, 256 MB of RAM, and a 40 GB hard drive.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The 40 GB Ultra DMA hard drive offers enough storage for all your documents, applications, and digital photos. However, it's less than adequate if you plan on maintaining a large multimedia (digital audio or video) library.
• Processor: The 2.6 GHz Pentium 4 processor offers more than enough power for everyday computing tasks as well as database and multimedia applications (from gaming to digital audio and video).
• Memory: The 310XL comes with a 256 MB built-in memory (DDR SDRAM, 333 MHz), which is adequate for basic computing needs. However, you'll want to add more memory for gaming and multimedia usage (the 310XL comes with an additional memory slot for a total of two). It also has an L2 cache of 512 KB.
• CD/DVD Drive: It is equipped with separate drives for DVD playback and CD writing. The DVD-ROM drive can read discs at 16x speed (the standard speed for DVD movie playback), while the CD-R/W drive offers a high-speed 48x (read)/24x (rewrite)/ 48x (write) capability.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The 310XL comes with 104-key keyboard and a scrolling mouse with PS/2 connection.

The included 17-inch flat panel monitor as a 15.9-inch viewable area.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
You get a wide range of connectivity options with the S5400NX, including three PCI expansion slots and the following external ports:

• 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 in front, 4 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 serial port for older peripherals such as early PDAs

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
The 310XL comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). It also includes 6 months of AOL dial-up service and a 90-day trial with Norton Anti-Virus.

Dimensions and Weight
This micro-tower case measures 14.44 x 7 x 15.38 (W x D x H) and weighs 20.5 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package includes the Gateway 310XL desktop PC, 17-inch flat panel monitor, wired keyboard, PS/2 scroller mouse, power cord, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited warranty. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Little System for the $$
Gateway award winning desktops are always a good choice for customers. I wasn't disapointed a bit with the feature set of this machine. 256MB of memory and a 15 inch LCD were the primary feature sets that seperated this product from the other machines.

Okay system
Not a bad system though I reccomend getting a bigger HDD drive. I've had Gateway's in the past and had no trouble with the tech support, but then I haven't had any serious problems with any of my Gateway systems. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

If you’re shopping for an affordable desktop computer that offers solid all-around performance and features well suited to first-time users or those seeking a supplemental home system, the Gateway 300X desktop PC is a great choice.

The 300X’s slick silver and black microtower case design houses a 1.8 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor that--combined with 256 MB of DDR SDRAM, upgradable to 512 MB--enables you to run several applications smoothly at the same time. A 60 GB hard drive offers generous storage capacity for data, application, and multimedia files.

The system includes a separate 15-inch LCD flat-panel display that combines with an integrated Intel Extreme Graphics video processor and up to 64 MB of Dynamic Video Memory to deliver clear, bright images. The 300X includes enhanced audio GCS300 speakers and audio ports for headphones, a microphone, and a line-in jack. A combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive (40x/32x/10x CD, 16x DVD) lets you enjoy DVD movies, listen to and create audio CDs, back up data quickly on CD, and play CD-ROM-based games.

The 300X offers three PCI expansion slots and a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, an integrated 10/100Base-T Ethernet interface for wired network connections and broadband Internet access, and a 56K modem. Ports include six USB interfaces (two on the front and four on the back), parallel and serial interfaces, a VGA output interface, and two PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors. The 300X includes a multifunction keyboard and Logitech USB Optical Wheel Mouse.

Bundled software includes Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works Suite 2003 (including Microsoft Word and Encarta), and a Norton AntiVirus 90-day introductory offer. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Convergence is a reality
I got one as an all-in-one center for images, video, TV, music, etc. It does the job well. TV image quality is excellent, and so is TV recording. Burning your favorite shows to DVD with a few button clicks is incredibly easy.
If you want something for your den, this is a machine that should definitely be on your list for consideration.

A nearly perfect living room PC.
The Gateway FMC-901X blends an innovative case design with high performance components. The first thing that strikes you about the Gateway Media Center is that it looks more like a piece of stereo equipment than a computer. In fact the stackable design computer is fits perfectly on top of a VCR or stereo. This was a big selling point with my wife.

The next best feature is that it comes a super-sized 250GB hard drive with a personal video recorder that lets you record TV shows and watch them on your schedule. The advantage over Tivo is there's no monthly fee or any way for some corporation to keep track of what you watch and when.

Now from the comfort of your couch, you can watch video, TV, play digital music, watch digital video, surf the Internet, play games, arrange digital photos and play or record DVDs.

A fine-tuned media powerhouse.
Finally a piece of gear that looks like it belongs in an AV rack. I've been Very pleased with the appearance and usability of the system. Be aware that although it looks and performs like a component, it's also a PC. It comes with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004. That means music- and photo-playback features are excellent, and the PVR functions are a close match for a dedicated TV recorder.

Since it's a computer and not a TV it takes a couple of minutes to boot-up. To power the media center, you need the remote control unit and the wireless keyboard and mouse. I've taken to leaving the system on all the time. The mouse uses a new motion-sensing technology that lets you control it with natural hand movements. Unlike most wireless mice, this one actually has range. I can still operate from outside the house through the window, 25 feet away, as long as I stay in the line of sight.

The AV-component look of the FMC-901X is helped by the flip-down panel on the front, which hides many of the myriad of controls and ports: FireWire port, two USB 2.0 jacks, and slots for Compact Flash, SD, Memory Stick, and Smart Media memory cards, making it easy to move digital photos & MP3's into the system.

