TabletPCReview.com is reporting that Gateway is discontinuing their Tablet PC line, and they expect stock to be depleted of their line of Tablet PCs within the next couple of weeks. We are in the process of confirming this with our own Gateway contacts, but if it is true, it won't be entirely unexpected considering Acer's acquisition of Gateway. Several years ago, Acer discontinued their Tablet PC line, too.

Even though this news wouldn't be a surprise, it will be a big disappointment to see a major OEM leave the Tablet PC space, especially one that was successful in the low end space and was a continual presence in retail.

We'll report more as we learn more. Until then, treat this as an unconfirmed report.

UPDATE: I just spoke with Kelly Odle, who works with Gateway's Media Relations, and the original report from TabletPCReview.com was not entirely accurate. I'll give you the summary and then post Ms. Odle's quote. The C-120X ( 12" ) is being discontinued, while the E-155 (12") series has been sold off to MPCCorp.

However, Gateway is not discontinuing the 14" series ( C-140X) and there are no plans to do so. The 14" Tablet PCs have been selling quite well to consumers, and Gateway plans to continue that line and make them available directly and in the retail channel.

The C-120X, our 12-inch convertible line, is reaching its end of life soon, and we won’t be extending it. Now that the professional side of Gateway has been sold to MPC, we’re making sure that our products are very focused on the consumer. So we are keeping the C-140X line… and it will be sold at both direct and through retail.

They are both on our site right now -- http://www.gateway.com/systems/category/327680012.php?cmpid=CPHM_IMAGE_NOTEBOOKS_CATEGORY327680012

Also, all of the Gateway professional products – including the E-155C 12-inch convertible, are now sold through MPC Corp – here is the link:

http://pro.mpccorp.com/commercial/notebooks/e155c.html

Gateway and BestBuy must be listening to our Podcasts ( not really, but indulge us a little, ok ? ).

GBM reader J. Sundy was perusing his local BestBuy when he happened upon the Gateway C-5815 12" Tablet PC for $1399. He had to do a double-take because spotting a Tablet PC in a retail store is about as rare as, well, spotting a Tablet PC in a retail store.

Head over to BestBuy for more info and check out our InkShow on the Gateway 12" Tablet PC.

Somehow you just knew this story wasn’t over. Several weeks ago, Acer agreed to acquire Gateway to the tune of $710 million. Quite a few folks thought that was a low price. Now it seems that Gateway stockholders are also questioning the valuation and the acquisiton and two different lawsuits have been filed by stockholders, claiming that Gateway didn’t take stockholder interests into account when the price was agreed upon.

Via Daily Tech

Part of being in a community is getting together with readers, listeners, watchers and friends, so in a couple of weeks, we're doing just that - GottaBeMobile.com reader meetup.  In this Podcast, Warner, no, I mean Rob - well it really is Warner (you'll figure it out when you listen...) talk about the fun times in store for everybody in Colorado Springs at the meet-up.  Should be nice to see all the GBM Team members, well everybody that can make it but Hugo, since he'll still be on vacation - he's a little far anyway's...  Speaking of Hugo, he's been found and sent some answers to Rob, we discuss the Shift a little more during this Podcast, but the most important hardware related discussion on the show is about Acer buying out Gateway. 

Interesting stuff. Acer acquires Gateway for $710 Million. Interestingly enough Gateway also has a right of first refusal to purchase Packard Bell. So, Acer could in essence end up owning both Gateway and Packard Bell. Like others I wonder what this all means for mobile users. In looking at some of the information on the deal from Gateway’s site (here’s the link) this came up on one of the slides. Note the UMPC.

Engadget is reporting that Acer will acquire Gateway (assuming all the regulatory approvals go forward) with the deal set to close somewhere towards the end of this year. Acer is the number 3 PC maker globally and Gateway is number 3 in the US. This will be interesting to follow from a Tablet PC perspective given that we haven’t heard much from Acer there in quite some time.

Here’s a link to the press release.

I’ve been evaluating and trying out some new devices lately (and getting ready for a new round of evaluations soon.) So, I thought it would be a good time to do some follow up on the Gateway E295/C-140X Convertible Tablet PC. Follow the Read More link for the follow up.

