Gateway M285-E 14" Convertible Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2300E, 1 GB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, Windows XP Tablet Edition)

by Gateway

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17 x 7 x 13 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000RY7Q38
• Item model number: M285-E
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 5, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

If you're looking for the functionality of a Tablet PC, but don't want to sacrifice the larger screen size of a business notebook, then the Gateway M285-E is a great choice. It features a bright 14-inch screen that can be used as a conventional notebook or swiveled into Tablet mode to enable you to take handwritten notes, draw diagrams, edit documents and enjoy a range of pen-based applications. It also boasts a durable design that features a magnesium display enclosure and reinforced magnesium internal super-structure that protect the system in demanding environments.

It's powered by Intel's new, groundbreaking processor--the powerful Core Duo T2300E--which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2300E has a 1.66 GHz processor speed and 2 MB L2 cache. Other hardware features include a 60 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM, 8x multi-format, dual-layer DVD burner, tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless capability, multi-format, video powered by the Intel GMA 950 card with up to 128 MB of shared video RAM, and Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system.

The unique design of this Gateway M285-E Convertible Notebook enables it to be easily "converted" from notebook into Tablet-mode, making it ideal for the many environments where a mouse and keyboard are not practical, such as taking notes in a meeting or class as well as moving around the office, school or home. After the display has been swiveled and folded down upon the keyboard, you can write notes, draw diagrams and edit documents directly on the large 14-inch widescreen display, which provides valuable extra work space over non-widescreen displays. The display is comfortable to use since it's flush with the surrounding frame and closely resembles the size of a legal pad of paper. Also, writing is crisp thanks to the digital pen's Continuous Sensing Technology that improves accuracy.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2300E processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and generous 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Optimized for multitasking, the Intel Core Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

• Hard Drive: The 60 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) is on the small side when compared to full-size notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package.

• Memory: It's loaded with 1 GB of RAM, which offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features up to 8x burn speeds for single-layer DVD±R discs.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 14-inch WXGA TFT active-matrix screen has a 1280 x 768-pixel resolution. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. It also offers an integrated audio card and built-in Altec Lansing speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This PC has an integrated tri-mode Intel 3945ABG wireless LAN, which is compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). It includes a decent offering of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II, CardBus support)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 7-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick, MemoryStick Pro, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, xD-Picture Card, Mini Secure Digital, RS-Multimedia Card)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
This system comes with the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system with Service Pack 2 featuring Advanced Security Technologies, which helps to reduce unwanted downloads and pop-ups while surfing the Web. It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works 8.5, which provides word processing and spreadsheet functionality right out of the box.

Dimensions & Weight
This Tablet PC measures 13.6 x 11.1 x 1.4 inches and weighs 6.8 pounds.

Power
It's powered by an 8-cell lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which provides between 1.5 and 3 hours of battery life depending on usage.

What's in the Box
This package contains the M285-E Tablet PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.

Product Description

Get the competitive edge with the Gateway M285-E. This widescreen Convertible Notebook functions as both a conventional notebook and a tablet by incorporating a screen that swivels. Packed with the latest technology, it features an Intel Core Duo Processor, Windows XP Tablet Edition and an accurate stylus with Continuous Sensing Technology--a perfect fusion of dual-core processing power and the simplicity of pen and paper.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid and reliable, July 20, 2007

By 

E. P. Melendrez (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gateway M285-E 14" Convertible Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2300E, 1 GB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, Windows XP Tablet Edition) (Personal Computers)

At first, I wasn't terribly impressed. I had been accustomed to working
with a Toshiba Protege M405 at home and when I purchased the Gateway for
exclusive use at the office, my initial impression of the machine when
I put it into action was noticeably lacking in enthusiasm or excitement.

I've since come to appreciate this notebook for something much more
impressive that I couldn't gauge out of the box, and that was its
amazing reliability and performance over time.

This machine is solid. It does not crash.

Having initially been a software tester when entering into my current
profession, 10 years of accumulated thrashing expertise doesn't give
my Gateway notebook the slightest indication of indigestion, let alone
system instability. I can crash my beloved Toshiba on a dime, in
comparison. The Toshiba is 'sexy' and in my opinion, the finest notebook
currently on the market (as of 2006 year-end, anyway), but not for its
withstanding the test of time. The Gateway is a substantially more robust
in its physical components. It is substantially more weighty, as well.

