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.
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