Future Shop - Gateway 11.6" SU3500 Laptop - 449.99

[lelik67]

For people who missed Acer Aspire 11.6" Burst Notebook from BB/Staples, you can get this one even $50 cheaper. Specs wise it's identical.

Gateway EC Series ULV 11.6" Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 1.4GHz Laptop - Black
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10128773&catid=25313

Hard Drive Speed/Capacity 250GB (5400RPM)
LED Backlit Display Yes
Optical Drive Not Applicable
Processor Speed 1.4GHz
Processor Type Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500
RAM 3GB
Screen Size 11.6"
Graphics Chipset Intel GMA 4500MHD
Integrated Video Memory Yes
Native Screen Resolution 1366 x 768
Video Memory 64MB
Audio Chipset Intel GS45 Express
Speaker Wattage 2 Watts
Speakers Yes
Card Reader - Compatible Memory Types 5-in-1 Card Reader
HDMI Port Yes
Number of Touchpad Buttons 2
Type of Keyboard 84/85/88-Keys
USB 2.0 3
VGA Output 1
Webcam Yes
Ethernet Port 1000
Integrated Bluetooth No
Integrated WiFi Intel 5100 a/b/g/n WLAN
Battery - Capacity 4400 mAh
Battery - Number of Cells 6
Battery Type Lithium-Ion
Processor Cache 3MB L2
System Bus 800MHz

Notebook Depth 20.4 cm
Notebook Thickness (closed) 3.0 cm
Notebook Weight (including Battery) 1.35 kg
Notebook Width 28.5 cm

[adavidso]

Hot! Sweet machine for the $. I've got the acer Burst. Only disadvantage is that the screen has only average viewing angles, and is less bright compared to my Lenovo T400. But what do you expect for 1/3 the price!

[chrisanthony14]

a soon as i saw core 2 SOLO..forget it lol

[growler]

a soon as i saw core 2 SOLO..forget it lol

Is the Core 2 Solo a slower processor than the Atom N270 processors found on the older netbooks?

[adavidso]

Is the Core 2 Solo a slower processor than the Atom N270 processors found on the older netbooks?

It is quite a bit faster than the Atoms, this comes with Vista (not XP) and a free upgrade to windows 7. The graphics systems is also a huge improvement over a netbook, and this has HDMI out!

[monkey-boy]

review here:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article974-page1.html

[Brian99]

http://www.silentpcreview.com/files/images/gateway-ec1803h/outside-front.jpg

[mystery]

Nice machine! I might buy one for my mom.

[MegaCreation]

Hmmm ... this looks interesting ...

A bit on the pricey side of netbooks, but I can certainly see why it's more expensive than others.

[Badman]

core2solo is wayyy faster then atom

I returned a hp mini 110 for the acer 1410 and its much much better laptop. Bigger resolution(makes a huge difference for me), double the battery life (6hrs) and the cpu is much faster. I found the atom could barely handle regular youtube but with this you can even handle some HD youtube. Some does stutter but i'm sure when adobe updates flash it would become better. Plus this comes with free upgrade to windows 7.

Then again you could wait for the core2dual that is coming out soon. But who knows what price that will be.

[RedFlagRobot]

*sigh* These threads always devolve into Netbook vs. Notebook or "OMG It's not dual core"

[monkey-boy]

core2solo is wayyy faster then atom

I returned a hp mini 110 for the acer 1410 and its much much better laptop. Bigger resolution(makes a huge difference for me), double the battery life (6hrs) and the cpu is much faster. I found the atom could barely handle regular youtube but with this you can even handle some HD youtube. Some does stutter but i'm sure when adobe updates flash it would become better. Plus this comes with free upgrade to windows 7.

Then again you could wait for the core2dual that is coming out soon. But who knows what price that will be.

I read a review for the acer unit that said the stuttering goes away once windows 7 is installed. Not sure which of these units is better(between the acer and gateway), I'll have to take a look at them in the store. Big thing holding me back from picking up ANY netbook or notebook is the bilingual keyboard... REALLY annoying for me.

