Gateway M675 review and banchmarks - Page 4

Umm yes, the cards used in the M675's are M10-P's

I wouldn't buy any computer, laptop or desktop in the hopes of running Doom3, lol.

I have a feeling that game will make even the top of the line desktop vid cards struggle

But as far as game performance on the M675, it's been great for me. I play FFXI in 1440x900 all settings on high and I have great FPS. Only time it slows down is in Jeuno when you goto the auction house with 200 other players standing around. lol, but that would kill any card.

My desktop system has a GeForce 4600ti . And although my desktop gets higher scores on a couple benchmarks, my M675 with the 3.0 processor and 1g 400MHZ RAM blows the desktop away in REAL game FPS/Performance.

Only proving my theory that those stupid benchmarks like 3DMark are worthless.

Good Thing

Good thing it comes w/ a PRO. Not anyway does it state that on there site that I saw and someone actually told me it was not a PRO.

System Name: Gateway M675Eb
System Details:
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
Application Software: Microsoft® Works 7.0
LANDesk Software: Intel® LANDesk Client Manager Software v6.3
AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus Software 90 day Introductory Offer
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz with Hyper-Threading Technology
Memory: 512MB 400MHz DDR SDRAM (1-512MB module)
Hard Drive: 60GB ultra ATA hard drive ........[ +US$140.00]HDW
Floppy Drive: Modular 6-in-1 memory card reader
Optical Drive: Modular 4x DVD±RW/±R/CD-RW Recorder Extended Service Plans: Total Protection Plan-3Yr Parts/Labor/Onsite/Lifetime Technical Support w/ 3 Yr ADP
Expansion Slots: One Type II PC Card Slot
External Ports: (4) USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), VGA, Parallel, TV Out, S-Video
Screen: 17.1" WXGA TFT Active Matrix
Video: ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 8x AGP w/ 128MB DDR video memory
Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Sized Keyboard and EZ Pad® Pointing Device and Integrated 10-Key Pad
Multimedia Package: Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, line-in and mic jacks
Speakers: External speakers not selected
Battery: High-capacity lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty
Modem: Integrated V.92 56K modem
Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Internet Service Provider: Six months America Online® Internet access
Wireless Networking Adapter: Integrated 802.11g wireless networking card
Carrying Case: Targus BlackTop Deluxe Carrying Case


Cant wait: It will take an additional 2 weeks because of the ordered PC3200 for EDA

Umm, you might want to call and change your order if you can. You ordered a single 512MB RAM chip? Why? You're system wont use dual-channel mode then.. you're basicaly cutting your memory bandwidth in half.

I'd change it to 2x 256MB if you want to stick with only 512MB memory, or move up to 1 gig. 2x512MB

I did that intentionally. Upon reciept I will install an additional 512. Gateway wanted 250 for an additional 512 stick. I thought that was a rip when I could get it for half that price.

Where did you get your Apacer mem @?

I found the apacer memory for $95.90. it is Apacer 512MB Notebook DDR400 PC 3200 Major Brand SODIMM. Is that the one I want if I just baught the m675cs? I opted to install the memory myself because gatewa charged so much for it.


http://www.computerbargaincity.com/o...B512%2DAP%2DNB

M675 Options

Great post, considering getting the M675 myself although I still have a couple questions about configuration. After configuring the comp at the Gateway site, I was curious if there wsa an option for Bluetooth or would a third party card be my only option. Also, what do you all think about another comp with Micorosoft's Media Center integrated? Eg, HP's 7000 series as well as Toshiba's option. I have noticed that HP (CES 2004) is going to include an option for Intel Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology Extreme Edition with its 7000 series. I'm curious if this should be worth waiting for as its soon to be released. Either way, I like the design of the M675 and the large screen format other than I wish the resolution was a bit better, any ideas if a 17" WUXGA lcd is on the way? Also, the HD configurations seem a bit slow with today's 60 Gig 7200 RPM drives. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Finally ordered- second thoughts

I finally ordered my 675xl. After weeks of deliberation and research I finally caved. The final straw was that I had saved a configuration when they were giving away the 5 megapixel camera and $100. off. I also got the free shipping with their newest rotational offer. I hope I made the right choice.