I can install an insane number of marginally stable applications and it
doesn't complain. I can then uninstall and it marches on like a loyal
soldier for as long as it can before I wipe it clean and restore to
factory condition and believe me, a less stoic system would have been
driven to its knees long before the Gateway even breaks an uncomfortable
sweat.
I am not a kind task mistress. I push my computers to the edge both in use
of any externally exposed physical parts like buttons, latches, keys,
ports, pins, lcd panels, cords, etc., and those internals of system usage
like memory, disk, networking, process speed, etc.. The Gateway can take
a beating. I haven't dropped this notebook, yet, so I can't make a
comment as to its withstanding impact (unlike my Fujitsu, Averetech, and,
today, the Toshiba), but if unlike me, you aren't in the habit of doing
that, there is no reason to doubt the reliablity of this machine.

What I don't like..no..what I detest is using the keyboard. It *looks*
like a generously sized and unremarkable standard keyboard, but using it
*kills* my fingers. The tips of my fingers are literally raw. I don't
know if it's my finger positioning when I type or the shape or the
materials used, but after typing for a half hour or so, the cramps in my
fingers and wrists will compel me to stop working.

Using the touchpad mouse for any length of time is even worse and makes
the skin on my fingers burn after awhile. I've not experienced this with
any machine I've worked with previously. My fingernails are literally
smashed into the tips of my fingers and I think it's because I have to
press the keys *much* harder in order for them to respond. In fact, the
keys that have a farther reach from the standard typing position will
often require an additional pass because enough pressure hadn't been
applied.

That coupled with the keyboard construction make for an uncomfortable
experience, as far as my own goes. The pen leaves much to be desired (as
they all do, for one reason or another), as well. It's too thick and
thus, also becomes uncomfortable to use for any length of time. Worse,
now it doesn't consistently get recognized by the LCD panel and I have
to resort to using the keyboard, again.

This is not an uncommon problem. Gateway doesn't use the Watcom pen
technology for this model, instead opting for the Finepoint. It has
since, in the latest model or upgrade to this model, resumed using Watcom
which could very well solve the problem.

The pen has its own battery and requires being in its 'docking' space or
it dies, cold. I learned this by trial and error. It's not clearly noted
anywhere that I am aware. To that effect, the bios can be altered to
alert the user with an alarm if attempting to shut the system down when
the pen is not detected being locked and secured in its cubbyhole. I
could also do without the latch which secures the pen or its position
under and too far back than intuitively one would expect to find it,
unless my fingers are fatter than the average bear.

The last two detractors have ranged from being merely annoying to
inspiring homicide. They are the noise made when using the left and right
touchpad navigation buttons and the infernal creaking sound made by the
lid whenever it is ever so slightly moved (includes using the pen on the
LCD screen).

That particular sound is an insufferably loud cacophony that originates in
the hinge and seems to amplify as it travels the surface of the lid. I
have, to the horror of friends and family, been overheard threatening the
lid to my Gateway with assorted instruments of torture and once to a
sword fight before slamming the lid shut and refusing to talk to it for
days.
No, WD-40 will not work. Still my all-purpose last resort to use when
running up against a wall, this old stand-by won't help, either (and is
likely to cause considerable grief if it comes into contact with any
electrical components or your bed sheets).

Apparently, plastic-on-plastic is neither self-lubricating, lubricant
friendly nor conscious of the rewards and benefits there of. If it also
proves not to be self-correcting, one of us will need to leave. (and,
yes, it *is* that nerve wracking.)

Like most every other prebuilt system, it comes loaded with a bunch of
unwanted stuff which I ceremoniously dispatch with, anyway, so it doesn't
bother me. Other people might find those same things useful. YMMV.

All in all, it's a heavy work-horse that emits unconscionable sounds from
its moving parts and the ride isn't comfortable for trips longer than a
half hour at a shot, but may be satisfactory to someone else, as I tend
to be exacting to my idea of comfort considering the length I spend
typing.

The Toshiba has been for comfort and ease of use what the Gateway is for
reliablity and stability during use.

If reliability is what you're interested in, (on my machine at least), I
can recommend it 100% as a system you can give, say, to a 14-year old
teen and it (the Gateway) will survive an average 14-year old teenage
standard of care.

The teen, however, I cannot similarly guarantee will be as reliable.
Having had several of these, as well, before attempting to test my mental
stability with another, I would instead prefer to be dropped on my head
from a tall building similar to what my Toshiba and other machines have
been subjected. While all lived, some were sustained damage. Regardless,
the end result seems preferrable to the alternative.
Again, YMMV.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product, September 2, 2007

By 

David C. Bonta "Certified Home Inspector" (Orlando, Fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gateway M285-E 14" Convertible Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2300E, 1 GB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, Windows XP Tablet Edition) (Personal Computers)

I am very happy with the Convertible Notebook. It works very well with the applications I have for home inspection. If you are in need of a tablet, I would definately recommend the Gateway convertible.