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Gateway MD7801u

Discontinued

Reviewed June 2009
Gateway MD7801u

pros
  • Low cost
  • Lots of memory
  • Big hard drive
  • Good battery life
cons
  • Case attracts fingerprints
  • Heavy
  • Poor audio
  • Limited screen viewing angle

In terms of bang for the buck, experts and users say that the Gateway MD7801u is tough to beat. It features impressive components for its price, including an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4 GB of RAM and a big 500 GB hard drive -- one of the largest available in a laptop in this price range. With integrated graphics, game players will want to look elsewhere, but multimedia playback is fine, even if the built-in speakers lack some punch. For work purposes, all say that the MD7801u delivers the goods. The MD7801u comes in black, but the identical laptop is available in burgundy as the Gateway MD7818u (*Est. $600). If your budget is smaller, the HP G60-230US (*Est. $550) and the similar HP G60-235DX (*Est. $500) offer a little less horsepower under the hood, but deliver good performance, as long as expectations are reasonable. If the Gateway MD7801u's 7.7-pound weight is a little too much to lug around, the Gateway UC7807u (*Est. $700) is no ultraportable, but it's still a cheap, lightweight and reasonably capable traveling companion.

The Gateway MD7801u and the identical save for color MD7818u are extensively reviewed. In terms of completeness, it is hard to fault the report at NotebookReview.com. Though the site rarely makes explicit recommendations, it makes an exception in the case of the MD7818u. CNET also sings the praises of the MD7818u, naming it one of its favorite retail notebooks. The Gateway MD7801u receives good and worthwhile reviews at Laptop Magazine and ComputerShopper.com.

Our Sources

1. Notebook Review.com

This NotebookReview.com editor puts the Gateway MD7818u (identical to the MD7801u except for color) through its paces in this very detailed report. Performance and build quality are highly praised, leading to one of this site's rare Editor's Choice awards. A limited screen tilt angle and heavy weight are the only cited negatives.

Review: Gateway MD7818u Review, "Kevin", Feb. 27, 2009

2. CNET

CNET tests nearly 24 retail laptops and names the Gateway MD7818u (and MD7801u) as its favorite in the budget category. Weak speakers and a tendency to attract fingerprints don't offset the positives, which include good components, good design and good battery life.

Review: Gateway MD7818u, Joshua Goldman, Jan. 29, 2009

3. Computer Shopper

Though the reviews here aren't the meatiest around, they are testing-based and reasonably complete. The Gateway MD7801u scores well for delivering "solid performance and stylish lines at a price that's easy on your wallet." Poor screen viewing angle is the most notable flaw.

Review: Gateway MD7801u, John R. Delaney, Jan. 2009

4. Laptop Magazine

The Gateway MD7801u earns a spot on Laptop Magazine's list of 10 recommended budget laptops and a four-star rating. This review is lengthy and based on competent testing. The MD7801 is said to excel for its price, offering "more endurance, storage space and style than most budget notebooks."

Review: Gateway MD Series (MD7801u), Joanna Stern, Jan. 8, 2009

Cheap Laptops Runners Up:

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Toshiba A505 *Est. $630

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Gateway NV7802U *Est. $600

1 pick by top review sites.

     
   
 
 
 
     
   
 
 
 
     
 
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