Bottom-line: this system is perfect for any true media enthusiast

Noticeably better than the Dell unit
TV quality using the Hauppauge TV tuner card is substantially better than in other Media Center Edition PCs.

It does do Tivo-like functionality, which is highly addictive once you have it.

The system is still a little louder than I would like due to the cooling fans, but no louder than my Tivo box.

The sleek design is what really makes it stand out from the competition. The 901 looks like an A/V component and not a clunky PC.
Now if only there was support for multiple HDTV tuners or multichannel SACD, it would be nearly perfect. ... Read more

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
Sporting many of the high-tech innovations and amenities of Gateway's new top-of-the-line PCs but with less power, comparatively mediocre 3D graphics performance and half the memory, the Gateway 420GR Desktop PC is nonetheless a strong midlevel computer that delivers impressive bang for the buck. The unit is suitable for business, home, entertainment and all-purpose environments, though fussy and/or demanding users will probably need to upgrade one or more components relevant to their chosen applications and requirements. But even without upgrades, the Gateway 420GR is both ready for the future and nicely equipped for the vast majority of duties today.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. The Gateway 420GR features a fast Intel Pentium 4 515 CPU. New for 2004, this is an upgraded version of the venerable Pentium 4 chip, featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache for a more generous data "pipeline" than prior models. Operating at a 2.93 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this is a strong processor in all but the toughest situations.

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. For the 420GR, Gateway has installed 512 MB of speedy 400 MHz DDR memory, configured in a dual channel setup for even faster response. This is a typical allotment for a midlevel computer, and more than enough for most multitasking situations and complex applications. Moreover, the system's mainboard is constructed to support RAM upgrades to a stunning 4 GB, though most users will never need to do so.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures.

The Gateway 420GR features a new style of video controller -- a sort of hybrid between high-end standalone "dedicated memory" cards and less impressive integrated "shared memory" controllers. It's called the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, a module that is indeed integrated on the motherboard but features more refined components than traditional integrated controllers. However, though some variations of the Graphics Media Accelerator 900 can utilize up to 224 MB or more of the system's memory, thus generating better 3D performance, this particular controller is unable to use more than 64 MB. As a result, anyone seriously involved in 3D gaming or 3D graphic design will undoubtedly need to add a standalone graphics card. But if you're usually involved in 2D and/or undemanding 3D work, the system will suffice nicely as is.

Display:
Gateway has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.

Sound
The Gateway 420GR produces stereo and surround sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset with support for six distinct audio channels and one subwoofer. Gateway has also enclosed a pair of amplified desktop speakers, though serious audiophiles will undoubtedly upgrade to a three-piece subwoofer-enhanced set or a surround sound configuration.

Hard Drive
At 160 GB, the unit's internal hard drive is substantially less roomy and costly than today's latest high-end monsters yet spacious enough for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Furthermore, this particular hard drive is exceptionally quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a high-speed Serial ATA connection. These are all comparatively recent innovations, each increasing the overall performance of the system.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. 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 enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD).

Like its pricier Gateway brethren, this system features two optical drives -- a CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs, and a DVD +/- RW Double Layer Multi-Format drive through which you can not only do all of the above but also make use of double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of standard DVDs). What's more, with two optical drives you can make extremely fast CD copies.

Connectivity and Expansion
With a total of seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you'll have plenty of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. Gateway has also included a trio of IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a versatile 8-in-1 card reader for reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include an integrated 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN interface for high-speed access to networks and the Internet, and a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections.

Operating System and Software
The Gateway 420GR features a comprehensive software package headed by Microsoft's beefy Windows XP Home Edition operating system. Gateway will also pre-install Microsoft's Money 2004 financial center, Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity package, Microsoft's Picture It! Premium photo and graphic editing suite, and a variety of sophisticated multimedia utilities such as the excellent Nero 6 Suite CD and DVD burning package.

Control
Completing the system is a Gateway Premium Multimedia Keyboard and a two-button mouse with scroll wheel. ... Read more

Product Description

A True Media Center Classic! Intel P4 2.93GHz HT CPU, 512MB of DDR! 200GB SATA HDD, Dual-Layer DVD Burner! Simply the most powerful, innovative and feature-rich computer we’ve ever seen! The Genuine Gateway 815GM Media Center PC combines a blazing fast Intel Pentium 4 2.93GHz processor with HyperThreading Technology, 512MB of sizzling quick DDR memory, and a gigantic 200GB SATA hard drive that will store a virtual universe of multimedia goodies. The 815GM offers entertainment beyond anything you have ever even imagined… at your fingertips! This magnificent machine runs on Windows’ brand new XP Media Center 2005 Edition … light years more advanced, intuitive and magical than any other operating system on Earth (read all about XP Media Center below)… the perfect system to take full advantage of the unprecedented features of this wonderful PC. Get ready for the ride of your life! Because the 815GM Media Center comes with an onboard Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW burner… you can record up to 8.5GB of sensational video per disk, nearly double the previous standard… and play it back on the sensational DVD-ROM drive! Also at your command… an internal multi-format Flash Media Card Reader to grab all your digital files at incredible speeds! A 10/100Mbps LAN Adapter for instantaneous network connections. ATI Radeon PCI-Express video card… you’ll be mesmerized by the most vividly realistic graphics you have ever seen! The Gateway 815GM also boasts ... Read more

Features

• Intel Pentium 4 2.93GHz Processor with HyperThreading Technology
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Operating System
• 512MB DDR RAM Memory
• 200GB SATA Hard Disk Drive
• DVD+/-RW Dual-Layer & DVD-ROM Optical Drives