Gateway Reviewer's Comments
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We looked at the Gateway DX430X which comes in two versions; we rated the version that includes a 22–inch widescreen monitor. This system comes with a good processor but we were disappointed in that it did not come with an independent video card and the hard drive is only 160 GBs.
However, since this Gateway is so low priced you could easily upgrade it to a fast, competent multimedia PC and still pay less than you would for the computers that placed higher in this review.
Processor:
The Gateway DX430X comes with an Intel Core2 Duo E6300 processor, which is about the best most PC retailers offer.
Memory:
This system comes with an adequate 1 GB of RAM but falls short of the competition with only a 160 GB hard drive.
Video/Audio:
The DX430X does not come with a graphics processing unit, instead it includes an Intel GMA x3000 with the ability of up to 384 MB shared. It also has integrated audio. Many people may be satisfied with these components, but if you want to play games or a lot of video, you may want something better.
I/O Devices:
This version of the DX430X comes with a large 22–inch widescreen monitor, an optical mouse, and a multimedia keyboard. It also includes eight USB and two FireWire ports and a 15–in–one media card reader, so you can easily connect or download from all of your devices.
Multimedia Features:
This system runs Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes video, image and music editors and organizers. It also comes with a multimedia keyboard and speakers. For burning DVDs and CDs it comes with a downloadable version of Cyberlink Power2Go. It would be nice if it also had a TV/FM tuners and a remote control.
Price/Value:
This system is well priced at around $1100, as a matter of fact this is the lowest priced pc that places in the top five of this review.
Support/Warranty:
The DX430X comes with a one year parts and labor warranty. You can contact Gateway by telephone, email or chat. We used their chat service and found their customer service representatives to be helpful and courteous.
Summary:
Increase the RAM to 2GBs and the hard drive to 250GBs and add the 256 MB graphics card which brings the total to a competitive $1400.
©2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc.