Edit: Found this on another forum:
"For those of you who can't stand the Canadian keyboard, the good news is that the keyboards on these units are 100% compatible with Acer AO751 keyboards, which are readily available on Ebay in the US English layout (do an ebay search for "Acer 751 keyboard"). I got mine for less than $25 shipped. Fairly easy to install, connects with a ZIF cable. Anyway, gone are the left shift and enter problems."

[oc613]

thanks op, just picked one up this afternoon!

first one had broken bezel clips, so i had to return it.. new one is in better shape, installing windows 7 ultimate on it as we speak.

i'll be happy to report back about performance when i have a couple of days with it.

[Asoul]

That is a good price, very tempting. I had bought a atom netbook and the performance was too slow for me, so I returned it. This looks like a better fit for me, damn Redflag, always making me spend money.

[lead]

not worth 450 tho maybe 350.

we just had a levono sale for a full size laptop at 450. Netbooks are significantly slower and why their supposed to be cheaper, coupled with the lack of dvdrom etc. I guess the novelty is still there and people fork out the money for newest. But there's a reason for so many refurbished netbooks available, and its not cause they broke!

Save your money for the next dell sale of the 13.3. You'll be alot happier.

[JT94]

not worth 450 tho maybe 350.

we just had a levono sale for a full size laptop at 450. Netbooks are significantly slower and why their supposed to be cheaper, coupled with the lack of dvdrom etc. I guess the novelty is still there and people fork out the money for newest. But there's a reason for so many refurbished netbooks available, and its not cause they broke!

Save your money for the next dell sale of the 13.3. You'll be alot happier.

What are you talking about? Bigger screen size doesn't mean better laptop. Go find a 12" laptop with a "regular" processor elsewhere in this price range. This is a pretty hot price for ~6-7 hour battery life, MUCH faster processor (compared to Atom), 3GB RAM, multi-touch touchpad, etc. in a super light package.

[milhaus]

Great machine. I purchased one, and kept it for a week at $499.99. Liked it a lot.

Why'd I return it, if it was so great? Damn FR-EN Keyboard. I refuse to buy another laptop with this abomination; if computer manufacturers refuse to sell us proper keyboards, and are too cheap to produce two different models for Canada, I'll refuse to buy them. I even tried Key Tweaks, but the little keys just pissed me off.

I guess if I want a proper netbook, I'll have to buy it from the states.

[lead]

What are you talking about? Bigger screen size doesn't mean better laptop. Go find a 12" laptop with a "regular" processor elsewhere in this price range. This is a pretty hot price for ~6-7 hour battery life, MUCH faster processor (compared to Atom), 3GB RAM, multi-touch touchpad, etc. in a super light package.

you answered your own question its not a regular processor its much less. Its a virtual celeron. The size diiference between the 13.3 and the 11.6 is a nice noticeable difference especially if you wear glasses. The dell 13.3 with 6 cell will still get you 4.5 hours with a dual core thats pretty nice for a full bore laptop.

I agree its a nice laptop, just not worth the money in comparison to what 450 can get you when their is a sale available, and remember this on sale too, its not its regular price! I personally think it should be less, all netbooks should be, rather than what their overpriced at. Then again I wouldn't pay 599 or 699 for a 13.3 either. RFD has effected me, I guess!

The only thing I don't like about it, its a gateway. I owned a gateway before, i never will again.

[JT94]

you answered your own question its not a regular processor its much less. Its a virtual celeron. The size diiference between the 13.3 and the 11.6 is a nice noticeable difference especially if you wear glasses. The dell 13.3 with 6 cell will still get you 4.5 hours with a dual core thats pretty nice for a full bore laptop.

I agree its a nice laptop, just not worth the money in comparison to what 450 can get you when their is a sale available, and remember this on sale too, its not its regular price! I personally think it should be less, all netbooks should be, rather than what their overpriced at. Then again I wouldn't pay 599 or 699 for a 13.3 either. RFD has effected me, I guess!

The only thing I don't like about it, its a gateway. I owned a gateway before, i never will again.

It doesn't have an inferior Atom processor, so I don't consider this a netbook. The processor is fine for everyday student usage (check the review someone posted for a comparison between a Core 2 Duo and the SU3500). At this price, there isn't another 12" laptop can touch these specs (with similar weight and battery life). The Dell 13.3" is CONSIDERABLY heavier and has a crappier battery life.

