When I first started writing about tech in the late 1990s, Gateway 2000 was one of the computer companies trying to do things differently, with their bovine design that filled the pages of computer magazines (aka dead tree with ink on it). “No matter how closely you look, the quality shines through” is one of the slogans.
Fast forward to 2023, and Gateway 2000 is now an Acer brand exclusive to Walmart, the world’s largest supermarket chain.
Gateway is probably one of the most underrated computer brands out there, and that GWCC71416-BK, a slim 2-in-1 convertible laptop that sells for $499 (down from $699) (opens in new tab)is perhaps the best example of the kind of amazing value products that Walmart can get from its suppliers.
Gateway 14.1-inch 2-in-1 Elite: A Quick Look
Three things set this laptop apart for a freelancer: a Core i7 CPU, a stylus, and a $499 price tag (with an optional $79 3-year Allstate Product Protection Warranty). From afar it looks like one of those expensive looking Lenovo Yoga laptops, but at a fraction of the price.
The stylus is especially useful when paired with mind mapping software as part of a brainstorming Session with a client or as an electronic buddy with a notes app How A note.
Aside from the 11th gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU (with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics), there’s 8GB of non-expandable DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD (probably a PCIe NVMe Gen 3).
The display is a 14.1-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen with a fairly large bezel that makes it easier to hold the device – a good choice considering the device weighs around 1.5kg.
We’re not sure what Wi-Fi card is bundled with the Elite, but given the presence of Bluetooth 5.1, we’d say the GWCC71416-BK uses an Intel AX201 NGW, which offers Wi-Fi 6 WiFi 6E And wifi 7 are the faster wireless iterations. Audio is processed by THX technology and there are two stereo speakers that should deliver decent enough sounds.
Walmart hasn’t disclosed the battery capacity of this laptop either, but says it can last up to 10 hours, which is believable given the Core i7’s low power consumption. In fact, it’s likely that the screen will be the system’s biggest power guzzler; which brings us to another important point. We don’t know how bright the screen is, although we’d expect at least 300 nits.
While the keyboard is backlit, there’s no fingerprint reader and the 2-megapixel front camera doesn’t have a privacy shutter, two key features that make it a real one business laptop. However, the GWCC71416-BK has enough expansion options: two USB ports, a microSD card slot and a headphone jack. There are no Ethernet or HDMI ports, so you’ll need to get one docking station if you want additional connections.
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