Spavo, I, too, mainly considered the HP zd7000 series and the Toshiba S-609. For no specific reason, I couldn't bring myself to purchase an HP. I convinced myself that it was because of their +r format on the dvd burner, but it's more of a mindset. As to the Toshiba, I really couldn't find that much feedback and/or reviews of the 609. I didn't like the keyboard and the lesser video card. And although I am intrigued by the MCE format, it wasn't enough to push me over the edge.

But now, Gateway makes me wait for my machine with a tentative ship date of the 19th (ordered a week ago...waiting on parts and they won't tell me what). So...The Toshiba gets more attractive as I could run down and pick it up at Circuit City.

Anyone have any new problems or anything to report on how their machines are holding up? Anyone have a strong argument for whether I should jump ship before it's too late?

Thanks.

My M675XL is holding up very well

It has had daily heavy use since I bought it, and so far there are no signs of wear. The fans are still extremely quiet. No dead pixels on the screen, and it is evenly lit.

It is a large machine and will not fit everyone's needs, but I have not regretted selling my main desktop machine and using the M675XL in its place at home and at work. I have had a net gain of desk space and computing utility.

The keyboard is the best I have used on a laptop. It is relatively quiet, has good feedback, and the numeric keypad is very helpful at work and at home (where I map some of the keys for games, hehe)

If I had to air travel a lot, I would have chosen something smaller. Any of the current 17" notebooks are cumbersome to handle in coach class. In its Targus bag, it barely fits under the seat in front of me. Getting it out from under that seat is best done by getting out of the seat first. Since I do not air travel very often, I prefer the larger screen, keyboard, and physical layout of the machine. Heavy travelers, though, will have to adopt a routine to handle the large footprint of the machine while it is in storage and in use.

Exactly what I needed to hear!

I just received my 675X with 3ghz and 64mg Radeon 9600, I upgraded from the Hp ZD7058cl, Gateway is a better machine, alot faster and the keyboard is soooo much better

Another Gateway m675XL user here. Just thought I would post my experiences for those interested.

System:
17" screen
512 MB Ram (Gateway standard)
3.2 GHz Pentium
Dual 60 GB HDD (Hitachi and Toshiba)
Mobile Radeon 9600 128 MB
Toshiba DVD-R/CD-RW combo drive
Spare battery

I'm carrying it around in a Targus Blacktop case, works well so far.

The laptop shipped without the second HDD, had to wait 6 weeks for it. (I want to install Linux on it but I'm clueless... any pointers?)

The touchpad works well, I had to bump down the sensitivity a bit to prevent accidential clicks. Also, the virtual scrolling goes away sometimes until you open the properties window and click OK. The integrated wheel is way too poky. I had it set to page down for each click of the wheel, which was fantastic, but then the virtual scrolling on the side of the pad did the same thing.

Keyboard is NICE, but look out for the Fn key where the Ctrl Key should be. I also find myself nudging the caps lock from time to time.

I've been unplugging it from work, taking it home on the bus, using it at home, taking it back to work for ~two months now. It is a dream. Stable, fast, quiet. The back fan picked up a whir for a day or two but it is gone now. Wireless works perfectly at work and home.

This is my first lappie, but she's a beauty.

Bag advice

I didn't order the bag with the laptop. Is anybody using anything other than the Targus? Does it fit with no problems?

As a satisfied owner of a 3yr-old Sager 8500 series laptop, It was time for me to to upgrade to a new powerhouse. Initially my choices were another Sager, A Dell i8600, HP ZD7000 and Gateway M675. I originally wrote off the 675 due to the price when I first started looking in December. On 1/5 the ZD7000 won out for value/features and I ordered:

P4 3.06HT, 512MB, Wireless G, 80GB HD, MCE 2004 from HPShopping.com for a very reasonable
NOTE: I tried to change my order after submitting it since I decided to max out to the 3.2 CPU, but all the phone reps I talked to said it wasn't possible --- so that was an initial annoyance. I figured I'd get the machine, try it out and see if the CPU speed was sufficient and exchange later if necessary.