I've checked my friend's out, and this laptop is built like a rock. Keyboard is top notch too minus the annoying EN/FRE layout.

[kongx]

Would this gateway be better than the other 11.6" gateway with the AMD 64 L110 processor and X1270 video card?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10126124&catid=28597

[G77]

This seems like quite a sweet deal.... The keyb is a bonus for me after spending 25 years using a UK keyb, I can use both now, so I don't mind, but often find myself fumbling when looking for / on a US layout.

[JT94]

Would this gateway be better than the other 11.6" gateway with the AMD 64 L110 processor and X1270 video card?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10126124&catid=28597

The video card is slightly superior on that one, but the CPU isn't. Stick with the SU3500. That BestBuy one also only has 2GB RAM, comes with just Vista BASIC (no free Windows 7 upgrade), and the battery isn't flush with the laptop.

[chinese zzz]

This seems like quite a sweet deal.... The keyb is a bonus for me after spending 25 years using a UK keyb, I can use both now, so I don't mind, but often find myself fumbling when looking for / on a US layout.

This thing... so temping...:eek: Want to BUY NOW !!!

These days computing.. is killing my $$$$....:(

[Airey]

I've checked my friend's out, and this laptop is built like a rock. Keyboard is top notch too minus the annoying EN/FRE layout.

Maybe that's what it's built good for...to be like a rock hard paper weight :cheesygri (Ok ok, I am just kidding, don't flame me over this).

Seriously though, trying to tell computer people Gateway is good:confused:...hmm...don't believe me, it's fine.
Please visit your nearest Computer Science department at your local universities.
(It's actually a good trick to walk around the campus and see what the students use. Who will know more about what's good for students other than students themselves.)

If you already have a set opinion, by all means just buy it. There's a reason why it's regular priced at 500. And with 50 dollar discount, it's not that hot.

[DynomiteHunter]

Gateway USED to be bad,
then it got bought by Acer,
now its awesome.

[Amourek]

Would this gateway be better than the other 11.6" gateway with the AMD 64 L110 processor and X1270 video card?

The AMD version is not as energy efficient, and it has half the battery capacity, so I expect you'd get 2.5 hours out of it tops. X1270 does make for better gaming, but video playback is equal - they can both output 1080p.

[Badman]

you answered your own question its not a regular processor its much less. Its a virtual celeron. The size diiference between the 13.3 and the 11.6 is a nice noticeable difference especially if you wear glasses. The dell 13.3 with 6 cell will still get you 4.5 hours with a dual core thats pretty nice for a full bore laptop.

I agree its a nice laptop, just not worth the money in comparison to what 450 can get you when their is a sale available, and remember this on sale too, its not its regular price! I personally think it should be less, all netbooks should be, rather than what their overpriced at. Then again I wouldn't pay 599 or 699 for a 13.3 either. RFD has effected me, I guess!

The only thing I don't like about it, its a gateway. I owned a gateway before, i never will again.

The thing is, to me your comparing this as being a desktop replacement. We are considering this to be a nice Netbook alternative. Your also looking at the screen size as bigger = better and somebody(like myself) looking at this type of computer want's it in the smallest and lightest package available for a good price. This seems to cover them all. I would never go to a laptop bigger then this, as it just won't suit my needs of being a true ultraportable.

BTW: I'm loving my acer, keeps getting better everyday the more you fine tune it to your likings. I love how it can output 1080p videos to my LCD/Plasma with ease. Also I installed windows 7 and it does make a difference with speed including HD Flash. Though you still find some videos that it can't keep up with.

[DynomiteHunter]

so you can watch hd vids on this? like on youtube?

greys anatomy?

[DynomiteHunter]

also does anyone know if this core 2 solo is faster or the intel pentium that comes with the 13" timeline?

[dingmah]

so you can watch hd vids on this? like on youtube?
I set this laptop up for my sister when she got it a couple weeks back. First thing I tried was YouTube HD. Not 100% playback, but like 90%.

