Gateway 7200XL

Pros: Components can be removed and replaced easily, fast media card copying, easy menu.

Cons: Cannot record programs as promised. Cheap keyboard and mouse. A speaker component that picks up randon AM signals. Lousy tech support.

Summary: Gateway promised I could throw away my VCR, the age of recording to DVD was here...they lied. And the third party software they said would record TV shows, Sonic Primetime, doesn't work on this computer. You would think the picture quality on a 17 inch monitor would be better, but it's not bad at 4X5. The remote control tends to forget to include the entire number when I want to switch channels, so I still keep the cable remote out. For a lower price, I expected some reduction in parts quality, but the keyboard and mouse stink. Besides sporting a subwoofer that is barely audible, the GMAX 2100 picks up randon AM radio signals so I can't mute the religious rants and uber the top politics. Everytime I've called teck suport they've promised to download a patch within 72 hours. I've never heard back. Compared to my last Gateway computer, the box is incredibly quiet, except for the hard drive crickets that start every time I lean on my desk. I'm still in shock over the complete lack of documentation. I at least thought they would go to the trouble of showing me how to hook up the media equipment. I guess I'm most frustrated with the way it was sold to me, and the level of support...nice guys, no help.