Gateway’s newest Convertible Notebook (Tablet PC), the E295 or C-140X, adds some heft to the Tabletscape. In many ways the E295/C-140X appears to be a refresh of the M280/CX200 but there are some fundamental differences. First and foremost, the active digitizer is made by Wacom as Gateway appears to have gone away from the FinePoint technology of the earlier model. That’s a good thing. In my testing the Inking experience is quite good. Second, what’s under the hood has been upgraded. There are several Intel Core 2 Duo processor options available ranging from the T5250 at 1.50GHz up to the T7700 at 2.40GHz. Third, you can configure your graphics option to use Intel GMA x3100 Graphics or an ATI Mobility Radeon X2300 card for those who want dedicated graphics. Gateway offers a range of choices and we all know choice is a great thing when it comes to Tablet PCs, or Convertible Notebooks for that matter.

Those different model numbers refer to Gateway’s marketing approach. The E295 is aimed at the business customer and the C-140X is aimed at the consumer and student market. The review unit I’m testing is labeled as an E295 and comes with XP installed. On the product page for the C-140X, you can choose XP or Vista. Fundamentally the hardware is the same, although some of the configuration options are different depending on where you buy. Remember Gateway had a great presence in the Big Box retail outlets with the earlier models, which I am hoping they will do again with this model. Let me repeat that in case it was too subtle. I really hope Gateway gets these devices into big box retail outlets.

Gateway also offers several different battery options available a 6–cell, 8–cell, and a 12–cell. the 8–cell is what they list as the standard option. One thing you won’t find on the product page are battery life expectations for the various batteries. (You will see a projected 10 hour battery life using a combination of the 12–cell battery and a 6–cell modular battery.) The review unit I’m testing came with the 8–cell battery installed and on boot up listed 5.25 hours available. I obviously have not had the time to really test the batteries out and I’ve sworn off of the guessing game of projecting battery life as it just takes some time for things to really settle in and give you an accurate reading. I've also sworn off of benchmark testing on new units because in my opinion they don’t give you any real feel for how a device is going to work for you. That said, in running some very basic testing, this 1.8GHz unit running XP handled everything I threw at it very well and quite speedily. Boot up and return from sleep and hibernate were snappy.

As I say in the InkShow, I wouldn’t call this a mobile device. At least not the way I define them. In the standard configuration it will weigh in at 6.84lbs. With the 12–cell battery and the ATI graphics card it will boost up to 7.3lbs. This is really a desktop replacement Tablet PC, er… Convertible Notebook. With that in mind, I think Gateway has developed a very sturdy notebook that has Tablet PC functionality. The E295/C-140X offers a range of configuration options that provides the power and functionality that can handle most needs, outside of the mobility factor. Remember if you’re looking for a lighter widescreen option (and one that includes both touch and an active digitizer) Gateway offers the E155C/C-120X series. You can check out our InkShow on that model here.

In this InkShow I take a tour of the Convertible Notebook, showing that Gateway is continuing the less is more trend when it comes to buttons on the device. I also show a size comparison and a bit or two about the WXGA screen.

Several readers have asked some questions that I’ve put to the Gateway reps and I’m awaiting answers. When I get them, I’ll post them up. In the meantime, feel free to ask others if you have them.

For specs on the review unit I’m testing check this post.

UPDATE: For those who asked, the digitizer on this model comes with 256 pressure sensitivity levels.

Watch or download the High Res version  (22:38 minutes, 172mb, Windows Media streaming or direct download)

Enjoy!

All GottaBeMobile.com InkShows are sponsored by:

Well, I opened the box last night after rehearsal. (I hate it when real life intrudes on gadget glory.) And my first impression of Gateway’s new E295C/C-140 Tablet PC is that this is one big Tablet PC! If you are looking for a desktop replacement with Tablet PC features this might be your ticket, because it is a whopper. This is not a Tablet PC to tote around the corridors unless you are looking to build up some upper body strength. . That is not a criticism. It is merely to point those who are looking for a larger Tablet PC in the right direction and those looking for a more mobile solution to other choices. Remember, Gateway markets these as Convertible Notebooks. Follow the Read More link for some pictures comparing it to the ThinkPad X61 Tablet PC to get an idea of the impressive size and also for the specs on the machine I’ll be reviewing in an InkShow next week.

This just arrived. Wonder what’s in it? Not hard to tell who it is from. Won’t be able to find out until later tonight. Guesses?

Not really Tablet PC news here, but Gateway has been making some Tablet PC news lately. They’ve just released two new laptop lines (the M-Series and the T-Series) that are aiming at those that love their high definition and also a splash of color. You can have your choice of Blu-Ray or Optical drives (when will that silly standards issue ever get resolved). The M-Series also has an optional 1080p-capable display.