You should think of this as a larger alternative to a netbook. It's greatest feature is the larger screen & higher resolution. Performance wise, I can't discern any real difference between this and my EEE PC 1005HA-P.

I'll post up a video in a bit showing YouTube HD performance on the Gateway.

[JT94]

so you can watch hd vids on this? like on youtube?

greys anatomy?

Yup, HD works great with CoreAVC codec.

[Amourek]

so you can watch hd vids on this? like on youtube?
greys anatomy?

Yes. Might drop a frame or two, but otherwise smooth. It doesn't work if you watch Grey's Anatomy though, because it doesn't play crappy shows. :cheesygri


also does anyone know if this core 2 solo is faster or the intel pentium that comes with the 13" timeline?
Pentium SU2700 = 1.3 GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 10W
Core 2 Solo SU3500 = 1.4Ghz, 3MB L2 cache, 5.5W <--- FASTER


Yup, HD works great with CoreAVC codec.
MPC Home Cinema + DXVA ftw. 1080p no problem.

[pigcold]

Intel SU3500 is built by 45nm technology, so the gate is smaller and required less energy to switch on/off.

AMD MV40 or L110 is built by 65 nm technology, required more energy and produces more heat.

AMD netbook will use up the battery faster because CPU is required more energy and also the system has to turn the fan in higher speed to cool down the CPU.

[sis649]

Intel Mobile CPU performance order for regular computing (power consumes in the reverse order):
Core 2 Duo (SU9300) > Core 2 Solo (SU3500) > Atom N270/N280 > Atom Z520/Z530

However, Atom CPU has HT feature, while Core 2 Solo not. HT is much helpful for HD playback.

Moreover, GMA 500 (with which Z520/Z530 pairs), which is faster than GMA 4500MHD (with which Core 2 Solo or N270/N280 pairs), as to its better hardware acceleration for HD playback.

I saw a review comparing Acer 751(Z520+GMA500) and Acer 1410/Gateway 1803 (Solo 3500 + GMA4500MHD) for 1080p playback, the Acer 751 uses 40% CPU load while the latter uses 75%

[G77]

I'll post up a video in a bit showing YouTube HD performance on the Gateway.


If you could that would be fantastic - this is the one thing stopping me from pulling the trigger on this....

Will ION based netbooks fare better with flash HD video?

[Badman]

If you could that would be fantastic - this is the one thing stopping me from pulling the trigger on this....

Will ION based netbooks fare better with flash HD video?

ION Would be worse as flash has nothing to do with the GPU(at least as yet) Currently its all cpu based to the faster the cpu the better it would be.

[G77]

ION Would be worse as flash has nothing to do with the GPU(at least as yet) Currently its all cpu based to the faster the cpu the better it would be.

Hmm, thanks - might take a trip down to FS to take a look at this then...

[jono1811]

If you get this, please don't bother using Vista if you can, you'll get a nice performance increase if you go with Windows 7 RTM.

Just put it on a USB, boot from it and install. HD video should playback fine on youtube without having to download and all that other bs.

[jcdogg]

I got this laptop for about a month now, worth every penny.. its basically everything I ever wanted in a laptop.

[Amourek]

However, Atom CPU has HT feature, while Core 2 Solo not. HT is much helpful for HD playback.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article974-page6.html
The Gateway EC18 rapes the 1005HA in video playback.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article974-page7.html
And in every other way.


Moreover, GMA 500 (with which Z520/Z530 pairs), which is faster than GMA 4500MHD (with which Core 2 Solo or N270/N280 pairs), as to its better hardware acceleration for HD playback.
I googled for info on GMA 500 before buying the Gateway. I couldn't find a single account of anyone getting hardware accleration to work due to crappy drivers. Also, if you do get it working, it won't be faster than GMA 4500MHD - they have the same video playback features according to Intel.

[lead]

I googled for info on GMA 500 before buying the Gateway. I couldn't find a single account of anyone getting hardware accleration to work due to crappy drivers. Also, if you do get it working, it won't be faster than GMA 4500MHD - they have the same video playback features according to Intel.

