The Gateway Convertible Doesn't Have Wheels - But It's Mobile and Takes You to New Places

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The fun, flexibility and freedom of a "convertible" on wheels has a new rival in Gateway's new CX200 convertible notebook PC, a unique all-in-one device that combines the power of a full-featured notebook PC with the innovation of pen input. The industry's first convertible notebook with a 14-inch widescreen display, the new Gateway(R) CX200 gives consumers more room to take handwritten notes, draw diagrams, edit documents and enjoy entertainment applications.

The new Gateway CX200 convertible notebook is easy to use in a number of environments where a keyboard and mouse are not practical -- such as taking notes in class or in a meeting, or while standing or moving around a school, home, yard or shopping trip. Consumers can use the notebook PC's Intel(R) Centrino(R) technology to enjoy wireless computing from hot spots now widely available at coffee houses, restaurants, hotels and college campuses to browse the web, check email, and share digital content such as music and photos.(1)

"Putting the 'top down' on this convertible gives consumers the means to use one single device for computing, productivity, learning and fun," said Chad McDonald, director of notebook product marketing, Gateway. "The unique yet easy-to-use design and software let customers do everything they usually do with a high-performance notebook and a whole lot more, such as sketch diagrams, handwrite notes and type text. Plus, they can even use study tools, get organized for school and have fun with art and games."

Design and Software Result in Convenience and Flexibility for Fun and Learning

Consumers and students can use the convertible PC as a full-featured notebook that's ready for digital entertainment. The stunning 14-inch widescreen display is ideal for viewing DVD movies or digital photography on the go. Plus, the CX200 is offered with optional dedicated ATI MOBILITY X600 SE graphics with 128MB HyperMemory(2) or integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 supporting up to 128MB of shared memory, so game playing is incredibly realistic. The CX200 comes with Microsoft's Experience Pack for Tablet PC, giving customers more fun applications to enjoy with the pen and display. The software pack includes features such as the Ink Desktop, which makes the display instantly ready to accept handwritten notes, Ink Art for creating digital works of art and Media Transfer to transfer digital media files from another PC to the CX200.

Students will enjoy using the Gateway CX200 for class projects and studies. The large 14-inch widescreen display provides 25 percent more pixels and extra work space. The display is also comfortable to use since it is flush with the surrounding frame and closely resembles the size of a legal pad of paper. The pen easily allows students to take notes in class, as well as add charts and online information to research papers. Microsoft's Education Pack for Tablet PC, which comes standard with the new convertible, features many applications such as Ink Flash Cards and Equation Writer to help students learn and keep their school projects organized.

In addition to student use, there are a wide range of home uses for the CX200. Remodeling projects can be sketched out on the digital display, while personal hand-written notes can be captured and added to email, digital photography and other documents. The snippet tool lets customers circle a portion of information found anywhere -- such as an online real estate listing or recipe -- and then be added to another document or sent by email. Plus, the system's new enhanced pen lets consumers do all this with uncompromising accuracy; the pen uses Continuous Sensing Technology(TM) to makes notes, sketches and diagrams more precise.

Further delivering an all-around environment for fun and productivity, the new Gateway CX200 comes with Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 operating system. Also, Gateway includes Microsoft Office OneNote 2003, an easy-to-use, all-in-one program that lets tablet PC users capture, share and organize information, audio and files. Usually a $99 retail value, Microsoft OneNote is provided at no charge on its CX200 convertible notebook.

Maximum Battery Life; Latest Technology for Configuration Flexibility

Consumers and students attending classes know that all-day battery life is important -- and the flexibility of the CX200 delivers just that. The Gateway CX200 can be configured for long battery life of up to 8.5 hours of usage time.(3) Or, when mobility matters most, customers can choose the lightweight 6-cell modular battery. Integrated 802.11g or 802.11a/b/g WiFi options further enhance the mobile computing experience.

The new convertible notebook is offered with a range of performance technology and premium features. The system features the latest Intel technology with PCI Express architecture and dual-channel DDR2 memory support. Additionally, customers can choose from several high-capacity SATA hard disk drives as well as an Intel Celeron M processor or an Intel Pentium M processor with Intel Centrino technology(1). The modular hot-swappable bay lets Gateway customers customize their system with several choices of optical drives or the modular battery.

Enhanced Design is Comfortable and Durable

Using the Gateway CX200 around school and home is comfortable and convenient; it features an enhanced design and an ergonomic battery hand grip that makes the unit easy to hold and transport. The system easily adjusts for right-hand or left-hand use and the onboard navigation buttons allow quick access of features while consumers are enjoying the display. Plus, the widescreen design has another benefit -- it makes room for a full-sized keyboard that is comfortable to type on.

Students often subject their notebooks to bumps during everyday campus life -- but the CX200 was designed to take the abuse. The durable system boasts a magnesium display enclosure and reinforced magnesium internal super-structure that protects the internal components. Plus, the second generation alloy swivel hinge is securely anchored in magnesium, while the dual magnetically activated display latches keep it locked in place.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability

The CX200 convertible notebook is available for pre-order now by calling 1-800-GATEWAY. It can be purchased in several ready-to-ship configurations or can be purchased configure to order so it is optimized for enhanced performance, value or extended battery life. An example of a well-configured system follows:

Gateway CX200X: * Operating system: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 * Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 740 (1.73 GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache) with Intel Centrino technology * Chipset: Intel(R) 915GM Chipset with DDR2 Support * Memory: 512MB DDR2 Dual Channel 533MHz SDRAM * Hard drive(4): 60GB SATA * Optical drive: DVD+/-R/RW * Media Reader: Integrated 7-in-1 * Video: Integrated Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 900 with up to 128MB shared memory Gateway CX200 Convertible Notebook Features End-to-End Security Solution

The Gateway CX200 is outfitted with a pro-active upgrade tool called BigFix(R) at no charge on the Gateway CX200 to direct customers.(6) BigFix identifies and sends messages offering updates and general PC maintenance, further keeping the PC up-to-date and free from Internet or cyber-based attacks. The new Gateway convertible also comes with Gateway Internet Security Shield, a combination of the latest security software that protects customers against viruses, spyware and other threats. It includes Norton Internet Security 2005 (Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, Firewall and Parental Control) and McAfee Anti-Spyware.

Service and Support Programs

The new convertible notebook PCs are supported by the company's standard limited warranty options.(5) Additional service and support options are available. Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. The company's extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.

About Gateway

Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning PCs and related products to consumers, businesses, government agencies and schools. After acquiring eMachines in early 2004, Gateway is now the third largest PC company in the U.S. and among the top ten worldwide. The company's value-based eMachines brand is sold exclusively by leading retailers worldwide, while the premium Gateway line is available at major retailers, over the web and phone, and through its direct and indirect sales force. See http://www.gateway.com/ for more information.

All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices exclude shipping and handling. Applicable taxes extra. Gateway Terms and Conditions of Sale apply. Intel, Pentium and Centrino are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

(1) Performance may vary. See http://www.intel.com/ for additional information. (2) The total of local and available shared system memory used by the GPU. Local on-board memory is 64MB VRAM. (3) Battery life varies depending upon use and configuration. (4) Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes. (5) Limited warranties and service agreements apply; visit gateway.com or call 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy. May not be available in all locations. Phone charges may apply for tech support. (6) Internet connection required.