The other intriguing factor? Gateway is adding a splash of color to these new editions. Take your pick among slate grey, pacific blue, or crimson red. (Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.) Maybe we’re finally moving away from the very tired black, white, and sliver we’ve all become bored with accustomed to.

So, would having a color choice be something you’d look for in your next Tablet PC?

Gateway has officially unwrapped what we all got wind of last week: the E-295 / C-140 Tablet PC. This is a major update of their M280 Tablet PC with a lot of improvements to highlight: a Core 2 Duo processor, a much heralded switch to the Wacom digitizer, an option for a dedicated  ATI Radeon X2300 HD graphics card, and battery options to provide up to 10.5 hours of mobility life.

Like their other Tablet PCs, Gateway will offer separate SKUs for both the business and home user. The business class E-295C starts at $1549, and the home user version, C-140, starts at $949.  Both models are available for ordering now. Update: There is also a Small Business sku: the S-7235C, starting at $1049

Gateway will be sending us an E-295C soon, so stay tuned for an InkShow on this 14" bad boy.

The following is a quick run down on the specs. Click the Read More link below for the complete specs and every conceivable option you could think of, along with the text of their press release.

High Level Specs:

• Intel Core™ 2 Duo Processor
  • Integrated 2MB Level 2 Cache (T7100)
  • Integrated 4MB Level 2 Cache (T7300, T7500, T7700)
  • 800 MHz FSB
  • Supports VT, Intel64 bit support, and XD
  • Processor speeds: 1.8ghz, 2.0ghz, 2.2ghz, and 2.4ghz
• Display:
  • 14" WXGA, 1280 x 768 ( internal ), 2048 x 1536 ( external )
  • 200 nits
• Graphics:
  • Intel 965GM - or
  • ATI Radeo X2300 HD
• Memory
  • 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
  • Dual Channel
  • Two 200-pin SODIMM Sockets on Motherboard
  • Both End-User Accessible
  • Expandable to 4GB 667 MHz DDR2
• Battery:
  • Removable 8 and 12 cell batteries
  • Removable Modular 6 cell
• Modular Options:
  • CD-ROM (10x min / 24x max
  • DVD/CD-RW Combo (24x/24x/24x/8x)
  • DVD±R/±RW/CD-RW (8x Double Layer)
  • 2^nd Battery (6-cell Prismatic)
  • Weight Saver
• I/O Ports
  • 3 USB 2.0 Ports
  • VGA Port with locking screws
  • Type II PC Card Bus Slot
  • IEEE 1394 (4-pin)
  • 7-in-1 Digital Card Reader (xD, MMC, SD, MS, MSP, miniSD and RS-MMC)
  • Microphone Jack
  • Headphone Jack
  • R-J11
  • RJ-45
  • Power Input
  • Port Replicator Connector

It is interesting how we find out information about possible upcoming Tablet PCs. In the TabletPCReviewSpot forums a user there points to information that is being circluated for an educational program’s required Tablet PC program. This is the info that is distributed so students and faculty can make their purchases and in this case it contains info on the Gateway 295 series that has a 14”screen. Word is that these might be available in July.

Check out the links here and here. The latter link takes you to a word document with specs.

Hat tip to GBM tipster Michael Paul.

It looks like Lenovo is not the only one to experience shipping delay problems with their Tablet PCs.

Bpjen, a GBM Forum member and reader, has alerted us to a seven week shipping delay that he is experiencing with his Gateway S7125 Convertible Tablet PC order. Seven weeks seemed like an awful long time, so I followed up with our Gateway contact to learn more about this delay, and this is what they shared with us:

Thanks for your email and for alerting us to the comments. Right now, demand is exceeding our forecasts. We’re working diligently to meet demand for this incredibly popular notebook. I’ll give you an update if anything changes.

We'll update everyone as we learn more from Gateway and as they address these backlog issues. Meanwhile, head over to this forum topic to comment and hear from customers on the bad end of this delay.

Gateway is offering their CX210X Tablet PC for only $899.99 on their website now.  Not a bad deal if you are looking to get into the Tablet PC arena without having to shell out a lot of money.  Below are the specs of the base unit you will get for this price.  If you want the latest and greatest offering from Gateway, make sure and check out the video of the E155C Tablet PC that Warner put together.  Thanks for the tip on the CX210 Josh.

• Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2350 (1.86GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)
• Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium (32-bit)³
• 1024MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-512MB modules)
• 80GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive
• 14.0" WXGA TFT Active Matrix (1280 x 768 max. resolution) w/ Gateway Executive Stylus w/ Continuous Sensing Technology
• 24x/10x/24x CD-RW / 8x DVD Combo Drive
• Integrated Intel® 3945 802.11a/b/g wireless networking
• Chassis w/ Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950, 945GM Chipset
• 65 Watt AC Adapter
• Microsoft® Works 8.5⁴
• Cyberlink Power2Go (Download only)
• Primary 8-Cell Lithium Ion battery w/ 1 Yr. limited battery warranty¹
• One type II PC card slot
• (3) USB 2.0, VGA, IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
• 90-day America Online® Internet access
• Full-Size Keyboard and EZ Pad® Pointing Device
• 7-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick®, MemoryStick Pro®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, xD-Picture Card, Mini Secure Digital®, RS-Multimedia Card™)
• Integrated V.92 56K modem
• Integrated Intel® 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter
• Windows Vista™ Home Premium Backup Media (32-bit)³
• McAfee® 90-day Internet Security Suite Complimentary Subscription with VirusScan, Personal Firewall Plus, SpamKiller & Privacy Service v. 1.2 (for Windows Vista™)
• End User License Agreement for Non-Microsoft Software
• Adobe® Acrobat Reader® 7.0 and Google Toolbar
• 1 Year Value Plan (Tech Support - Parts - Factory Labor)¹

Gateway’s newest Convertible Tablet PC, the E155C, is one that I predict, if Gateway follows its previous marketing strategies for the M280/285, will become a very popular choice, especially among first time Tablet PC buyers. Aiming at the student and professional markets, this solidly designed Core 2 Duo Multi-Touch Tablet PC has a lot to offer.

I’m particularly impressed with the implementation of the Multi-Touch screen and very glad to see that Gateway has decided to once again embrace Wacom technology for the digitizer and the pen. It works as advertised and does so quite well. In my opinion the Inking experience is top notch. I’m also very impressed with the brightness of the backlit screen, (even though it causes some interesting lighting effects in the filming of the InkShow.) I did check out the screen in sunlight (although not shown in this InkShow) and it is indeed very readable in sunlight.

Billed as the Thin and Light Convertible Tablet PC, the E155C weighs in at 4.5lbs with the included 4–Cell battery, which in my book doesn’t make it the lightest Tablet PC on the market. That said, it is light enough to tote around in a back pack or briefcase without being too burdensome.

In this Hardware InkShow I take a walk-around tour of the Tablet PC and show you the widescreen and Multi-Touch features. Keep in mind the unit I am reviewing is a pre-production model so the software load and some features may be different from models that begin shipping. This review unit came with Vista Ultimate pre-loaded. Note also that Gateway is planning to release a consumer or home version of this convertible labeled the C-120X at a point in the future.

Here are some specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 Ultra Low Voltage Processor 1.06GHz (U7600 1.20GHz available after launch)
• Utilizes the Intel 945 chipset supporting PCI Express with a fast 667 MHz front side bus (system memory runs at 533MHz)
• Supports up to 667MHz DDR2 memory; expandable up to 4GB with two SO- DIMMS (system memory runs at 533MHz)
• SATA 5400RPM hard drive in 80GB or 120GB capacities; (Select models will include accelerometer technology that protects hard drives from damage due to drops; feature available by end of Q2)
• Integrated multi-format double-layer DVD-R/RW with DVD-RAM. (A CD-RW/DVD combo drive will be available after launch)
• Dimensions: 11.9” (W) x 9.9” (D) x  1.17” (H)
• Weight: Approximately 4.5 pounds with the 4-cell battery.  Weight will vary based on battery and configuration
• 12.1-inch WXGA widescreen TFT Active Matrix Display (1280x800 maximum resolution) with 200 nit luminescence and CCFL Backlight
• Anti-reflection polarizer for usability in sunlight
• For more specs check out this post.

Watch or download the High Res version  (29:46 minutes, 227mb, Windows Media streaming or direct download)

Check out more on the Gateway E155C Convertible Tablet PC

Enjoy!

All GottaBeMobile.com InkShows are sponsored by:

A while back we reported that there was a new Gateway computer in the works to be released sometime in March.  Well, today Engadget has a link to a site showing a new Gateway Tablet PC!!  It looks like a nice unit, from the pictures it's sporting some flavor of Vista (guess most will now huh).

