Performance Notebook With Tablet Capabilities Priced Less Than $1,400; System is the First Convertible With 14-inch Widescreen Display in Retail; Gateway Extends Value by Adding Full Version of Microsoft OneNote 2003
IRVINE, Calif, Oct. 6, 2005 – Gateway today unveiled its new Gateway CX2600 Series Convertible Notebook, which unites the power and performance of a full-featured notebook PC with the convenience and flexibility of digital pen input and Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Operating System 2005.
The Gateway CX2600 Series Convertible Notebook is sure to get the attention of students, consumers and professionals alike. It is available now in several different models at leading retailers including Best Buy, Best Buy Canada and CompUSA.
The first convertible notebook available at retail with a 14-inch widescreen display, the new Gateway Convertible Notebook provides all the benefits of a full featured mobile PC including high performance capabilities, premium features and extended battery life. The system’s unique design enables it to be easily “converted” from a notebook into tablet mode; the display simply swivels and folds down upon the keyboard to allow users to take handwritten notes, draw diagrams and edit documents directly on the stunning display.
Gateway’s new CX2600 Series Convertible Notebook is affordably priced at less than $1,400.00 — a price that is making the technology much more appealing for a wider range of notebook customers.
“With the new Gateway CX2600 Series Convertible Notebook, our customers can do more in so many areas of computing; it gives them unprecedented advantages over traditional notebooks,” said Chad McDonald, director of notebook product marketing, Gateway. “The extra capabilities added by the innovative convertible design and easy-to-use suite of software let our customers capture handwritten information, sketch diagrams and conveniently access online information. Plus, it lets customers enjoy existing and new applications for work, school and play.”
Gateway further enhances the value of the new Gateway Convertible Notebook by including all the software that gives customers a great tablet experience right out of the box. In addition to Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Operating System 2005, Gateway also includes a full version of Microsoft OneNote 2003 on the convertible. Microsoft OneNote 2003 is an easy-to-use software program that provides handwriting recognition as well as the means to capture, share and organize written and recorded notes, information and files. When purchased separately, Microsoft OneNote 2003 has a suggested retail price of $99.
So Much To Do With The Gateway Convertible Notebook
The Gateway Convertible Notebook enhances and expands the mobile computing experience to help customers be more creative, get more done and have more fun. Following are just a few of the new and innovative ways that the convertible notebook can be used:
- Students can use the digital pen to easily take notes in class, search handwritten notes and even convert handwriting into text. They can also 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 with their studies and keep their school projects organized.
- Home users can use the Snipping Tool to circle a portion of content from anywhere, copy the exact image of what was circled and then simply paste it into another file — such as a document or email. For example, a customer can find an interesting article, news item or recipe online and simply circle it and email it to a friend or family member.
- Small business professionals such as insurance agents can capture digital signatures and information directly on forms.(1) Other professionals who are highly mobile such as real estate agents can handwrite notes while they move around their work environments.
- Gateway retail customers of all types will enjoy Microsoft’s Experience Pack for Tablet PC, which comes standard with the new notebook. The software pack includes useful applications such as the Ink Desktop, which makes the display instantly ready to accept handwritten notes. The program also features Ink Art for creating digital works of art and Media Transfer to send digital media files from another PC to the Gateway Convertible Notebook.
- Sales and marketing professionals, professors, instructors, and anyone who makes presentations can use the Gateway Convertible Notebook’s swiveling display to present to a small group, as well as use the pen and display to write directly on the screen to annotate the presentation, emphasize a point and capture feedback.
Advanced Design and Technology Result in the Ultimate Convertible Notebook
The Gateway Convertible Notebook was designed to provide the ultimate computing experience. The large 14-inch widescreen display provides 25 percent more pixels and extra work space over non-widescreen 14-inch displays. Plus, the larger display is ideal for enjoying DVD movies and viewing digital media. The display is comfortable to use since it is flush with the surrounding frame and closely resembles the size of a legal pad of paper. The Gateway Convertible Notebook features a new digital pen that uses Continuous Sensing Technology™ to make notes, sketches and diagrams more accurate.
Using the Gateway Convertible Notebook around work, school and home is comfortable and convenient; the system’s enhanced design and ergonomic battery hand grip make 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.
The Gateway Convertible Notebook boasts a magnesium display enclosure and reinforced magnesium internal super-structure that enhances durability for use in a range of environments. The notebook’s second generation alloy swivel hinge is securely anchored in magnesium, while the dual magnetically activated display latches keep the display locked in place.
Power and Performance Features Make It a Top-Notch Notebook
Unlike many convertible notebooks or tablet PCs that deliver compromised features, performance and usability, the Gateway Convertible Notebook was designed to be a full-featured notebook PC capable of taking on advanced computing, entertainment and gaming while also delivering a great pen experience.
Customers can use the notebook PC’s Intel Centrino technology and fast Intel Pentium M processor 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.(2) Plus, the new notebook delivers up to five hours of battery life with the standard 8-cell battery.(3) Connecting to consumer electronics, peripherals and the most popular media is a snap with the Gateway Convertible Notebook; it features a 5-in-1 digital media reader, one IEEE 1394 port and three USB 2.0 ports.
Gateway Convertible Notebook Features End-to-End Security Solution
Gateway customers who choose the Convertible Notebook will also receive a pro-active upgrade tool called BigFix at no charge on their new notebook.(4) 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 Notebook 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 a 90-day trial offer of Norton Internet Security 2005(5) (Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, Firewall and Parental Control) and a 30-day offer of McAfee Anti-Spyware.(6)
Service and Support Programs
The new convertible notebook PCs are supported by the company’s standard limited warranty options.(7) 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 (NYSE: GTW) 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 listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by retail location. Applicable taxes extra. 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: Electronic signatures may or may not be binding.
2: Performance may vary. See http://www.intel.com for additional information.
3: Battery life varies depending upon use and configuration.
4: Internet connection required.
5: 30 days of LiveUpdate feature included. Internet connection required.
6: 60 days of LiveUpdate feature included. Internet connection required.
7: 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.