Yeah its the most recent from intel it was outsourced from power vr, thats why support isslower. Its not faster it just takes more load off the cpu than the the 4500mhd for lesser power consumption. Hardware acceleration works under vista and windows 7 and theirs a trick to get it to work under xp but no true xp driver support for it yet. There is also no hardware aceleration for flv streaming which makes it suck for online video viewing. It actually has alot of potentional just lousy support so far.

[dodokid]

anybody have a picture of its exterior? future shop is only showing the interior

[Amourek]

anybody have a picture of its exterior? future shop is only showing the interior

Full review with pictures:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/Gateway_EC1803h_notebook

Video of Youtube HD playback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCVUDOEughw

x264/MKV playback test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we9lK7UabMs

edit: added MKV playback link

[dodokid]

How much was the Acer Aspire 11.6" Burst Notebook OP was referring to? I tired to do a bestbuy search, didn't come up with any products.

[LanEvoVII]

How much was the Acer Aspire 11.6" Burst Notebook OP was referring to? I tired to do a bestbuy search, didn't come up with any products.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10128983&catid=20354

$549.99

[G77]

Video of Youtube HD playback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCVUDOEughw

Hmm, not bad at all....

I just went to FS to take a look at it - was nice enough, just couldn't convince myself to pull the trigger....

[Orenbvip]

Does this one have a free upgrade to windows 7 like the US model? anyone else install the US keyboard?

[Badman]

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10128983&catid=20354

$549.99

Last week it was for $499 and they have a $20 coupon bringing it to $479. I ended up buying that and decided to keep it over this. Seems like a slightly better quality computer( imo the trackpad and palm rest was better)

[Amourek]

Does this one have a free upgrade to windows 7 like the US model? anyone else install the US keyboard?

Yes, free Win7 upgrade.

[DynomiteHunter]

Yes. Might drop a frame or two, but otherwise smooth. It doesn't work if you watch Grey's Anatomy though, because it doesn't play crappy shows. :cheesygri


oh hoh, take that back, you mcsteamy hater haha

[madpacket]

Small review:

I picked up the Gateway unit from FS Waterloo location after work last Friday evening.

For reference I use a 1.83Ghz x200s as my daily work laptop.

This thing is awesome! It's much faster than any of the Atom based netbooks I've owned!

So far with the default Vista installation I've removed most of the pre-loaded crapware and installed a few of my favourite apps. I ran the battery down last night doing typical workloads (listening to music while web surfing etc.) and the battery lasted approx 5-6 hours.

I tested the latest 64 bit Ubuntu live CD and literally *everything* worked after it booted. Amazing.

Only negative I've experienced so far is the fan is a touch loud under certain conditions (booting up) but I see there's a way to tweak it with software.

The other issue is HD playback. I tested with the latest MPC HT edition and accelerated content, well it seems like more "colour banding" happens than if I use default settings. I think this is probably just a driver issue that will be resolved eventually (are Windows 7 owners experiencing the same thing?).

If you're on the fence about buying this thing, don't be. The build quality is very good (minus the chrome accented hinges, yuck), battery life is exceptional, speed is very decent after a few tweaks and the screen is vibrant and very bright. The trackpad is responsive and large enough. Scrolling up/down in Firefox is effortless and the buttons are responsive, not too hard to press. I love how the battery is flush with the unit and there is no problems tilting the screen way back like some netbooks.

While doing basic tasks it actually doesn't feel much slower than my x200s.

After I toss an quality SSD in this thing an it'll be perfect for 95 percent of my needs.

I plan using this as my living room / lounge PC and eventually making it a full time HTPC (trying to figure out a good mount system).

All things being said, this unit is very good for $450.00 and could easily be used as a primary mobile computer.

Thanks OP!

[newuserquebec]

thanks for the review.
I finally pulled the trigger...
very nice looking, will test after charging and win install.

How are we going to install Win7 if gateway sends a disk?
i have no external dvd player.
How do i get the win7 disc?

[G77]

thanks for the review.
I finally pulled the trigger...
very nice looking, will test after charging and win install.

How are we going to install Win7 if gateway sends a disk?
i have no external dvd player.
How do i get the win7 disc?

You *should* be able to get it onto a USB stick and boot from that....

