14 DAY TRIAL // Gateway launched another model for the P Series, Gateway P-172X FX Edition, a notebook that comes in between the other two FX models already launched, both in what concerns price and performance features. The third 17" FX notebook has the $1,999 price tag, placing it about half way between the $1,599 Gateway P-171S FX Edition and the $2,699 Gateway P-171XL FX Edition notebooks. Also, a new 15" FX model from Gateway will be available for purchase via Best Buy stores.
Gateway's FX systems were launched earlier this year and are considered to be the premium brand of the company. The notebook series are intended for those enthusiasts that are willing to get a little more out of the wallet for a notebook that offers more that the average models do. The 172X model lines up on the high end with the other 17" FX notebooks from the Gateway P Series. It comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 CPU (2.40GHz, 800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache), Nvidia's 8800M GTS graphics chip, 2x2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM modules and two 160 GB 7200rpm hard drives in RAID 0 configuration. The display goes up to a 1920 x 1200 max resolution.
The notebook comes along with some other features, such as an integrated 1.3 Megapixel Web Cam, a Fingerprint Reader and the integrated Intel 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless Networking. Also, Bluetooth Wireless Technology, and the 5-in-1 Media Card Reader are included. The Media Card Reader can be used for memory cards form cameras or camcorders, and also enables users to plug in a Memory Stick, MemoryStick Pro, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital or xD-Picture Card. For the multimedia enthusiasts, there is an included HDMI port that allows easily connections to an external high-def TV or LCD.
FX version of the P-series notebook will be offered by Gateway for purchase in retail. Yet, the performance of the notebook is a little diminished, as the price also is. For $1349.99, users will be able to purchase a notebook that features only 3GB of DDR2 memory, an Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 CPU, as well as a 250 GB hard drive.
Also for retail, the 15.4" FX notebook will be offered, including a Core 2 Duo T5550 chip, the ATI Radeon HD 2600 graphic card, 3GB of memory and a 320GB HDD. The price tag for this model is $999.