(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
 |
Rendering Multiple CPUs | |
Rendering Single CPU |
(1,024 x 768 (4x AA, 8x AF))
If we do consider the Gateway One as a digital entertainment hub, we find some things we like and others we don't. The TV tuner and the standard-definition DVD burner are both welcome, if somewhat expected features. An included Windows Media Center remote control is also no surprise, although of course, it too helps the Gateway One's usability (we also like that the IR receiver is built into the chassis). What Gateway lacks, however, is an integrated Webcam. Instead you get a detachable, hinged USB cam that pops into a mini USB port on the top of the Gateway One. Gateway says this gives you more adjustability. We say it's easier to lose, and the range of motion is barely noticeable.
Gateway also highlights NXT SoundVu technology built into the chin of the unit, that turn its flat surface into a pair of speakers with no visible vents. Unfortunately the concept sounds better than the actual audio quality, which comes out sounding tinny and underpowered. As for the screen itself, in addition to being smaller than the 20-inch iMac's display, it lacks the Apple screen's "pop." We were able to watch movies on it without major image-quality issues, which should satisfy most of you.
With no Windows-standard iLife competitor, Vista-based machines will also always end up inferior to Macs as far as bundled applications, at least barring vendor intervention. Gateway includes its BigFix support software, as well as Napster and a Cyberlink disk-burning utility, but nothing to compete with iLife's iPhoto, iMovie, or Garageband. We will give Gateway points for one of the cleaner desktop screens we've seen recently. You get the recycle bin, an easily-deleted AOL ad-icon, and that's it.
In addition to BigFix, the Gateway One gets the standard support coverage of Gateway's other PCs. You get a year of parts and labor protection, as well as 24/7 toll-free support. That blows Apple's 90 day phone coverage out of the water. Online you'll find the usual array of FAQs and system specific information, all of which we expect you'll find useful if you need to get help.
Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
Apple iMac
Apple OS X; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7700; 2GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro graphics chip; 320GB 7,200rpm hard drive;
Gateway One
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250; 3GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics chip; 500GB 7,200 rpm hard drive
HP Pavilion Elite m9040n
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600; 3GB 1,066MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS graphics card; two 320GB 7,200rpm Hitachi hard drives
Sony VAIO LT19U
Windows Vista Ultimate; 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500; 2GB DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 8400 GT graphics card; 500GB Seagate 7,200 rpm hard drive
