- Lightweight
- Good 3D Graphic Processor
- High Speed Memory
- Questionable Recommended Practice
- Shipping Delays for Release
- Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73GHz) Processor
- 512MB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
- 80GB 5,400rpm ATA Hard Drive
- 8x DVD+/-RW Modular Burner
- 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) LCD Display
- ATI Mobility Radeon X600 Graphics With 128MB Memory
- v.90 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11g Wireless
- Four USB 2.0, FireWire, Type II PC Card Slot and 4-in-1 Card Reader
- 14.1" x 10.4" x 1.4" @ 5.9 lbs.
- Windows XP Home, MS Works 8, McAfee Internet Security Suite
11/16/05 – Gateway's NX550XL thin and light notebook is powered by an Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73GHz) processor that gives it a good balance of performance and battery life. Matched up to this is 512MB of PC2-4200 DDR memory. This memory has a higher bandwidth than traditional DDR that gives the system an edge in memory intensive applications.
Storage for the NX550XL is quite good. An 80GB hard drive that spins at 5400rpm provides a good mix of storage capacity and performance. A nice touch is the modular 8x DVD+/-RW burner. It lets to system read or record music, movie or data CDs and DVDs. If the user requires extra running time, the drive can also be removed and replaced by an optional battery pack.
The 15.4” wide screen LCD panel is becoming the standard for thin and light computers now. What is different with the NX550XL is the inclusion of the ATI Mobility Radeon X600 dedicated graphics processor. This allows the NX550XL to perform capable 3D graphics including PC gaming. While not top of the line, it certainly is nice to see the move away from integrated graphics.
Overall, the NX550XL is quite a good machine, but it is marred by the selling practices of Gateway. During the ordering process Gateway automatically selects the recommended options even though users may not need or want the extra cost. Also, at its released availability is limited although this will likely be overcome over time.
