Gateway M675 review and banchmarks - Page 7

I found it kind of odd that there wasn't a specific gateway section when I first checked this forum out myself. I believe gateway to be a reputable company, especially with laptops.

Anyway, I received my m675x a week or so ago. I didn't call and try getting any extra stuff, but after reading this thread I wish I would have. I just got the default config w/ the tragus case and 3 year warrenty. And as soon as I got it I put XP Pro on it. I'm really digging this machine. The build quality has definately gotten better since my 9500 solo - but I'll continue using that as my FreeBSD laptop. I think I'm going to go ahead and order 2 sticks of 512 and boost it up to 1gig of RAM. Otherwise I'm really happy with this machine, I think the 64mb ati radeon will suit me fine; after all, my desktop has a 32mb geforce 2 in it and I played quake 3 and mods on it just fine. haha This thing outta fly in games. Just thought I'd post and let everyone know there's another guy in the gang.

And just to verify: this http://www.computerbargaincity.com/o...B512%2DAP%2DNB would be the proper RAM to get? And this company is cool to buy from? Thanks.





J.

Nice pics, Chaotic! I'll defer to the others (who actually HAVE their machines!) as to whether you've got the right memory.

FYI - I emailed Adam about a Gateway (or Gateway/eMachines) section, and he seemed to agree. However, this is not their main priority at the moment, as the team is apparently heads-down on a PCTorque site redesign. I'm hopeful we'll see a Gateway section sometime soon, but it may depend on when they can get the site redesign going...

I am all for a Gateway secton, particularly since I am a recent Dell convert. I do find myself logging in every few days looking to see if anyone is talking up or down the M675. By the way, Computer Gaming World has the M675XL as the "Desktop Replacement" selection of the month. Man, this is a sweet system!

Congratulations on the new machine

That Apacer memory is the same as what I am using now. The picture on that web page is incorrect, but the specifications are right. I had to return the GEIL memory, there seems to be no hope using their current DDR400 (at CAS 3) memory in the M675. People that got lucky and got the CAS 2.5 GEIL memory before they changed specs/suppliers seem to be doing fine, though.

thanks. I think I'm going to have to load up a game and see what this thing can do

J.

Glad to see so many happy M675 owners, it reinforces my purchase decison (M675CS XP-Pro, 3.2ghz, 512 PC3200, 60gb, 17.1" WXGA, Wireless G, ATI9600 128mb ). What I've found missing on the online Gateway spec sheet is the HDD speed. Anybody know what speed the 60gb hard drive is (4200 or 5400)?

Mine came with a HTS548060M9AT00 from Hitachi. It is a 60GB, 5400 RPM drive.

I'm seriously considering purchasing a 675 within the next week. What I want to know is, would I lose any features by customizing the CS rather than say getting the X or XL models. I think u guys said you don't get built in 802.11 b/g with the CS? Thanks.

BucsJosh:

Based on my personal experience, I'm fairly confident that you will not lose the ability to order any features by going with the CS. Yes, you can get built-in wireless. However, the tradeoff is in cost (similar CS config costs more than XL for example) and in time. I ordered a CS on 1/19, and the machine has been delayed once already (current estimate is 2/10 for shipping). People who ordered their X's and XL's on similar dates have had their machines for over a week now...

So - I'd suggest you consider going with the CS if a) you're not desperate for an immediate arrival and b) if you've got specific needs that you can't get in the X or XL models. Some have also chosen to go with the standard models and then do the upgrades (memory, hard drive) themselves.

I guess it boils down to a matter of preference. Good luck with your shopping!

Stock machines like the M675X/M675XL typically arrive quicker (mine arrived 4 days after my order). But you get what they spec. You do pay a bit more when building a machine close to the XL's stock specs, but you do have the option of trading off say lower Video RAM for more main RAM, or get a smaller harddrive, if you plan on upgrading to say a 7200rpm drive down the road. The CS option makes configuration very flexible, but I must also say that Gateway doesn't promote this customizable option as obviously as HP, Dell or others. Most people wouldn't know that you could customize the M675 unless they venture into the CS config or read these forums..

It's also important to note though, that with the CS path you can spec a 4x DVD+/-RW drive --- The stock XL comes with a 2x DVD-R/RW.

-romo
M675XL | 17" | 3.2HT | 512MB/80GB-5400 | ATI 9600/128 | WiFi-G | DVD-RW
...there are 10 kinds of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't...

I got my one 400mhz 512MB chip from gateway on Friday. I negotiated this when I purchased my 675X. I exchanged the original memory. I downloaded a utility from Intel and it says my Bus is now running at 800mhz with a single chip. I already order the second chip so I should have 1.gig when all said and done. Oh the gateway chip that came was CAS 3 and I thin its a micron sorta like a cursive M with a tail.