Anyway, after "discovering" the M675XL from some other forum sites, reviews, etc. and after walking into a local Gateway store for some hands-on, I ended up placing an order for an M675XL, even after getting an email today that my ZD7000 order had just shipped!

Here's what convinced me:

- 3.2GHz HT CPU w/800MHz FSB
- same 17" OEM LCD as ZD7000
- Windows XP Pro
- 512MB of 333MHz PC2700 RAM (ugradeable to 400MHz PC3200)
- ATI Radeon Mobility 9600 with 128MB (generally rated better than the Nvidia in ZD7000)
- 80GB HDD @ 5400rpm
- 4x DVD+/-RW option -- I got the DVD-RW drive due to price. But the fact that the drive is in a MODULAR bay is very nice for future-proofing my investment
- 6in1 card reader vs. 5-in-1 on HP in another removable expansion bay (can swap out with floppy or another HD!)
- Free 2Mpixel camera ($129 value) can be used as still & webcam (ala Sager 4780/90 style, but with better still quality).. NOTE: this was something I had to negotiate for; I tried to get the deal for free 5mp camera that had expired 12/31, but the rep was cool enough to compromise with the 2mp. Still a bonus! <<Special Thanks to Mosely23!!>>
- Wireless-A/B/G option -- I got Wireless B/G
- 10/100/1000, yes GIGABIT ethernet so I can connect via GBit to my company's Mac G4/G5's. Wireless On/Off switch
- Smooth operating touch pad & nice scroll wheel.
- 4-USB (2 on each side & 2 at rear)
- Parallel port (important for me due to some parallel port dongles on some CAD & 3D software I use)
- front panel controls (available while closed) for CD/DVD functions (skip, volume, etc.)
- very well engineered cooling system: ventilation grille on bottom and exhaust out back. The store demo didn't show any signs of unreasonable heating, and it's on all day.
- slightly smaller power brick than HP and power plug placement is at rear center, instead of side as it is on HP (a minor annoyance I know, but nice detail)
- Great sounding speakers, nice bass response & volume.
- IMHO better aesthetics, sleeker, more professional design.
- Thinner & Actually & lighter, by almost a pound!

Plus I felt that the ability to walk into my local Gateway store for issues wasn't bad. And the experience I had on the phone with the Gateway.com sales rep was very good.

ALL OF THE ABOVE ended up costing only $200 more than I paid for the ZD7000:

$2339 for M675XL vs. $2134 for ZD7000

(I got a 10% discount of the standard $2599 price with my AAA membership)

But considering the free camera, my net cost on the computer was $2210!

I ended up getting the 1yr Accidental damage protection too (for $119) as insurance for the massive screen and my occasional klutziness.

I did give up XP Media Center, but Gateway offers a Pinnacle solution for TV Tuner/FM Radio that is very similar (also plugs into USB) for $199

The only downside is that my projected ship date is 1/27

Here's a great link that also helped in my decision:

http://homepage.mac.com/techedgeezine/120403_gateway-$2134, NO FL TAX, FREE SHIPPING.m675_review1.htm

Shocking Quick Turnaround!

Woohoo! Just received confirmation that my M675 will be arriving tomorrow. Imagine That! I ordered on Sunday 1/11 and it'll be here on tomorrow, Wednesday 1/14.

I guess because it's a stock model they had some in a warehouse somewhere and didn't have to build it. The UPS tracking showed it originated from Tennessee.

Ironically, it looks like I'll be getting the M675 before the shipment for my ZD7000 arrives (it shipped from Shanghai Yesterday). I was thinking of keeping the ZD7000 for a few days to compare with the M675, but not sure I want spend the money and hassle on shipping and getting an RMA. Plus the ZD7000 I ordered was only a 3.06GHz, while the M675 will be the 3.20 GHz model....