If you're a  Gateway lover, this is good news for your arm - a smaller 12 inch screen offering!  There isn't much else in the way of specs right now except for the basics - but if you take a look at this PDF you can get a feel for what's going to be offered.

Note also - on page 48 of that PDF it says "Using the Touch Sensitive Screen".  It's a little confusing in the wording as to what kind of digitizer it's going to be, but it does have a touch screen.

It turns out that bad customer service actually has big ramifications.

According to an article in the Rogersvile Review, Rogersville City Schools (RCS) had signed a contract with with Gateway to provide every student from sixth to eighth grade with a Gateway Tablet PC. Under the terms of the warranty, Gateway was to handle repairs and maintenance by the next business day.

Brandy Shelton, RCS technology director, said that two tablet pcs distributed to faculty last September have not been returned or repaired yet, thus raising a major red flag for their students who are often much rougher on a computer than adults.

According to the board, having a delay in repairing a unit would cascade to academic problems for the students. Thus, the school board met last Tuesday and voted to return the not yet distributed tablet pcs and terminate their contract with Gateway. On Friday, the board voted to accept a bid from Technology Express to supply 267 Fujitsu LifeBook tablet pcs.

Wow! I applaud RCS for holding Gateway's feet to the fire. I hope other OEMs are watching this story and taking note.

Many of you have come to know GBM reader, Kevin Bals, through his insightful tips that he faithfully passes along to us.

This one is very interesting as it introduces a new 12.1" convertible into the market from Gateway. I'll let Kevin speak for himself:

I just got back from a 2 day technology conference for school administrators. I spoke to the Gateway rep and he told me in March Gateway will be releasing a 12.1 Tablet PC with built in optical drive, weighing around 4lbs. 

We'll see what more we can gather about this new tablet coming from Gateway. Known for their aggressive pricing, I'm sure Gateway will be moving alot of these. Hopefully, like their 14" convertible, we'll start seeing these showing up in the retail sector, too.

Okay, I picked up this in my email, and just had to pass it along.  Please note that we get nothing from a post like this other than hoping someone takes advantage of the deal!

For many years I have been saying that when Tablet PC's became comparably priced with regular notebooks, the adoption rate would climb.  I know -- it's not exactly rocket science.  When I saw this promo for a new Gateway CX210s Tablet PC for only $899, I realized that the time had come.  Now I know this is not the top of the line, screaming demon bursting with tons of memory computer we would all like to see for this same amount, but get over it and look at what you are getting!  Tablet PC's are still premium priced for premium models (but so are notebook computers), but this is a way to get into a Tablet PC without breaking the old bank account!  It also includes a Windows Vista upgrade, OneNote, and Microsoft Works.  Check out the specs:

Specifications:

• Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2050 (1.60 GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2)³
• Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition²
• Microsoft® Works 8.5
• $200 instant savings (reflected in price, limited time promotion)
• 512MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-256MB modules)
• 80GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive⁴
• 7-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, xD Picture Card, Mini Secure Digital™, RS-MultiMediaCard™)
• Modular 24x/10x/24x CDRW and 8x DVD-ROM combo drive
• Notebook Value Service Plan -- 1 year parts/labor/no on-site/1 year technical support⁵
• (1) Type II PC card slot
• (3) USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), VGA
• 14.0" WXGA TFT Active Matrix (1280 x 768 max. resolution) with rotating hinge for tablet functionality
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Full-size keyboard and EZ Pad® pointing device
• Gateway executive stylus pen w/ Continuous Sensing Technology™
• Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and microphone jacks
• Primary 8-cell lithium-ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty⁵
• Integrated V.92 56K modem
• Integrated Intel® 10/100/1000 Ethernet adapter
• Six months America Online® Internet access⁶
• Integrated Intel® 802.11a/b/g wireless networking card
• Adobe® Acrobat Reader® 7.0 and Google Toolbar
• Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet (SP2) Backup CD
• No Security Subscription Selected
• Answers by Gateway Per Incident support card
• Microsoft® One Note, Microsoft® Experience Pack and Microsoft® Education Pack

I have owned a Gateway M280 Tablet PC for a while now, and have to say the Vista experience is pretty darn good.  With this updated model, I would expect the same.  14 inch widescreen, 1280x768, DVD, etc. -- all for under $1,000.

If you've been on the fence on a tablet puchase and on a tight budget -- I say go for it!