Or you'll have to get an external USB drive from somewhere...

[RCYK]

Small review:

I picked up the Gateway unit from FS Waterloo location after work last Friday evening.

For reference I use a 1.83Ghz x200s as my daily work laptop.

This thing is awesome! It's much faster than any of the Atom based netbooks I've owned!

So far with the default Vista installation I've removed most of the pre-loaded crapware and installed a few of my favourite apps. I ran the battery down last night doing typical workloads (listening to music while web surfing etc.) and the battery lasted approx 5-6 hours.

I tested the latest 64 bit Ubuntu live CD and literally *everything* worked after it booted. Amazing.

Only negative I've experienced so far is the fan is a touch loud under certain conditions (booting up) but I see there's a way to tweak it with software.

The other issue is HD playback. I tested with the latest MPC HT edition and accelerated content, well it seems like more "colour banding" happens than if I use default settings. I think this is probably just a driver issue that will be resolved eventually (are Windows 7 owners experiencing the same thing?).

If you're on the fence about buying this thing, don't be. The build quality is very good (minus the chrome accented hinges, yuck), battery life is exceptional, speed is very decent after a few tweaks and the screen is vibrant and very bright. The trackpad is responsive and large enough. Scrolling up/down in Firefox is effortless and the buttons are responsive, not too hard to press. I love how the battery is flush with the unit and there is no problems tilting the screen way back like some netbooks.

While doing basic tasks it actually doesn't feel much slower than my x200s.

After I toss an quality SSD in this thing an it'll be perfect for 95 percent of my needs.

I plan using this as my living room / lounge PC and eventually making it a full time HTPC (trying to figure out a good mount system).

All things being said, this unit is very good for $450.00 and could easily be used as a primary mobile computer.

Thanks OP!

Few things holding me back still:
- resolution 1366x768 on a 11.6 screen can strain your eyes after long periods
- people mentioned about screen flickering on dim setting
- SU4100 with dual core coming in Oct, probably no extra cost
- Windows7 arrives in Oct, no hassle with re-installing

[G77]

Few things holding me back still:
- resolution 1366x768 on a 11.6 screen can strain your eyes after long periods
- people mentioned about screen flickering on dim setting
- SU4100 with dual core coming in Oct, probably no extra cost
- Windows7 arrives in Oct, no hassle with re-installing

When I checked out one in FS - the screen looked "odd" to me, wouldn't say it was flickering, just couldn't put my finger on it, perhaps I'm just not used to LED backlit screens.... I could probably put up with it, but it was enough for me to notice that it was different.

Windows 7 - yes you won't have to reinstall, you will however have to uninstall reams of crap bloatware on it.... Since a Win 7 install takes about 20 mins, that's probably faster!

[electrik]

I bought this, the first one I got had a problem where it couldn't recognize the battery but I exchanged it and the new one works great. I love this little thing.

[nishy]

actually http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10128983&catid=20354 is pretty good as a laptop
BUT

the same one but DUAL CORE is gona b in N.America soon.UTube vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8b4pEGxXg). Im waiting on it to come here and buying it right away.
also should b sub 800$ (the price of it in europe atm when u use xe.com for conversion) sooooooo proly 750 tops mayb even 700

imo its worth it.
and acer offers a free upgrade to win 7 through their website (Y)

[Amourek]

I was thinking of waiting for a dual core version, but frankly the SU3500 is really snappy once you install Win7. I certainly wouldn't pay an extra $200 for an extra core.

Obviously if you're doing video/audio editing, Photoshop, or gaming, you'll want something faster, but this will do pretty much everything else. My desktop is a C2Q @ 3.7ghz but only because I do the above mentioned tasks. If I didn't, I wouldn't mind using a nettop with comparable hardware as my main machine (hypothetically, if such a thing existed).

[newuserquebec]

Won't photoshop function properly on this machine?
I mean, for once in a while photo editing it should be fine!

[cy]

Won't photoshop function properly on this machine?
I mean, for once in a while photo editing it should be fine!

Yes, it'll run perfectly fine. Actually, very usable.

