J . M A I L

First Impressions Review: Gateway EC Series ULV 11.6” Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500

I bought a new laptop! This is the first new one since the 7” eeepc, which was a waste of money, and the computer I first got when I came to Guelph for undergrad in 2001.

It’s a Gateway EC Series ULV 11.6” Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 (currently only selling at future shop, not yet for sale in the states, it actually only came out friday at my local future shop, which I happened to visit randomly with a friend last friday). Usually when I think gateway I think ewwww but this machine caught my attention. The high rez LED backlite 11.6” (1366x768) screen present a real usual resolution. The older 10.1 ” and smaller netbook don’t have a workable resolution in my opinion.

It’s based off the new low voltage intel chipset with a core solo processor. Almost every other 11.6” CULV computer coming out comes with an atom processor. I think the single core 2 solo offered here is a better choice as I am using this maching as a desktop replacement / all round machine. With 3 gigs of ram and a 250 gig hd I have enough of ram and hd space standard.

One nice feature of this 11.6” plateform is the full sized keyboard if offers. However, the biggest issue so far for me when it comes to this computer is the keyboard. Although it is apparently stiffer then the competing 11.6” model from Acer (acer owns both acer and gateway) the english/french keyboard means the enter key is taller and skinnier and the left shift and right : and right \ are positioned in a funny way. I expect in time I will get used to it.

Battery life with the 6 cell battery is about 5 + hours. The new culv system and the led backlite screen makes this model great for battery life.

The touch pad is ok thus far but I dont know if I will use the gesture feature.

The left click button is a bit annoying. You can’t really click the far left of the key to depress the button because of how the button mechanism works. You have to press more towards the middle of the left click button to make it work. Same with the right click but the right side of it is hard to click in it’s case. I think I will get used to this as well.

As for video performance.

The good: 720p works and plays back smoothly. HD flash youtube works smoothly.

The bad: 1080 p does not play back smoothly. (I don’t download 1080p content so I can live with this)

The black casing on this machine is a finger print magnet but looks very nice. I like that the gateway logo on the lid is small. I am considering covering it on the underside of the monitor.

BTW I am running this machine with Windows 7 RC. I have no idea about running it with xp, vista (which is ships with), or linux.

Price: $560 (taxes in)

First Impression Score: 9 / 10

UPDATE:

I just wanted to update to say the scroll pad click buttons problems I was finding are really a non-issue.

I also discovered with the right video player I am able to play 1080 p content smoothly.

I got used to the keyboard in a week and now the enter key and left shift key are no longer an issue for me.

I often find the speakers in this laptop to quiet even when the system volume is a max.

I am still find this computer quick even when working with photoshop, dream weaver, firefox, and office at the same time. Still really happy with the purchase.