A Non-Professional Review Of The Gateway Laptop Solo 5300cs
Written: Apr 25 '01 (Updated Jun 12 '01)
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Pros: Great laptop, horrible customer service
Cons: None, yet
The Bottom Line: This is a great first laptop. Product is excellent, service is horrible. Remember, the most important part of a sale is after you have paid your money!
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| sweetsue_98's Full Review: Gateway Solo 5300cs |
Several weeks ago, our daughter who was going to be leaving home to work for NW Airlines, was commenting on how she wouldn’t have a computer. Since we have had one for quite awhile, having a computer is almost a necessity. We discussed it, and she decided that she was interested in getting a laptop. I knew very little about them, but we decided to go shopping at several of the stores.
One of the problems with buying a computer when you are recently out of college is the issue of money. Most places do not want to extend credit to young adults without a long work history. After a couple of rejections, we decided to give it one last try and call Gateway. We do not have a store where we live. She was approved, the interest rate was too high, but she could pay it off early with no penalty. When it got down to the specifics that she should have, I talked to the sales person, and I think she ended up with a nice package.
The Gateway Solo 5300 CS seemed like a good place to start. It came with an Intel Celeron 700 MHz processor, and 128 megs of RAM. That was the basic laptop with a 12.1” screen. There were additional items that could be upgraded such as moving to a Pentium III processor, more RAM, but we had to keep this in the budget, and still give her a decent product. She did upgrade to the DVD for an additional $100, and I encouraged her to purchase the extended warranty for three years for also $100. I am not a fan of these warranties, but since Gateway is everywhere, she would have the assurance that the computer would hopefully get prompt service. Gateway also provides lifetime tech support for the owner.
In addition to the basics, this laptop has a 6GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a Modular 10X min./24X max. CD-ROM drive, 56K Modem, and of course the mouse pad with the cow design was included. She also got an attachable USB mouse, and a decent laptop travel bag.
The computer came preloaded with Microsoft Works Suite 2001, a free year of AOL, lots of games, Windows ME ,and other software goodies. The free year of AOL was indeed free. That was worth over $240, and all it took was a quick phone call to set up her account. Since so many computers are sold with rebates if you sign up for internet service, I thought this was much nicer and more convenient.
So how does the computer operate? I had not used a laptop before, and the keyboard seemed difficult to use in the beginning, but after I got familiar with it, I was quite pleased. It came with everything needed, and there was nothing to do, but plug it in. Once the battery is completely charged, it can be used for two hours, and does have space to add an addition battery if you think you would need it. The floppy drive removes in order the insert the CD ROM/DVD. It was easy to switch the two out. There are ports in the back for a printer, and other items that you might be using.
Frankly, this was my first experience with a laptop, but it operates quickly, only weighs 5.5 pounds, and has a clear screen. It should fit her needs for sometime, and although upgradeable, it has everything that she needs, and it fit into her budget.
Eventually, I would like to get a laptop myself, and I would sure consider the Gateway product. The best part was that she ordered it on a Saturday, and it arrived on Tuesday. There are no complaints so far, and frankly, I do not expect any in the future.
P.S. Please remember, I am not a professional, and am only writing this review to share my personal experience with this laptop.
June 11,2001 Updated information about how Gateway didn't live up to their customer service can be found at
http://barneywin.epinions.com/content_1422106756
The laptop works great, but the company needs to work on
their non-existant customer service skills.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1600
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: 601-700
Screen Size: 12
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
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sweetsue_98
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