Gateway M505 notebook

[Ioman]

http://news.designtechnica.com/article1820.html

The Gateway M505 builds on the groundbreaking Gateway M500 multimedia notebook with even more advanced digital media features at an affordable price that families, students and audio/video enthusiasts are certain to love.

Like its predecessor, the Gateway M505 boasts the best in digital media for gaming, movie and music playback. The notebook's high-fidelity sound system with built-in subwoofer delivers clear, clean sound and is perfect for enjoying music. Also, convenient one-touch audio/video keys let consumers play CDs and MP3 audio without powering on the PC. And even when the power if off, the dedicated LCD panel shows the Audio DJ control functions such as volume, song track and source select.

New features on the Gateway M505 include a high-resolution large 15.4-inch widescreen display and DVD burner option. The new larger screen displays games and DVD movies in brilliant clarity. Movies and games may be inserted into the convenient "slot-load" DVD-RW drive or CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, like those used in car audio systems. Also, ATI Radeon 9600 8X AGP graphics with 64MB of video memory further enhances the gaming experience.

Additionally, the Gateway M505 notebook now includes Intel Centrino technology for an all-around great mobile computing experience. Standard integrated 802.11b wireless connectivity and mobile-optimized Intel(R) Pentium-M(R) processors contribute to the system's performance while on the go.

[icelroca]

I am debating on whether or not to get this computer. I just got an IBM R40, but I have 30 days to take it back. It's a nice computer but only 32 mb video card. Does anyone have any suggestions about whether or not I should return my IBM R40 and get this one, or is there another computer alltogether that is better?

[Ioman]

Here is a review of the M500S which is basically the same model, albiet a little older: http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review103.html

I would check out the user reviews, perhaps they can help you.

[icelroca]

I am quite pleased with what I have found out about this system. The few flaws that were apparent on the m500 like its battery life seem to have most likely been fixed on the m505 series. I think that I will probably buy this laptop. The only things that concern me are the lack of an sxga or better screen, 4200 rpm hard drive, and well... that's all that I can think of at the moment. Is there more advice that you can give me? I can't remember if I told you that I have an IBM R40 that I can take back within 30 days. If not, then this is what I'm considering swapping it for. Also, if there are any similar computers that might be close to comparing with this new Gateway series then please tell me. Thank you.

[RockPoet]

Purchased my m505xl yesterday, after much comparison shopping. :

Bought by phone, from Gateway direct. Hope it comes soon.

Intended uses: Trading Stocks, Photoshop, Audio Recording, Digital Video

What I like: Comfortable to use (!), Nice Trackpad, Good Price, 9600 Video Card, 3 USB + 2 FireWire, Fast RAM, SD Card Reader, LCD media control screen.

What concerns me: Reports of trouble with hard drive, Floppy plastic lid (monitor can be twisted or impressed through lid), Low speaker volume, Earphone Plug in back of case.

I hope the m505xl users on this forum will keep checking in. A supportive user base can make a huge difference (in my experience). :

More to follow !!!

--- RockPoet

[Koz]

RockPoet, let us know how you like it!! I'm looking into the 505 right now, and would love some feedback.

[Kenster]

Hi! I just ordered my M505XL on Feb. 17, 2004 with an eSales Advisor. I should receive the M505XL on March 11, 2004. I have heard lots of good things about this computer. I bargain with the eSales Advisor and got it for $1699.99 ($100off)!!!!

The M505XL comes with a 60-GB Toshiba 5400-RPM Hard Drive.

RockPoet did you get your M505XL yet? If so, how was your experience with it? Did the delivery arrive in perfect condition? Also, did you get the correct Hard Drive because I have heard that many people got a different Brand-Name Hard Drive with a 5400RPM and some got 4200RPM. Oh Yeah! Any DEAD PIXELS?

[MrWhirly]

Would any of you 505xl owners be able to tell me what model dvd-rw drive they use in that notebook? Thanks

[rbinc426]

one thing no one is asking can i get ride of the wireless and get more power like "3.06 ht" i need that kind of power shooting photography at pictures coming in at 30mb each and keep in mind that I'm downloading them from a compact flash card with the pc1 adapter. does anyone know if i can get that computer without the centrino but with "MORE POWER". If anyone has any sugestion email me at rbinc426@hotmail.com. i need a computer b4 may. HELP

[artfuldodger73]

Hello everyone! I'm glad that I found this forum.

I've had my M505XL since December 2003 and am very pleased with it. Originally I bought the 450 notebook, but it just didn't have enough capacity for me. So after a day, I returned it to the Gateway Country store and got the 505.

First off, I have had no problems with my computer (knock on wood). I have the souped up version which has a 1.5Ghz Centrino chip, 60GB, XP Pro, and 512MB SDRAM (2x256 memory).

I have a doo-hickey that lets me hook it up to my DirecTV and watch TV on the 505 while I'm playing online. Its pretty good, though the image appears "soft" and muted.

For a notebook, the speakers sound really good. It has a pseudo-subwoofer speaker on the bottom of the unit. Most of the time I listen to music either through external speakers or headphones.

I like the one-touch buttons along the left and right side. The left side buttons are media control. There is a scrolling "thing" which I assume is for fast-fwd or rewind, but I've never had it work for me. No big whoop, but I'd like to know if it actually serves a purpose!

The wireless works extremely well in my 3 story townhome. I use a Microsoft router (802.11B), and used to use a Microsoft Wireless card. I get better reception with the internal wireless in the 505 than I did with the external wireless card.

I haven't had any problems with the slot-loading DVD-R. Its a cool, sexy thing to have.

Overall I am very satisfied with my 505. Here are some nit-picky things and wishlist:

1. the headphone jack is in the BACK of the unit! That was pretty dumb engineering. I didn't realize it until after the fact. I've had an HP, IBM Thinkpad, and a Compaq, and they have all had headphone jacks on the side of the unit.

2. Max harddisk space is 60GB. You can't get any higher than that. The comparable HP, Compaq, and Toshiba notebooks (15.4") can max out at 80GB. Wish Gateway would let it max to a higher capacity

3. Standard memory for 505 is 512MB. The others have the option of shipping with 1GB SDRAM. I wound up just upgrading my ram. Its not clear through the instructions/manuals if you can max it out at 2GB. I think you can, but I'm not sure.

4. The 505 feels a tad heavier than the HP, but that may be me. I carry this thing around everyday as my work/personal laptop.

5. Wish it had higher resolution, like 1680x1050 or 1920x1200

I am very happy with the 505 bc it does meet all of my needs. I think the deciding factor was that I qualified for Gateway credit But I have also had good experience with Gateway support and service.

I tend to go through laptops every 1.5-2 yrs. This should last me that long til the next best thing comes along.

I'd like to hear from other owners out there.