14 DAY TRIAL // Acer subsidiary Gateway has recently announced the introduction of three new portable computer systems, aimed at two different types of consumers. Boasting displays of 15.6 inches and 11.6 inches, the new Gateway portable PCs have been designed to offer users a choice for a Windows 7-powered system that can provide the necessary performance for running the latest productivity applications, with the 15.6-inch models, while road warriors get a choice for an 11.6-inch ultraportable PC that comes at an affordable price tag and is built on Intel's CULV platform.
“The new Gateway EC Series product lines were designed for the many PC users that have embraced the fun and productivity of being able to compute and stay in touch while away from their home or office,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “We’re delivering exactly what they need – incredibly long and reliable battery life, vibrant widescreen displays, and wireless connectivity – all in uniquely stylish thin and lightweight designs.”
With the launch of the new EC series, Gateway has expanded its product portfolio with three new models, namely the EC58, EC54 and EC14. Kicking off with the EC14 model, users will be faced with a Pentium Dual Core SU4100-powered computer system, boasting an 11.6-inch LED backlit LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio) and running a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system. The system also sports up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, a 320GB hard drive, wireless Intel 802.11 b/g/Draft-N and Gigabit Ethernet LAN connectivity, integrated webcam, three USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, multi-gesture touchpad and keypad lock, as well as a 6-cell battery.
The EC5409u, also adopts the same Intel GS45 Express chipset and is powered by the aforementioned processor, but comes with 4GB of Dual-channel DDR3 memory, upgradable to 8GB, 320GB hard drive, 8x SuperMulti DVD optical drive, wireless and wired network support, integrated HD webcam, three USB 2.0 ports, HMDI, dedicated numeric keypad and 6-cell battery pack that should provide up to 8 hours of battery life, according to the PC vendor.
The new EC series of laptops should become available come October 22nd, with prices starting at US$549.99, for the 11.6-inch EC14 model.