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- 17.3-inch widescreen display
- 500 GB hard drive
- Excellent value
- Includes an optical drive
- Heavy
- Flat keyboard
- Thin and stiff mouse button
Reviewers say that when it comes to cheap laptops, it's hard to beat the value of the Gateway NV7915u. Not only does it include a 17.3-inch display -- a rarity among sub-$800 notebooks -- but it also offers a 1,600-by-900-pixel display (most budget laptops have 1,366-by-768-pixel displays). Reviewers are also impressed by the other components, including an Intel Core i3 processor, 4 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive (you'll only get 320 GB or less on most cheap notebooks). Four USB ports and an integrated optical drive are also standard. Experts say the Gateway NV7915u laptop is an excellent value and a solid performer. It beats similar budget laptops from Asus, Toshiba and Dell in software tests, and the display is clear and bright. The speakers also offer above-average sound quality. There are a few downsides, most notably the 7.4-pound weight. A number of reviewers also complain that the keyboard is too flat and the thin mouse button is hard to press. If you want a laptop specifically for watching movies, the Gateway NV5933u includes a Blu-ray drive, but it has a smaller screen and hard drive.
The best professional reviews of the Gateway NV7915u come from Laptop Magazine, ComptuerShopper.com, CNET and PCMag.com. Each of these sources thoroughly tests and rates the laptop. The reviews from PCMag.com and Laptop Magazine are especially helpful because they compare the Gateway NV7915u to comparable notebooks when appropriate. PC World's review is also based on extensive testing, but the analysis is much shorter. We also found a significant number of user reviews at BestBuy.com.
| GATEWAY NV7915U LAPTOP LCD SCREEN 17.3" WXGA++ LED DIODE (SUBSTITUTE REPLACEMENT LCD SCREEN ONLY. NOT A LAPTOP ) | |
(9 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Michael Prospero at Laptop Magazine calls the Gateway NV7915u "the best-performing notebook of its size for the price." He also gives it the magazine's coveted Editors' Choice award. Performance is good in nearly all respects other than 3-D gaming, and the speakers are loud and crisp.
Review: Gateway NV7915u, Michael A. Prospero, Feb. 11, 2010
2. CNET
The Gateway NV7915u scores an Editors' Choice award from CNET. Reviewer Matthew Elliott says the Gateway laptop "serves up an impressive mix of features for the money." However, he would prefer to have separate mouse buttons instead of one large button.
Review: Gateway NV7915u, Matthew Elliott, March 22, 2010
ComputerShopper.com also gives an Editors' Choice award to the Gateway NV7915u. High points include excellent video playback, a speedy processor and a generous hard drive. However, reviewer Joel Durham, Jr. does complain that the keys feel "mushy."
Review: Gateway NV7915u, Joel Durham, Jr., February 2010
Cisco Cheng at PCMag.com gives the Gateway NV7915u a 4-star rating (out of 5). Although he has a few complaints about the keyboard, Cheng says the Gateway laptop is one of the best deals available.
Review: Gateway NV7915u, Cisco Cheng, March 24, 2010
PC World gives the Gateway NV7915u lower marks than most reviewers -- just 2.5 stars out of 5. While John Marrin likes the sleek design, large display and "awesome keyboard," he finds its performance slower than other desktop replacement notebooks.
Review: Gateway NV7915u: More Brawn than Brains, John Marrin, March 10, 2010
6. BestBuy.comDetails/Subscribe
More than 150 owners give the Gateway NV7915u above-average ratings at BestBuy.com. Even more impressive, 92 percent say that they would recommend the laptop to a friend. Most reviewers praise the value and overall performance, but the keyboard and touchpad attract some complaints.
Review: Gateway -- Laptop with Intel Core i3 Processor -- NightSky Black, Contributors to BestBuy.com
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