Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was only fair, well below that of many models but still good enough for routine tasks like email, word processing and web browsing. Compared to other tested laptops, its speed was adequate for common tasks such as web browsing, video conferencing, and application startup. Speed was adequate when composing documents, working on data spreadsheets, and other productivity tasks, and it was so slow that it was difficult to manipulate images, edit videos, and calculate simulations. Graphical tasks run slower among other models with only integrated graphics.
Battery Life and Weight: This laptop is a poor choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 8 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 6.5 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were sufficient to get through most of a workday of mixed use tasks, but not as notable as similar laptops. At 4 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category.
Ease of Use: The laptop features, such as its keyboard, touchpad, and labeling were well-designed, making it comfortable and convenient to use. The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its high contrast letters were easy to read. There's a dedicated number pad for faster data entry. The touchpad was among the largest of those tested, and provides ample space for different touch gestures. We found the chassis had more flex than other tested models.
Display: The display quality was good overall. Colors were not reproduced as accurately as on better displays. The display was anti-reflective, so there was little or no glare when viewing in a brightly lit room or outdoors. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its display produces a smaller array of colors than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: The spacious [1] plenty of room for storing your music, photos, and movies. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and full-size DisplayPort for connecting to a TV or monitor. Based on results of a CR member survey, Gateway laptops of a similar price to this model stood out as being meaningfully better than typical for experiencing certain problem areas such as battery life worsening over time.
Downsides: At about 6.8 ft length, the power cable is shorter than most others, so you'd need to be mindful of power outlet locations.
