Gateway M505XL Notebook (1.5-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RW Drive)

Gateway M505XL Notebook (1.5-GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RW Drive)
Manufacturer: Gateway
Product Type: Personal Computer

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com Product Description
Compact and battery efficient yet more powerful and versatile than many larger, bulkier portable computers, the Gateway M505 series of notebooks are worthy candidates for those who put equal emphasis on performance and portability. Structurally similar to the less pricey Gateway M505X but featuring several faster or more capable components and the Windows XP Professional operating system rather than Windows XP Home, the Gateway M505XL is without question a high-end machine.

Not surprisingly, the unit features Intel's new Centrino technology. Built upon a triad of interconnected elements -- an Intel Pentium M CPU (with 1 full GB of Level 2 cache), an Intel 855 chipset, and a cord-free network connection -- Centrino-equipped notebooks deliver more power and more perks than their comparatively diminutive size and rated processor speeds would otherwise indicate. In the case of the Gateway M505XL, that processor is a speedy 1.5 GHz Intel Pentium M, which works hand-in-hand with the system's 512 MB of DDR SDRAM memory and impressively punchy ATI Radeon 9600 graphics controller (64 MB dedicated video memory) to efficiently handle all but the most complex 2-D and 3-D business and leisure notebook applications.

Measuring just 14 by 10 by 1.4 inches and weighing a mere 6.7 pounds with optical drive and battery installed, the Gateway M505XL is nevertheless crammed with impressive mobile features such as a comparatively spacious 60 GB hard disk and an optical drive that permits CD playing and burning and DVD playing and writing. The unit's display delivers a surprisingly generous 15.4 widescreen inches of viewing area at crystal clear 1280 by 800 resolutions, and its on-board stereo speaker system features a miniature subwoofer for added audio depth. Moreover, its communication options include not only a standard 56K dial-up modem and a 10/100 Ethernet network adapter, but also an integrated 802.11b wireless connection for those times when you can't or don't want to plug in.

Other important amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with external peripherals such as scanners or digital cameras, two IEEE 1394 FireWire ports (typically used for digital camcorder downloads), a VGA port for external monitors, a parallel "printer" port, and an S-Video TV-out.

Bundled software includes Microsoft's Windows XP Professional Edition, Microsoft Works Suite 7.0 and a 90-day trial with Norton AntiVirus.

Average customer rating: 2.5

OK But Still Needs Work
MSN Direct & SPOT watches worthwhile
The MSN Direct service is still "a work in progress".

Similar Items:

Abacus Smart Watch 2006 Classic Metal

Abacus Smart Watch 2006 Modern Metal

Manufacturer: Microsoft, Inc.
Product Group: Watch
Binding: Watch
ASIN: B000FW1A3E

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Product Description

Abacus® Smart Watch 2006 delivers the MSN® Direct content you depend on and is designed with the fashion-conscious person in mind. The Abacus includes a 12-month complimentary MSN Direct Smart Plan subscription*, as well as six new exclusive watch faces designed to fit your mood and style. Includes an AC adapter and charging cord with a unique magnetic connector. *This is a one-time-use-only subscription activation code. Subscription code only valid within the US. You will need a subscription to the MSN Direct service to take full advantage of all watch features. Subscribing to MSN Internet Software or MSN Dial-up is not required to access MSN Direct. MSN Direct is available to residents in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada. To receive MSN Direct on an MSN Direct-ready device, you must be within an MSN Direct coverage area; check the current coverage maps available at http://www.direct.msn.com/about/coverage.aspx. Internet access is required for the on-line activation of your MSN Direct account. A major credit card or debit card is required. Activation and service charges will apply. Prices are subject to change. Regular charging of watch is required for use. SAFETY FIRST: Watches can be worn anywhere so use the service sensibly and safely. Synchronization may be affected by reception limitations of the FM network as well as other factors, which may affect the ability to receive FM broadcasts. Separate download required. © 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, MSN, and the MSN logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Customer Reviews:

OK But Still Needs Work.......2007-02-14

I tought this being the 2nd generation of this watch they would have it all working. The watch showed up and after charging up it worked mostly as advertised. The one problem I had with the watch, you could not hear the alarm go off at all. I tired to get a placement from the seller (Microsoft Direct) and they made me make two tech support calls before they told me I could get a new one. They never would send me a RMA for the watch so I called Amazon and told them I wanted to return the watch. I did and have given up on this watch. Think I'm going to wait for the 3rd generation.

MSN Direct & SPOT watches worthwhile.......2006-11-11

Contrary to some of the negative reviews you may see, I have used SPOT watches for the past 3 years with little to complain about. As a business man, I appreciate the ability to have my calendar on my wrist, far less obvious that pulling out a PDA in a meeting.

Is it perfect, nope, but what is? It's a solid service for those looking to link their calendar from work. It's also pretty handy with local road construction, movies and other information. If you want unlimited local information, get a PDA with EVDO and browse the internet, a bit more expensive than the 60 bucks a year this service costs...

The MSN Direct service is still "a work in progress"........2006-10-19

The Abacus smart watches are definitely sleek, stylish and durable. However, as I learned, smart watches are only as good as their service provider. And MSN Direct still hasn't worked out all the bugs. The minor problems include lack of local movie showtimes and lack a local events calendar (as you might imagine, this will vary by location). But it is still a PAY subscription service, so it is NOT OKAY that this information is not available as advertised. The one major problem (that was the deal-breaker) is that the MSN Direct message service does not work with the current version of Windows Live Messenger. Tech support will ask you to download and install the older MSN Messenger 7.5 and anyone who wants to send you an MSN Direct message will also need to install the older version. Also FYI, you can't install both versions of Messenger on the same computer. Tech support admits that they still have to work out some problems with Windows Live. My question, "why don't they work out the problems first, then market it?" In my opinion, MSN Direct is still 12 to 18 months from providing an acceptable quality of service.

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