[WildParadise]

acer from staples is gonna have the same rebate wednesday 449

[G77]

acer from staples is gonna have the same rebate wednesday 449

Doesn't the Acer have 1GB less RAM?

[vpower]

Few things holding me back still:
- resolution 1366x768 on a 11.6 screen can strain your eyes after long periods
- people mentioned about screen flickering on dim setting
- SU4100 with dual core coming in Oct, probably no extra cost
- Windows7 arrives in Oct, no hassle with re-installing

IMHO, the quality is very questionnable..

[Amourek]

x264/MKV playback test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we9lK7UabMs

[G77]

x264/MKV playback test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we9lK7UabMs

Pretty decent - averaging 50% CPU usage! Is that with CoreAVC?

[Airey]

Doesn't the Acer have 1GB less RAM?

3G DDR-2 SDRAM (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=73%2C74%2C75,4424&webid=822133&affixedcode=WW) according to the website

[G77]

3G DDR-2 SDRAM (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=73%2C74%2C75,4424&webid=822133&affixedcode=WW) according to the website

Is there any advantage to the Acer?

[milhaus]

Pretty decent - averaging 50% CPU usage! Is that with CoreAVC?
Is there a free version of CoreAVC?

[Airey]

Is there any advantage to the Acer?

Is there any advantage to Gateway?

Acer owns Gateway, if everything else being equal....:)

[G77]

Is there a free version of CoreAVC?

Wasn't last time I looked....

Is there any advantage to Gateway?

Acer owns Gateway, if everything else being equal....:)

Guess it's down to preference of which name you'd like on it then (honest answer being neither ;) )

[monkey-boy]

Is there any advantage to the Acer?

yes. You can use coupons at staples :D

[Amourek]

Pretty decent - averaging 50% CPU usage! Is that with CoreAVC?

No, just using MPC Home Cinema with DXVA enabled. Instructions here: http://nunnally.ahmygoddess.net/watching-h264-videos-using-dxva/. You can even underclock the CPU to the idle speed and the CPU usage barely takes a hit.

CPU usage would be a lot a hot higher with CoreAVC as it doesn't use the GPU.

[dodokid]

So what's the deal at staples? the acer aspire 11.6" for 449$ starting tmr?

[MegaCreation]

acer from staples is gonna have the same rebate wednesday 449

How do you know?

Edit: And are you talking about this one? http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=73,74,75,4424&webid=822133&affixedcode=WW

[MegaCreation]

yes. You can use coupons at staples :D

Everybody keeps talking about these Staples Coupons... Where can I get some? (I tried going to the coupons section of RFD and searching for Staples but didn't find anything)

[ppl4golf]

I want to ask you power avid users how this other Gateway NV4405H
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10129068&catid=25314&logon=&langid=EN

stacks up against the EC1803H ??

The obvious pros from the specs :
500GB HDD
4GB RAM
Dual core T4300
14" Screen;

cons :
3 hr battery life
14" screen -> bigger/heavier
Less CPU cache
$100 MORE

I am really interested in the relative CPU performance, I'd like idiot-proof playback of whatever media I'll throw at it.

TIA!

[MegaCreation]

I want to ask you power avid users how this other Gateway NV4405H
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10129068&catid=25314&logon=&langid=EN

stacks up against the EC1803H ??

The obvious pros from the specs :
500GB HDD
4GB RAM
Dual core T4300
14" Screen;

cons :
3 hr battery life
14" screen -> bigger/heavier
Less CPU cache
$100 MORE

I am really interested in the relative CPU performance, I'd like idiot-proof playback of whatever media I'll throw at it.

TIA!

Read the reviews on the future shop page. Customers are complaining about the screen going black all the time... Doesn't sound like a problem that's fun to have to deal with =/

[G77]

I want to ask you power avid users how this other Gateway NV4405H
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10129068&catid=25314&logon=&langid=EN

stacks up against the EC1803H ??

The obvious pros from the specs :
500GB HDD
4GB RAM
Dual core T4300
14" Screen;

cons :
3 hr battery life
14" screen -> bigger/heavier
Less CPU cache
$100 MORE

I am really interested in the relative CPU performance, I'd like idiot-proof playback of whatever media I'll throw at it.

TIA!

