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Mossberg reviews the Gateway One, accidentally reviews the iMac again
We've seen a couple reviews of the Gateway One already, but when it comes to reviewing sleek all-in-one PCs, we turn to the master: Walt Mossberg. Unkie Walt's been playing with a couple slick desktops lately, and surprisingly, none of them are the iMac -- although he can't seem to resist the comparison. Walt's got the Gateway One this week, and while he praises the machine's design and slick power brick / I/O breakout box, he's not particularly impressed with the machine's 19-inch screen, processing power, or, most damningly, stability -- he suffered two blue screens while testing. Add in the fact that the entry-level One is $100 more expensive than the cheapest iMac and offers a smaller screen, no built-in webcam, and a slower processor, and you've got Walt telling you that the iMac is still the best all-in-one out there. Up next: the XPS One.
Gateway offers up 22-inch HD2200 / 24-inch FHD2400 LCD monitors
Finding that 30-inch XHD3000 to be a bit too rich for your blood (or just too ginormous for your desk)? Gateway understands, and that's why it's offering up new 22- and 24-inch LCD monitors for those who demand a bit less screen real estate. Up first is the 22-inch HD2200, which features a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, four-millisecond response time and 160-degree viewing angles. The 24-inch FHD2400 delivers 1080p support with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness and an ultra-speedy three-millisecond refresh rate. Moreover, both displays tout Faroudja DCDi video processing, DVI / HDMI / VGA / component jacks and built-in picture-in-picture functionality. As for pricing, the smaller sibling will run you $349.99 while the 24-incher will demand an extra $200, and both of 'em are available from a number of retailers as we speak.
Acer completes Gateway acquisition -- GTW delisted
It's official, Acer has acquired nearly 90% of Gateway shares bringing an end to Gateway's pioneering independence. The $710 million deal makes Gateway a wholly owned subsidiary of the Taiwanese PC maker and brings an end to the GTW listing on the New York Stock Exchange. With Gateway ready to gobble up Packard Bell, Acer becomes a solid, global number 3 powerhouse behind HP and Dell.
Gateway rolls out P-series laptops, GT-series desktop
While it likely won't do much to appease those who missed out on the ever-so-shortly-available $300 Gateway laptop, the company has just announced a couple of new entries in its slightly higher-end P-series laptop line, which each manage to stay under the $1,000 mark. Those include the $800 P-6801 model, which sports a 1.46GHz Pentium dual-core processor and a 160GB hard drive, and the $950 P-6822, which ups things to a 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo processor, a 250GB hard drive, and a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam. Both models also pack the same 17-inch 1440 x 900 display, along with the usual Intel X3100 graphics. On the desktop front, Gateway has let loose its new GT5628 model, which is based around Intel's G33 chipset and packs a speedy 2.4GHz Core 2 Quad processor, along with GeForce 8500 GT graphics, 3GB of RAM, and a spacious 500GB hard drive. Look for it to set you back $950 when it lands October 14th, which is the same day the laptops are set to be released.
Wokka wokka wokka: Acer to acquire Gateway to acquire Packard Bell
The rumor was spot-on: Gateway has delivered a binding offer to acquire all shares of PB Holding Company S.à.r.l. from Lap Shun (John) Hui and Clifford Holdings Limited. If approved, Acer would nab themselves an improved foothold in Europe as part of their acquisition of Gateway announced back in August. Final regulatory approvals for the three-way love-in are expected before the end of the year or Q1 at the latest.
15.4-inch Gateway ML6230 going for $300?
Sure, for $300 you could get your order in for a minuscule Eee PC or cross your fingers while calling dibs on a Medison Celebrity, or you could just stroll into your nearest Best Buy and hope for the best. According to a recent circular, the big box retailer is offering up a 15.4-inch Gateway ML6230 for just $299.99 sans rebates, but it has been noted that not every Best Buy location is apt to honor the price. Nevertheless, stores that are participating will be giving the first ten buyers to dash in for one a Vista-equipped lappie with a 1.6GHz Intel Celeron M 520 processor, 512MB of RAM, 80GB of HDD space, a DVD burner, multicard reader, 802.11b/g, and a basic array of ports that includes S-Video, FireWire, four USB 2.0 jacks, audio in / out and Ethernet. Hurry up, stocks are likely dwindling.[Via CNET]
Gateway intros 30-inch XHD3000 quad HD LCD display
Following in the footsteps of so many others that have come before it, Gateway is finally introducing a 30-inch display of its own, and it's tooting its own horn all the while. Notably, the firm claims that its XHD3000 is the "world's first Quad-HD display" -- which we're sure more than a few outfits would dispute -- and the 2,560 x 1,600 resolution mimics that found on monitors offered up by Apple, Dell, Samsung and HP. The screen does utilize the Silicon Optix Realta HQV video processor, and it also offers up a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness, a six-millisecond refresh rate and 178-degree viewing angles. Moreover, buyers will find a plethora of ports on the rear including HDMI, VGA, DVI, two component inputs, composite, S-Video, six USB 2.0 sockets and a variety of audio connections. It's up for grabs right now for $1,699.
