If The ultimate test of any notebook answers the simple question “how suited is it to its intended task” then Gateway’s new NV5807u is a hands-down winner.
The configuration of this new notebook has everything you need for a box-seat entertainment and high performance computing experiences a price that doesn’t bankrupt your pocket book.
Gateway’s 5807u demonstrates a level of attention to detail I admire. First off, its luminous 15.6-inch screen has an eye-pleasing 16:9 aspect ratio, and it has more than enough display real estate to do equal justice to any form of visual entertainment or presentation graphics application.
Its four USB ports, one HD video and one VGA port on its sides,. This configuration makes moving this notebook from one physical setting to another quite painless. Gateway hasn’t scrimped on this configuration. For example, while other notebook makers have discontinued built in modems, you’ll find a telephone line port on the back right hand side of its case. The NV5807’s power switch is nice large button on the right of the case hinge, where it can’t be inadvertently hit
Like other travelers, I’m still not ready to give up a built-in modem as part of a standard notebook configuration. And on a recent trip this proved helpful, when, while staying miles from a public WiFi connection and well out of range of Verizon’s cell network, I had to connect to the Internet using a dial-up through my ISP. Again, Gateway scored on my list of good things I like about the NV5807u by including a modem.
What’s under the hood of this notebook is a beefy power train that includes: 2.1 GHz dual core Intel processor, 4 GB of system memory a 320GB SATA drive. My one minor complaint with this system is that it’s hard disk isn’t a speed demon, which is unusual for most SATA drives on notebooks I’ve tested. The NV5807 uses Intel’s GM45Express core logic and an Intel Graphics media accelerator. It’s processor is an Intel Core2 Duo 6500, which has a clock speed of 2.1 GHz.
The WiFi transceiver on the NV5807u is compatible with the Draft N 802.11 specification—which is backwardly compatible with existing 802.11 standards. I was able to effortlessly connect to my home WiFi network as well as numerous guest networks while traveling without any problems
A web camera and microphone are built into the upper part of the screen housing. I’ve used this notebook extensively for video conferencing and calling using public and private WiFi networks and can recommend it for this application wholeheartedly.
I like the keyboard on this notebook because it has just the right amount of tactile feedback I need to type comfortably for extended periods.
Gateway has included touch sensitive multimedia controls above the function keys.
The only other minor complaint I have with the Gateway NV5807u is its smooth track pad. I prefer textured surfaces because I can feel if one of my fat fingers has come into contact with the track pad. The trackpad on this notebook supports a wide range of easily learned gestures, that once mastered improves personal productivity.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this system’s price, $599, which sets a new price point for Intel-equipped cross over notebooks with 15.6-inch screens, aimed at enthusiast and general computer users.
Th operating system supplied on ,y reviw unit was Vista Home Premium, SP 1.
Anyone who purchases this system now is elgible to upgrade to Windows 7 under a Microsoft’s program window7 upgrade
The fit, finish and design of this notebook are excellent. It’s sleek looking and has no sharp edges. Its weight, 6.82 pounds, doesn’t seem excessive and is on a par with other notebooks in this new category. Like other machines, it’s six-cell battery pack delivered an average 1.9 hours of power throughout the lengthy period I tested this machine (which involved two multi-day trips including one camping experience). The image of the Gateway NV5807 as a go-anywhere, do anything notebook, is enhanced by a 5-in-one card reader, which helps make this machine even more suited for entertainment and personal productivity applications. An optical drive—located on the right side of the system case-- is standard on this notebook.
I’ve used the NV5807u in extensive daylight and office settings and believe it delivers a first-rate user experience, providing the user takes the time to adjust screen brightness and contrast for individual settings.
As an entertainment notebook, the NV5807u goes on the short list of notebooks I’d recommend to friends and family. Its audio delivers crisp music and clear dialogue, which is more than I can say about many notebooks I’ve tested over the last two decades. I like this notebook and have no reservations, except as noted. Most users will find the Gateway NV5807u meets their needs for today and tomorrow.—Jim Forbes, 09/10/2009
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