That'll likely play pretty much anything you throw at it, but really it's a different market to the 11" Gateway, once you start looking at full size laptops, there's hell of a lot more choice.

The 11" Gateway/Acer is interesting because it's the first "netbook" to have decent power whilst being at a similar price to the lower speed netbooks.

[Airey]

Everybody keeps talking about these Staples Coupons... Where can I get some? (I tried going to the coupons section of RFD and searching for Staples but didn't find anything)

Here (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/staples-coupons-3-total-updated-08-06-2009-a-389024/1306/)

[MegaCreation]

Here (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/staples-coupons-3-total-updated-08-06-2009-a-389024/1306/)

Thanks!

All the coupons expire today ... Is the idea that there are new coupons every day that expire on the same day?

[awworld]

Thanks OP. I picked up one.

[awworld]

sorry for the newbie question but i'm guessing the people who installed Win7 installed the trial version. What do you do with all the drivers? Are the available on Gateway's website? Thanks.

[cy]

sorry for the newbie question but i'm guessing the people who installed Win7 installed the trial version. What do you do with all the drivers? Are the available on Gateway's website? Thanks.

Vista drivers will work wonder for Win7 for the most part :)

[MegaCreation]

Thanks!

All the coupons expire today ... Is the idea that there are new coupons every day that expire on the same day?

I guess they're good for a week. Thanks again for the link.

[GQ001]

MPC Home Cinema + DXVA ftw. 1080p no problem.

I use this setup and I notice that on 720p/1080p videos, I notice a wierd screen flickering 1 inch up from the bottom of the screen. Regular sd/hd videos are fine, but the mkvs seem to be doing this. any thoughts?

[Amourek]

I use this setup and I notice that on 720p/1080p videos, I notice a wierd screen flickering 1 inch up from the bottom of the screen. Regular sd/hd videos are fine, but the mkvs seem to be doing this. any thoughts?

I don't get any flickering. How did you set up MPC-HC?

[email2patel]

acer from staples is gonna have the same rebate wednesday 449

Will you please provide the link???...thanks.....I want to use $50off$150 mystery coupon...!!!!!!

[bttnat]

Will you please provide the link???...thanks.....I want to use $50off$150 mystery coupon...!!!!!!http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/now-staples-bb-acer-timeline-11-6-laptop-449-88-399-88-after-coupons-781783/

[MegaCreation]

Will you please provide the link???...thanks.....I want to use $50off$150 mystery coupon...!!!!!!

Where is that coupon? I want to use it too :)

[ecsw]

^ too late. It's oos in staples and only red left.

[Ghetto_Child]

Intel Mobile CPU performance order for regular computing (power consumes in the reverse order):
Core 2 Duo (SU9300) > Core 2 Solo (SU3500) > Atom N270/N280 > Atom Z520/Z530

However, Atom CPU has HT feature, while Core 2 Solo not. HT is much helpful for HD playback.

Moreover, GMA 500 (with which Z520/Z530 pairs), which is faster than GMA 4500MHD (with which Core 2 Solo or N270/N280 pairs), as to its better hardware acceleration for HD playback.

I saw a review comparing Acer 751(Z520+GMA500) and Acer 1410/Gateway 1803 (Solo 3500 + GMA4500MHD) for 1080p playback, the Acer 751 uses 40% CPU load while the latter uses 75%
Has anyone even tried this test using DDR2-667 or DDR2-800 instead of the included stock DDR2-533? I bet that makes a difference.

If you get this, please don't bother using Vista if you can, you'll get a nice performance increase if you go with Windows 7 RTM.

Just put it on a USB, boot from it and install. HD video should playback fine on youtube without having to download and all that other bs.
Is this the same as the Windows 7 RC I downloaded from the microsoft site a few months ago? Or is this now Gamma testing 3 or Delta testing? I had downloaded Win7 Beta end of 2008 and then Win7 RC during 1st/2nd quarter of 2009.

[Warbucks]

Just an update, I installed the new Flash 10.1 beta with gpu acceleration along with the latest gma 4500 drivers from intel (nov 7th date for windows 7). 1080P flash content is silky smooth on this netbook.