Product Review: Gateway MD2614u Laptop

The Gateway MD2614u Laptop is a step up from previous Gateway models. It isn't as clunky and rough-hewn, and it also features the improved system specs characteristic of newer laptop incarnations.

Software: Known for making user friendly computers, Gateway installs a lot of supposedly easy-to-use programs on every machine it sells. The problem is that this software is almost too user friendly, becoming annoying anybody who doesn't need help. Harkening back to the early days of overly-friendly AOL web browsing, or more recently with the infamous MS Word Office Assistant (also known as the Paperclip or "Clippy" for short), Gateway comes loaded with tons of software designed to make things easy, but in reality makes things difficult for anybody who has even minor computing experience. Gateway remains a great choice for first time computer users, but anybody interested in the MD2614u should understand that with all its impressive features, it also has cumbersome initial software installs that will take a few hours to purge from the system. It's easy enough to disable or delete the many cutesy programs that come standard with this laptop, but it does take some time.

Operating System: The Operating System is Windows Vista Home Premium, which meets most users with mixed reviews. Definitely smoother looking, Vista is criticized as being less-smooth in its operations. Many users report bugs and glitches that Windows has yet to resolve. Yet, for all its negative press, Vista's plusses cancel out its negatives for basic computer usage. This is especially true when it comes to the Home Premium Edition, which features Windows Aero technology for amazing graphics, sleek transitions between frames, and easier interfacing. With few other options among newer computers, a computer with Home Premium is a good choice.

System Specifications: The laptop features an AMD Turion x2 for speedy browsing, and a hefty 250GB of hard drive space-some of this is initially chewed up by stock software, but there is plenty of space left over for music, documents, and games. In terms of games, the 3GB of RAM on the machine will allow for some lower-end gaming, but for intense 3D action a higher end laptop or desktop is ideal. Generally speaking, laptops are more conducive to word processing and other office related work, so this won't be an issue for the average user.

Aesthetic: The physical arrangement of the laptop is definitely a cut above older Gateways, which had done little to modernize their look. This newer model has clean lines and a modular look, for a contemporary look and feel.

Negative Points: Downsides come in the way of battery life, which is a bit on the low side, but is still Lithium Ion and therefore a bit above the Cell batteries of some other low-end laptops. The built-in speakers are not great, but they get the job done for casual listening.

Overall, these shortcomings are minor, leaving the Gateway MD2614u a relatively well-designed machine. It's great for first time users, and pretty decent for seasoned office-based use. As is expected with a laptop retailing just above the $500 mark, the features are not high end enough to support complicated videography or gaming-but most users will find the MD2614u suitable for daily needs.

Sources:
Gateway, MD2614u Laptop Product Details, Gateway.