Oh, the other thing is I been reading on intel's site about the extreme graphics. It appears as there is no video memory it just steals main system memory from the MB. This is probably why its an only $50 option. Is there realy an advantage to the 128MB over the 64MB. I think they just trick the properties tab to display a different amount. If someone wants to read up on how intel doest this and let us know.

Wogman75, the Intel Extremem graphics is a shared memory setup, however the M675 does not use the Intel graphics processor. Is uses the ATI Mobility 9600 which uses discrete memory. And there is most definitely a hardware difference between the 64mb version and the 128mb.

Anybody know if its possible to have Gateway upgrade the Video memory to 128MB on the X model? That model is exactly what i want, and at a perfect price for me, only thing is I really want 128mb of video memory. I could customize the CS, but the only downside to that is the ship time. Any ideas on what I should do? I'm thinkin I might just go with the XL. Do you guys think the 64mb memory is worth it, I do plan on playing games, so thats why I was concerned with the memory.

One of my coworkers tried to order a X with 128MB and was denied. I do not believe you can do it, they will likely steer you to the XL or the CS.

A 64MB ATI 9600 will perform very well, but I wanted the added texture memory of the 128MB version, and that is one reason why I looked at the M675 over some other competing laptops (like the smaller, but still very nice M505). Since it does not appear that the M675 can be upgraded at a later date, unless price is a serious concern, the 128MB would be the better option.

Well I ordered my 675XL today. The estimated arrival date is 2/18. I can't wait, this thing is gonna be awesome. lol, waiting is the worst part, I only ordered it about a couple hours ago, and I'm already wanting it here.

What made you go with the 675XL versus the HP ZD7000? I am also looking into buying the 675XL, did they give you any special deals.

The sales person at the store said it would be faster to order through them versus online- how did you order?

I chose the M675 over the ZD7000 for the following:

1. Slightly smaller/lighter than ZD7000, and IMHO better looking design. I looked at both in stores.
2. Two modular bays vs. ZD's fixed design: can add additional HD and/or swap CD/DVD device.
3. Gigabit Ethernet
4. Front Panel Media Controls
5. Wireless on/off
6. Scrolling thumbwheel with touchpad (and better touchpad BTW)
7. Available 4x +/- DVD/CD modular drive (via CS option)
8. 6-in-1 vs. 5-in-1 mem card reader (ZD lacks Compact Flash support)
9. Better designed cooling system, -- actually laptop usable! variable fan.
10. Great USB port layout

All for only $150 more than a comparably equipped ZD at the time... using all available discounts. I ordered online using their chat feature to get the 10% AAA discount, Free Shipping & No tax.

Cons:
1. No built-in infrared port or microphone
2. No serial or PS/2 ports
3. No internal Bluetooth option (USB only)

If the local Gateway store has what you want, consider that option since it looks like they're experiencing shipping delays on many products. Otherwise, ordering a stock config in-store or online may be a good option --- It took 4 days to get my stock M675XL online..

Good Luck!

-romo
M675XL | 17" | 3.2HT | 512MB/80GB-5400 | ATI 9600/128 | WiFi-G | DVD-RW
...there are 10 kinds of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't...

Amen to that! If you need a PC now, DEFINITELY check the stock at your local store and/or go for the standard X or XL versions. I ordered CS, and have been waiting since mid-January. It's a great machine though - just stop by your local Gateway store to check it out if you need a fix while you wait (that's what I do! ).

Coolwind,

I am considering the 675X, all because of price. The only problem I have is with the Video Ram - 64 vs. 128?

Do you know if there is a big difference, a noticable difference? Also, can you hook up an external mouse?

It all depends on your application. Games can definitely get the edge with more VRAM, as well as video applications and if you plan on driving two displays (i.e. an external monitor hooked to the VGA port for an extended desktop setup).

I am using Targus wireless mouse that I picked up at the Gateway store for $30. It works well as should any USB type mouse.

Have you played around with the configurator for the M675CS model? This helps in fitting an M675 to your budget. When customizing a CS config, I'd recommend spec'ing things that are difficult or impossible to upgrade later, like getting 128M of VRAM, and maybe skimping initially on RAM and Harddrive, particularly if you're trying to keep the cost down for the initial purchase. Keep in mind that you can easily upgrade RAM, harddrive, CD/DVD and even the processor as it becomes more feasible budget-wise...


-romo
M675XL | 17" | 3.2HT | 512MB/80GB-5400 | ATI 9600/128 | WiFi-G | DVD-RW
...there are 10 kinds of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't...