Gateway Parts

Is Gateway a reliable brand and will this computer meet our needs?

My husband and I recently bought a new Gateway M-6750 laptop from Best Buy for $749. Was this a good deal? Here are the specs: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5450 3072MB DDR2 memory 2 DDR2 slots (total), 0 DDR2 slots (available) Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 384MB of dynamic video memory 250GB hard drive Other: http://www.gateway.com/retail/notebooks.php These are our familys' needs: some business accounting applications, basic word processing, desktop publishing, and photo editing. Also web browsing and possibly playing games. It also comes with Windows Vista Home Premium, which I've heard is a resource hog and still has a lot of kinks. I'm a little weary of all the negative reviews. In terms of speed, will it be slow? Will we need to upgrade anything in order to play games? Or, should we just return it and go with a mac? I'm technologically challenged, so feel free to talk down to me in your answers. :) Thanks! Thanks for taking the time to reply guys! These are really informative answers. Forrest, what's an over-requirement profile? Is that good or bad? Remember, I’m a bit technologically challenged. Slo_gin007, if Vista becomes too aggravating for me, do you think I would experience any problems downgrading to XP? I’ve read about others having very frustrating experiences during the process. Mamachula, thanks for the tip about Cnet.com! I’ll check that out. I agree that macs are pricey. I've never used one, but everyone who owns one seems to give them glowing reviews. They say they're more stable and secure and that everything "plays nice" together - not as many errors and hunting for drivers. Plus, they do seem to have some really cool software. But, yeah, they're really expensive!

Public Comments

1. I think this computer has an over-requirement profile. You don't need that much large memory. But anyway, I think this configuration worths that price. So, not a very bad deal. Mac is more expensive than PC. I don't recommend you to replace it.
2. Gateway is the second best of the personal computer companies that rose in the 90s, the best being Dell. They are extremely reliable. Remember, Gateway, Dell, IBM etc, don't make the components. Seagate, Western, etc, they do. IBM, Dell, etc, they just put the parts togther. Okay, so IBM makes so things...but IBM parts in my opinion sucks. The computer you listed is perfect for your needs. I am assuming you're not going to be playing high end computer games on them. Take a look at a small local computer store, give them your specs, and ask them if you have something comparible or how much it would costs for them to build it. They will be cheaper....remember what I said about components being the same. The small computer store will build pretty much the same computer as Gateway, and will costs hundreds less. Good luck. Edit: I know why you want a mac...it looks better. I totally agree...that's why I've bought the ipod, lol. But you don't need a Mac, they are overpriced for what they do.
3. It is a good computer and will easily handle all the tasks you mentioned. Yes, you would be better off with XP over Vista, if you find vista is using too many resources you can always "downgrade" to XP. A mac is going to cost you allot more money, and in my experiences they have never justified their extra expense.
4. With the exception of games this computer should do what you need. I also am not to found of Vista's system requirements and prefer Windows XP Pro 64x. If the games you intend to play are graphics intensive requiring a lot of 3D performance than you may not be happy with it. I doubt you would be happy with a Mac in any case.
5. I think that computer was a great buy especially for your needs that you listed it for. as far as video games i see it has a graphics card with a bit of memory over all your memory is very high im sure you and whoever will never use it all up also its great for the speed should be a really nice computer! great price! great buy! as far as mac lol -please keep this one you will see how much your gonna love vista so many people say how they dont like it, im sure its because they dont have it and there jealous like my friends vista is so much easier for those who know how to use computers and for those who dont its so nice! well enjoy your new computer im sure you will! again no need for upgrades sounds like this is a complete set memory and all! ALOT of memory duo 2 core processor good as you can get! hope this helps! :)
6. I've had a Gateway for about a year and I understand they have been bought out by Acer. Although their phone support is very good I think I would buy a Mac next time. It doesn't seem to do as well as I would like it to on the road. At airports when other computers are able to receive connections for some reason mine can't. Sometimes I find the response time slower than other computers. Good Luck with yours.
7. been using one for last 6 yrs never any problems other then virus once i strongly raccomand it
8. the best information about laptops and pc's i've found in Consumer Reports, either online or in their magazine---i haven't heard anything really great about the Gateway brand in particular--i think it is a little on the poor side as far as repair issues if memory serves me correct-----macs are great, if u can afford-more secure & reliable----i've also heard that Toshiba and Sony have good ratings, as well as IBM...The internet won't be slow as long as you have a good internet service, and there's so much memory on the pc an upgrade wouldn't necessarily come into play---what I usually do is go to Cnet.com, type in the model number, and see the editor's reviews-they score it, like 7 out of 10, etc., and they also explain what kind of specifications to look for based on your/your family's needs----i'd also type in Google 'is a great home computer for desktop publishing and photo editing,' or something to that effect, and some brands/model numbers that are recommended should pop up...
9. gateway is buy far the best there hardware may rate 2nd or 3rd but at least they honer there costumer support unlike DELL DID MENTION UNLIKE DELL!!!