Gateway One review roundup
The first reviews of the Gateway One are starting to trickle in, and while the sexy all-in-one is garnering universal praise for its sleek, accessible design and innovative power brick breakout box, it looks like beauty's only skin-deep in this case: both Computer Shopper and CNET found the machine's performance to lag behind competitors like the 20-inch iMac, with Computer Shopper saying that looks aside, the One is just a "regular midrange PC." Other annoyances included the smallish 1440 x 900 19-inch screen, which CNET says lacks "pop," and the odd decision to break the webcam out into an easily-lost attachment. All that aside, however, both reviewers found it hard to argue with the direction Gateway's gone with the One -- it seems like the iMac finally has some serious competition.Read -- Computer Shopper review (7.9 out of 10)Read -- CNET review (7.1 out of 10)
Gateway One gets official
With yesterday's leak, Gateway's press conference was a bit short on surprise this morning, but the Gateway One is indeed official, and it really doesn't look half bad. The one mystery left was the screen, which turns out to be a 1400 x 900 19-incher, which feels a bit small in this day and age, but leaves the One's footprint at an acceptable size. Other niceties include dual easy-swap hard drive slots accessed by lifting off the back cover of the computer, and adjustable tilt through a stand in the back. The included mouse, keyboard and remote are all wireless and pre-synced with the computer, while the web-cam is a USB add-on accessory which comes in the box and can be perched up top, and the top-end One comes with a USB TV tuner as well. Otherwise the specs are as expected, with prices ranging from $1,300 to $1,800 and late October availability. Check out our gallery for some in the wild pictures.%Gallery-7854%
Gateway One all-in-one desktop breaks cover
A whole slew of sites this morning spilled out info on Gateway's new "One" PC, which Gateway was teasing us about the other day. Due to be announced tomorrow at Digital Life, the Gateway One is a sleek little all-in-one number, rocking a slot-loading DVD burner, a bunch of inputs and even wall-mounting capabilities. No word on screen size, but it looks spacious enough. The One hosts an easily-replaced hard drive and memory, along with a 5-in-1 card reader. You can score the One in one of three configurations, starting at $1,300 for a 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB HDD and Intel X3100 integrated graphics, and ramping on up to the $1,800 unit with a 2GHz processor, 3GB of RAM, 500GB HDD and Mobility Radeon HD 2600 dedicated graphics. The third version splits the difference on specs for $1,500. Apparently there's even a webcam hidden somewhere in the unit, though you couldn't tell it from the pics. There's another shot after the break.[Via Digg]Read - MacNN (while it lasts)Read - SlashGear (currently down)Read - Gateway One teaser page
Gateway busting out artsy all-in-one PC next week?
Gateway is passing around an invite to New York's Digital Life attendees, promising the grand unveiling of... something. The invite is tagged with a cute little "Gateway One" logo, or maybe it's "One Gateway," and all signs are pointing towards a new all-in-one PC with decent aesthetics. Also, breakfast will be served, so you know we're all over it. The press conference will be at 9AM EDT on September 27th.
Unhappy Gateway shareholders sue over Acer's buyout
At this point we didn't know anyone still had strong feelings for Gateway, but never discount the power of cash to get those hearts a-beating: unhappy with the $710M Acer's paying for the company, two different groups of Gateway shareholders have filed suit, alleging that company executives should have held out for more scratch. Acer was planning using the Gateway acquisition to greatly expand its US presence, so it should be interesting to see how both companies react to these lawsuits -- and how much those shareholders thought Gateway was actually worth.
Gateway unloads Professional business segment on MPC
The shakeups at Gateway just seem keep on coming these days, with the planned acquisition by Acer and the seemingly imminent takeover of Packard Bell now being followed by the sale of Gateway's Professional business segment to MPC Corporation. According to Gateway, the sale, valued at some $90 million, is being done in order to "simplify its business model," "leverage reduced cost structure," and, of course, concentrate on the worldwide consumer market. For its part, MPC unsurprisingly says the newly combined company will be a boon to its customer base, which mainly consists of those in government, education, and small-and-medium businesses. To help it on its way, Gateway is also investing some $10 million in MPC, and it'll also be getting a 19.9% equity stake in the company.
