The new Gateway EC Series notebook PCs debut today in two of the most popular sizes for today’s busy computer users – 15.6-inch mainstream size for productivity maximizers and the 11.6-inch ultraportable size for road warriors – both delivering up to eight hours of battery life.
The new Gateway EC Series models will both be available this week in retail stores nationwide with the launch of Windows 7.
The new Gateway EC58, EC54 and EC14 notebook PC lines deliver all-day productivity, reliable wireless connectivity and 6-8 hours of battery life, so customers can get more done while away from their home or office. Plus, the Gateway EC models let customers go longer without having to recharge, reducing energy consumption and making them very environmentally friendly.
The upscale and distinctive design of the new Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines is the ideal complement to its advanced battery life and thin-and-lightweight form factor. Both models start at only 5.29 pounds and are merely an inch thin, so they can be comfortably transported by hand or in a briefcase or backpack. The sleek form factor still has room for a large 15.6-inch LED-backlit HD widescreen display that delivers video in stunning detail, for excellent mobile cinematic entertainment. Plus, the EC58 and EC54 notebook PCs come in a sophisticated and understated design featuring a brushed aluminium alloy chassis available in Arctic Silver and Pacific Blue.
Mobile enthusiasts who want to remain connected and productive on-the-go will find the Gateway EC14 ultraportable notebook the ideal choice for them. With its 11.6-inch HD LED-backlit display, notebook-standard Intel processors and a full-size keyboard, customers can use it to enjoy web browsing, video chats and running all their usual applications. Plus, it’s designed for mobility — its integrated 802.11b/g/Draft N Wifi, compact form factor and low weight of only 3.79 pounds make it ready to take on the road. Flashy and fun in an eye-catching glossy chassis, the Gateway EC14 series comes in Cherry Red and NightSky Black.
“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.”
Full Productivity and Entertainment in a Sleek, Lightweight Size
Elegantly crafted, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 Series notebooks are thin and light enough to take anywhere, and so stylish that customers will want to show them off. The slim one-inch profile simplifies mobility, since it’s easy to grip and handle on the go. The ultra-durable aluminium alloy design delivers excellent protection for the display, while the brushed silky smooth cover is upscale in its minimalist approach.
The high-capacity 6-cell Li-ion battery gives users up to eight hours of battery life for all-day productivity, fun and communications. Integrated 802.11b/g Draft-N wireless provides a reliable untethered connection to hotspots and wireless networks. Plus, the integrated webcam and digital microphone delivers smooth video and voice quality for real-time video streaming, online chatting, and video conferences. In addition, Gateway customers can enjoy even more uptime with the Gateway PowerSave one-touch key, which puts the notebook into energy conservation mode with a single touch. The Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines feature the Gateway MyBackup Manager for backing-up important files and information, as well as the PowerSave solution for maximizing battery life.
Designed to readily handle everyday computing tasks, the EC58 and EC54 notebooks use ultra-low voltage Intel Core 2 Duo and Pentium Dual-Core processors. The notebooks deliver excellent computing performance and generate low heat output, since they use Intel’s Laminar Wall Jet technology to cool internal components and the case. As a result, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 notebooks are incredibly comfortable in customers’ hands as well as on their laps.
On-the-go entertainment is dynamic and exciting with the large 15.6-inch LED-backlit display that features a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixel resolution. Images are incredibly clear and crisp, while the cinematic-quality video is realistic and smooth. Dolby Sound Room audio enhancement and two built-in speakers deliver crisp, natural surround sound to complement the stunning video.
Compact, Packed with Features
They eye-catching design of the Gateway EC14 Series lets everyone know it’s the ultimate notebook for on-the-go computing. Available with a 6-cell battery, the Gateway EC14 notebook line provides battery life of up to eight hours, so customers can use it nearly all day to stay in touch. This long battery life is the perfect complement to the ultraportable notebooks’ sleek size that measures only about an inch thick and weighs only 3.79 pounds.
Updating social networking sites and exploring web pages is easy with the EC14’s integrated Wifi 802.11b/g/Draft N. Plus, customers can capture video and photos and stay in touch via video chat with the integrated webcam and built-in digital microphone that provides excellent voice quality. Consumers will enjoy listening to audio with the Dolby Headphones and two built-in stereo speakers.
To ensure customers have all the horsepower they need to drive applications, the Gateway EC14 line is well-appointed with Intel Ultra Low Voltage Pentium Dual Core, Intel Celeron Dual Core and Celeron (single core) processors, a hard drive up to 500GB in capacity, a multi-in-1 media card reader and 4GB of memory that may be upgraded to 8GB.
The attention-grabbing design of the Gateway EC14 models is fun and youthful, while details such as rounded edges, engraved logo and silver trim make the design even more compelling. The textured palm rest provides a comfortable hand rest for consumers.
Gateway Extras Maximize Mobile Capabilities
The Gateway EC Series notebooks enhance productivity with a Multi-Gesture Touchpad that can be used with unique movements so customers can intuitively move through Internet sites and digital media. For example, customers can make an inward or outward pinching motion to naturally zoom in and out on photos. They can move two fingers horizontally to flip through photos and web pages. Also, customers can swirl their fingers in a circular motion to scroll through web pages, long lists of files and music playlists. The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.
Additionally, these new models come with Windows 7 Home Premium, which makes mobile computing more reliable and responsive, enhancing the user experience. In addition, the Gateway EC notebook lines are Energy Star qualified.
Configurations, Pricing and Availability
The new Gateway EC Series will be available beginning Oct. 22, each with Windows 7 Home Premium. Sample configurations and pricing are listed below.
Gateway EC1430u: MSRP $549.99
- Intel® Pentium Dual Core Processor SU4100 (1.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
- Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
- 11.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
- Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
- 4096MB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
- 320GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
- Integrated webcam
- Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
- Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
- Gigabit Ethernet LAN
- Three USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI port
- Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
- Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
- 3.08 lbs.
- 11.2” (W) x 0.87-1.18” to 1.18” (H) x 8.03” (D)
Gateway EC5409u: MSRP $649.99
- Intel Pentium® Dual-Core Processor SU4100 (1.30GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
- Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
- 15.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
- Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
- Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
- 4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
- 320GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
- 8x DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
- Integrated HD webcam
- Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
- 2nd Generation Dolby Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
- Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
- Gigabit Ethernet LAN
- Three USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI port
- Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
- Dedicated numeric keypad
- Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
- Gateway MyBackup Button
- 5.29 lbs.
- 14.85” (W) x 1.01-1.08” (H) x 10.0” (D)
Source: Press Relase