Anyone want a ZD7000 3.06HT, 512MB (2 SIMM), Wireless G, 80GB, Windows MCE 2004, DVD+RW, 128MB Nvidia ???? (Thinking maybe $2200 + shipping)

Check my previous posts regarding my switchover from a ZD7000. I ordered an MCE 2004 config from HPshopping.com after having demo'd it a Circuit City a few times. But ordered an M675 before the ZD order was shipped.

Since the tuner on the ZD is USB based (i.e. External) I figured that I could always get one of the alternate products out there such as:

http://pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage_n...08&Langue_ID=7
(which is offered by Gateway)

From the ZD7000 forum, I learned that the unit with bundled with the HP is OEM'd from:

http://www.emuzed.com/products_pvr.html

Don't know if Microsoft will be releasing an installable MCE 2004 for the Gateway or any other computers though.... Anyway I have an ATI Radeon All in wonder card on my desktop @ home though so I guess I don't need it on the notebook!

Hey Romo...how much is it join AAA? May be worth it to get 10% off! Man, I am having a tough time making my decision vs the HP. For me, the HP comparably equipped comes in about $600 less. Chack out the HP quote:

Processor Pentium(R) 4 3.2GHZ w/HT
Operating System Microsoft(R)Windows(R) XP Pro
Memory 512MB DDR SDRAM(2X256MB) edit
Hard Drive 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive edit
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works/Money
Primary CD/DVD Drive DVD/CDRW Combo Drive
Communication 54g Wireless LAN
Display 17" WVA WXGA+ (1440x900)
Graphics Card 128MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) FX Go5600
Warranty Upgrades 2-year express repair warranty upgrade
Primary Battery 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

$1,923 after rebate and 10% off

A M675 configured similarly runs $2,568.97 + tax (there is a Gateway store here) which comes to a total of $2,684.57...that equals a difference of 760+ dollars!!!!! I's hard for me to make that move whenyou are talking about almost a thousand dollar difference. I want the GAteway. I REALLY want the Gateway....but the numbers just don't seem to work for me. Tell me...am I missing anything in this? BTW...you got an AWESOME deal!

It costs $60/yr to sign up for a basic AAA account. I noticed that you can also cancel your account after 30 days if you don't really need it.

Interestingly enough, I just mentioned I was an AAA member; the rep didn't ask for my actual account # though. Not sure if that was an oversight or what.

Basically, the deal I got was by picking the stock M675XL system (@$2599) - the 10% = $2340. I noticed that the CS, custom configured approach usually ends up costing more, unless you really scrimp on the specs.

Arriving Today!

Thanks to Romo, I am getting 10% credited back to me on my order (in addition to the $100 off, 5 megapixel camera and free shipping). I didn't know about the 10% off for AAA!

Considering that my car needed to be towed about 100 miles earlier in the week, AAA has saved me at least $600. this week. Not bad.

And the upshot of all of it- after speaking to my rep. he was able to tell me that the system already shipped. I checked the tracking number and it's on the truck for delivery today. (This after customer service and the web site continued to tell me everything was backordered.)

What a whirlwind. I hope the truck doesn't break down in the cold.

Norin,

I am currently running Mandrake Linux 9.2 on it (dual boot with Windows XP, and also under VMware Workstation 4) and have not had any difficulties. The screen came up to 1440x900 by default in XFree86 with KDE running. Mandrake recognizes the firewire and USB ports along with the media reader (using SCSI emulation). I have not put a card into the media reader yet :-)

One of my colleagues booted up Mandrake Move (a self-booting CD-ROM distribution of Linux similar to Knoppix) on his M675 and it also recognized all the essential hardware, set the display mode properly, etc.

I have not tried any other Linux distributions yet, but I would expect no problems as long as an up to date kernel and XFree86 installation are provided.