Gateway Adds HD PC Displays, Notebook

By Doug Olenick -- TWICE, 11/9/2006

Irvine, Calif. — Gateway today introduced two HD-capable flat-panel displays and a notebook computer that utilizes a sturdier industrial design.

The displays, now shipping, are the FDP2485W 24W-inch and FDP2285W 22W-inch displays which will replace the company’s currently available 21W-inch and 19W-inch models. The displays are Vista compliant featuring High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection and have a DVI port, S-Video, VGA with the 24W unit have dual component interfaces with the smaller display having only a single interface.

Gateway has introduced new on-screen control system with these displays. Called the EzTouch bezel it has back-lit buttons that light up when accessed.

Features limited to the 24W model include 1,920 by 1,200 screen resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, a 6-millisecond response rate and a fully adjustable stand. The six speaker Gateway Theater Display Sound System is being offered as a $69.99 option. The display itself carries a $679.99 street price.

The 22W model’s screen resolution is 1,680 by 1,050 and it has a 700: contrast ratio. An optional height adjustable stand is available for $69.99 that gives the smaller display the same range of viewing heights as the more expensive model.

The NX570 Series notebook incorporates several “toughening” features including a scratch and fingerprint resistant high-composite matte cover, an aircraft-grade brushed aluminum palm rest and a lighter, stronger magnesium infrastructure.

The base price is $899, but Gateway is offering a $200 rebate during the holiday sales period.

The notebooks, selling through Gateway’s direct to customer channel, can be configured with either an Intel Core 2 Duo or Core Duo processors. Graphics options include a 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon x1400 or an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950.

Other features include a 15.4-inch Ultrabright display 512MB of memory, 80GB 5,400rpm hard drive, 8x DVD-CD-RW drive or a double/layer, dual format DVD burner and Media Center Edition 2005 software.