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Dig Deep in the Bargain Basement - Gateway MX6650 |
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I purchased a 2nd hand Gateway MX6650 six months ago for $99, when a local retailer apparently discovered it hidden behind PCs while taking inventory. It was the only laptop of its size in the store at the time, which is what initially drew me to this unit. Because I travel quite extensively, the dimensions and weight of a laptop are as important as the operating system, memory capacity, and processing speed. The unit has a 15-inch screen with high resolution and decent graphics quality. The keys are well spaced and of a comfortable size. |
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While many models boast of 17-inch screens or larger, this laptop provides exactly the working profile I prefer. I would have appreciated a few more inborn USB ports, having only four placed awkwardly on the right side of the unit and bracketing an Ethernet port, USB extension accessories register and load quickly if I'm using other USB accessories and my ISP air card. The motherboard has compatibility with both the XP and Vista operating systems as well as a recent upgrade to Windows 7. I would have preferred the OS changes would have wiped the registry along with the prior OS. The only drawback which comes to mind pertains to that Windows 7 upgrade from XP. The system no longer recognizes a touch pad as a mouse, and the sensitivity is too "touchy" for my tastes. I had to tape a soft cloth over the pad area to reduce the "oops...I didn't want that deleted/moved/changed/reconfigured..." effect. The buttons and pad work; the pad's simply too sensitive now. My video card seems to be old and can't be updated via a software download. Fortunately, I don't play a lot of computer games, so that drawback is minimal. System specifications include a Pentium II processor, 100 gigabytes of hard drive storage, 1024 MB of RAM which seems to be a 512 with a doubler. The screen refresh rate is great, and the screen's bright and clear. Contrast control and dimness settings are easily changed to environment or laptop use. Overall, I give the Gateway MX6650 5 stars for size, program compatibility and affordability. By Gary for Cheaperlaptop.com Wednesday, July 07, 2010 - Kubuntu Linux On My Tough Old Gateway MX6433 - Gateway NV5378U - Tech Novice Loves Her Red Gateway NV5469Zu - Site map - Privacy policy |