Mediostream sues Apple, Acer, Dell and Gateway
It looks like Mediostream is the latest company headed to Texas to fight against alleged violations of its patents, in this case by none other than Apple, Acer, Dell, and Gateway. According to The Inquirer, Mediostream says those companies infringed on patent number 7,009,655-B2, which was issued to the company on March 7, 2006 and describes a "method and system for direct recording of video information onto a disk medium." While Mediostream doesn't seem to have a whole lot to say on the matter at the moment, it did say that it "has been damaged by the infringement and will continue to be damaged unless enjoined by this court," adding that it is seeking "damages, interest, attorney fees and other reliefs deemed just and proper by the court."[Via The Inquirer]
Poll: Banish Gateway's spotted cow branding?
This morning's announcement about Acer's acquisition of Gateway left us wondering about the fate of Gateway's Holstein branding in the hands of Taiwan's Acer. Those spots were once proudly synonymous with Gateway's unexpectedly low-tech, Iowa roots -- an idea worn thin after the dot com bust. So what's your take, bring out the sledgehammer or spare that heifer for another day?%Poll-2681%
Gateway plans to acquire Packard Bell BV
According to reports, Gateway will be exercising its right of first refusal (or ROFR) to acquire control of Packard Bell BV by nabbing all of the shares of the PC-maker's parent company. The computer giant first gained the ROFR in Summer of 2006, in an agreement made with the former owner of eMachines, Lap Shun (John) Hui. Apparently, Mr. Hui proposed sale of the his share in PB Holding Company, S.ar.l, based on a price offered by a mysterious "third party." It's all becoming clear to us now... Acer is interested in purchasing Gateway so they can get to the diamond-in-the-rough that is Packard Bell! Very sneaky guys.
Acer to acquire Gateway: so long cow spots?
Acer -- the third largest PC company globally -- just announced a definitive agreement to acquire Gateway. The acquisition has been approved unanimously by both boards and is expected to close by December 2007. You know, following the usual international, anti-trust approvals. Sure seems like a win-win what with Gateway steadily losing market share (but still tied for third largest PC maker in the US) while finally giving Taiwan's Acer a dominant position in the Americas to match their aggressive growth in Europe and Asia. From the looks of the press release, it would appear that the Gateway (and eMachines) brands will continue under Acer's new "multi-branded company." Fine, but could we now get rid of the cow spots, please? It's not 1985 anymore. [Via Notebooks]
Gateway heads into China with help from distributor
Following a brief pilot progam in June, Gateway's announced that it's making its first major push into China, with the company teaming with Digital China, Inc. to offer its systems nationwide. While Gateway isn't getting specific about exactly what systems will available, it is saying that it'll be offering a "new premium line," which will consist of systems boasting Core 2 Duo processors and laptops based on the Centrino Duo mobile platform, with a few displays thrown in for good measure. Those will apparently soon be available at various retailers across the country, including Best Buy's flagship store in Shanghai. Of course, Gateway will have a fair bit of competition to contend with, including that from other US PC makers clamoring for a bigger piece of the Chinese market.
Apple ties Gateway for third in US PC shipments, looks to steal the bronze
While many have criticized Apple for (debatably) giving its handheld lineup more priority than the Mac, it looks like sales aren't suffering because of it. Presumably due (at least in part) to the halo effect stirred by Apple's marketing blitz of its iPhone and iPod, Apple's US personal computer shipments for Q2 of this year landed them in a tie with the once mighty Gateway in terms of American market share. Granted, Gateway did have a few more shipments than Apple, but if Gateway continues to fade and Macs continue to move, we could see Cupertino raising up the bronze (outright) here soon. Attaboy Steve -- just snag 18-percent more of the market and second place is all yours.
Gateway intros new M, T-series laptops
Seems like everyone is getting in on the brightly-colored laptop game these days, with Gateway now following Dell and others in offering an alternative to the usual monochromatic look. While complete details are still a little light, the company's new M and T-series laptops will apparently boast 15.4-inch and 14.1-inch displays, respectively, along with your choice of Core 2 Duo processors, optional ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2400 XT graphics, optional HD DVD or Blu-ray drives, and resolutions up to 1920x1200 (on the M-series). Sure to attract the most attention, however, are those colors, with Crimson Red and Pacific Blue options available in addition to the more subdued Slate Gray, each of which feature Gateway's "Ridgeview" graduated sphere pattern, which looks to be slightly less garish than some patterns we've seen. Look for these to roll out by the end of the month, with prices starting at $900.
