Gateway's EC Series Notebooks Boast Windows 7

Whenever Microsoft decides to push out a new operating system, PC makers--like clockwork--push out all new systems in order to showcase new wares on a new OS. Take Gateway, for instance, who has just released three new machines that are based on none other than Win7. The trifecta includes an 11.6" machine, which Gateway insists is an "ultraportable" and not a netbook, along with two 15.6" machines for those looking for something more mainstream.

The little guy is the EC14, which boasts an 11.6" LED-backlit display, a battery that can last between six and eight hours, a 1.3GHz Intel Pentium Dual Core SU1400 CPU (CULV), a 1366x768 resolution panel, GMA4500MHD GPU, 4GB of DDR2-667 memory, 320GB SATA hard drive (5400RPM), a built-in webcam, multi-card reader, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, three USB 2.0 sockets, an HDMI port, multi-gesture trackpad (with keypad lock) and a weight of 3.08lbs.

The two 15.6" machines don't differ much. In fact, you'll find the same resolution panel, the same processor, the same OS, the same GPU, the same HDD, and the same card reader. You will get a built-in optical drive (8x Super Multi DVD burner), Dolby Sound Room, faster memory (DDR2-1066), and a MyBackup Button to boot. All three machines will be available this Thursday, with the 11.6" machine starting at $549.99 and the 15.6" rig starting for $100 more. The full specification lists are below.

The new Gateway EC Series will be available beginning Oct. 22, each with Windows 7 Home Premium. Sample configurations and pricing are listed below.

Gateway EC1430u: MSRP $549.99

• Intel^® Pentium Dual Core Processor SU4100 (1.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 11.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel^®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB⁽²⁾ 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• Integrated webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• Intel^® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• 3.08 lbs.
• 11.2” (W) x 0.87-1.18” to 1.18” (H) x 8.03” (D)

Gateway EC5409u: MSRP $649.99

• Intel Pentium^® Dual-Core Processor SU4100 (1.30GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 15.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel^®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel^® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB⁽²⁾ 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• 8x DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
• Integrated HD webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• 2^nd Generation Dolby Sound Room^® Audio Enhancement
• Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Dedicated numeric keypad
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• Gateway MyBackup Button
• 5.29 lbs.
• 14.85” (W) x 1.01-1.08” (H) x 10.0” (D)