Gateway M505XL - Page 48

well it all works fine for me... All i have to do is switch screens, by right clicking on the ATI icon in the systray.

Wow. I didn't realize I've had my M505X for almost 3 years. And it was all because of reading this thread about 3 years ago. And yeah. I still have mine. Upgraded ot 1GB memory and 60GB 5400 RPM drive.
OK. So, I'm just contributing to say that I've installed Vista and it runs. For about a month, I was dual booting between XP and Vista RC2 Build 5744. Didn't test it as much because I still need to run XP for work purposes. (IT support)
Yesterday, I installed Vista RTM over RC2 Build 5744 and had no problems other than having use windows update to get latest drivers for wireless. What I found previously was that the wireless button didn't work, even when I've installed the latest Launch Manager from Gateway. I researched a bit and found a message about the latest Launch Manager was at Giga-Byte's site for the N601 laptop. Also, I've read that the setup needs to run as administrator and needs to be set at compatibility mode. And with that, the wireless gets activated with the wireless button. Woot!
Later, I'll do a wipe and do a clean Vista install. I still need the XP part. I have to do some support by logging in remotely at work through citrix. Yeah, the citrix client sorta works with IE7, with reduced security. Also, I use a bluetooth dongle to connect to my cellphone for emergancy internet access (remote support when no other wifi connection around). Yeah, the bluetooth part works with Vista also.
The DVD playing works, but haven't tested out CD burning. Also, will need to test battery usage.

anyone knows if i can upgrade my m505x to a 80GB or 100GB hard drive and 2GB memory? The technicians at gateway told me i could not...

okay, well, i bought a 120Gb off eBay and it all works great... Guess the technicians aren't worth a peanut....

I was lucky to find this forum in November 2003 and found info on the m505xl. I would not have heard of this notebook without the information from Bargainseeker and the other early posters. I purchased it from Gateway and I couldn't be happier with it. Unfortunately, I had a power supply problem that occurred 2 months ago that apparently damaged the ATI video card, so my display is snowy and wavy. Is it worth replacing the mother board? Gateway is insisting that I send the notebook to them for replacement. The minimum charge is $300. I'm in Hawaii and would rather have it repaired locally.

I'm going to assume that it'll make more sense to replace it. I'm looking at the NX570X because it comes w/ XP (configured at $1411 at Gateway), the NX860X because its 17" ($1200) and the Toshiba Qoismo F40/45 ($1400). I'm not going to list the specs here because I've posted them in the Toshiba forum. Any help would be appreciated.

@ Moanalua
. replacing the motherboard - if u want to use this opportunity to upgrade to something newer, yes. If not it is a small investment to keep a reliable machine. Ur gpu damage, have u confirmed this with an external monitor as well?

replacement suggestions:
http://www.notebookforums.com/showth...84#post2725684

cheers ...

sending in to Gateway is probably a good idea, unless u can get hold of a board somewhere and have it replaced locally. p.m. SpinItch for this subject, he is gateway/emachines hardware guru (in my book) - may be he has a better suggestion

cheers ...

I haven't hooked it up to an external. I'll try later today. Thanks for your comments here and in the Toshiba forum.

Hooked it up to my office monitor and same problem with the display. I'll likely replace it w/ the NX860 or wait and see if Gateway will be coming out with new models.

best of lucks in ur new laptop search, thx for getting back

cheers ...