Gateway T-6836 Laptop
Price range:
$599.99
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$599.99
Specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz), 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 5.7 lbs, 14.1 in TFT active matrix, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
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Review Source: CNET.com
Editor's rating:
8.1
Good:
Strong performance and battery life, particularly for the price; attractive, sturdily constructed case; beautiful display that's great for video without being too reflective.
Bad:
Case finish easily picks up fingerprints and smudges; shallow key travel; lousy speakers.
Bottom line:
A standout among budget midsize laptops, the 14.1-inch Gateway T-6836 marries strong performance and battery life with a compact, well-designed case.
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User Opinions |
Average rating: 7.6 out of 10 Add your own opinion at CNET Reviews |
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Summary: horrible speakers by tran1100 - November 10, 2008 Pros: reasonable price Cons: - horrible speakers - can't run skype |
User Rating 4 out of 10 |
I am getting this laptop for my parents for internet, internet radio and skype calls but I was sorely disappointed.
It is fast to browse but once we try one of the internet radio website and the sound come of this laptop is very low (even at 100%) that I can't barely hear. May be turning on to 100% causes the distortion, but it is not usable.
Next we try install Skype 3.8 (latest release version), it does not even install due to 64 bits Vista OS and I then we try Skype 4.0(beta), it installed and I can't make a call. Skype crashed as soon as I try to receive a call.
I give this laptop two stars due to the problems I experience and I will return this. I will lost my 15% restocking fee but I can't keep this thing and hate it every time I use it.
Buyer beware that if you need this laptop for skype don't get it.
Buyer beware that if you need this laptop for internet radio or anything that depend on the internal speakers don't get it.
BTW, BestBuy charges $40.00 for creating a recovery disk which you can do it yourself if you know how to read the manual. The sale rep was pushing hard to sell this.
It is fast to browse but once we try one of the internet radio website and the sound come of this laptop is very low (even at 100%) that I can't barely hear. May be turning on to 100% causes the distortion, but it is not usable.
Next we try install Skype 3.8 (latest release version), it does not even install due to 64 bits Vista OS and I then we try Skype 4.0(beta), it installed and I can't make a call. Skype crashed as soon as I try to receive a call.
I give this laptop two stars due to the problems I experience and I will return this. I will lost my 15% restocking fee but I can't keep this thing and hate it every time I use it.
Buyer beware that if you need this laptop for skype don't get it.
Buyer beware that if you need this laptop for internet radio or anything that depend on the internal speakers don't get it.
BTW, BestBuy charges $40.00 for creating a recovery disk which you can do it yourself if you know how to read the manual. The sale rep was pushing hard to sell this.
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Summary: system crashes when ever i plugin or unplug power pin by karthikyk - November 7, 2008 Pros: speed is good, great performance Cons: when ever the i unplug or plugin the power to laptop it strucks and even the ctrl+alt_del dosent work. I have exchanged thrice as the processor was not a matching one with the chipset. The processor used to be t5750 but got t7500 |
User Rating 3 out of 10 |
The same problem persists
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Summary: even better than I thought by poco444 - November 5, 2008 Pros: Fast, plays beautiful video, sound with headphones is excellent. Cons: can't find any at this price range |
User Rating 10 out of 10 |
It was advertised as t5700 2.0ghz and to my surprise there is a t7500 2.2ghz installed. all that for $599. I feel blessed. Get this laptop you will love it as much as I do.
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Summary: Great computer! Covers all the bases with ease. by please302 - October 30, 2008 Pros: Fast enough for all of your daily tasks. Lots of features. Great screen and keyboard with enough memory for great performance. A very diverse computer that is an all around champ and for the price you definately cannot go wrong. Go get one! Cons: I have yet to find any cons |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
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Summary: Fantastic machine!! by matchuie - October 4, 2008 Pros: Speed. RAM. Appearance. Battery life. Has it all except... Cons: Good speakers. Really, did Gateway make a deal with the speaker devil? |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
A fantastic machine that looks like no other laptop out there. With phenomenal battery life and great speed, this machine is a no-brainer for a non-gamer looking for portability and performance.
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Summary: Superb value, fast and reliable by ratch3t - September 27, 2008 Pros: I've had this for about 2 months now, and it's been an outstanding all-around computer for web-surfing/word processing. Cons: One weird thing is that the AC adapter makes a soft, high pitched whining sound when plugged in (even if computer is off). I agree that the key travel is a little crummy, as are the speakers, but neither of these are a priority for me. |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
I am a little biased because I snagged this laptop on sale for $600 at Best Buy, so it was a fantastic value for me. Even if I had paid $700 or 800, though, I think I'd still be very satisfied. It has everything the average pc user would want. A couple small drawbacks: it doesn't have bluetooth, and occasionally it is worse at picking up wireless than other people's computers. Overall I am thrilled with it.
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Summary: Gateway has NO customer service! by aliceslookingglass - September 26, 2008 Pros: fine when it is working - mine lasted only a little over 30 days. Cons: After only 30 days of owning this laptop, the LCD backlight failed. |
User Rating 2 out of 10 |
After only 30 days of owning this laptop, the lcd backlight failed. Gateway will repair it under the warranty, but to do so, I have to pay to insure and ship it and they will keep it for two-three weeks. I bought the laptop because I need to use it every day and night - not just the first month I bought it. After being disconnected by the 1-800 Customer Service line 5 times, I had to chat again with Tech Support. Tech Support Level 2 finally called me, but could offer me no greater relief -like paying for the shipping and providing me with a loaner. He also informed me that Gateway has no Customer Service department; the technicians handle both ends. That is obvious from my interactions with them.
When you price this model, factor in your own costs of shipping the unit to Texas to repair manufacturing defects and your lost costs of having no laptop for a long period of time.
When you price this model, factor in your own costs of shipping the unit to Texas to repair manufacturing defects and your lost costs of having no laptop for a long period of time.
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Summary: Great laptop by jgamm15 - September 15, 2008 Pros: Fast, the screen is very clear, and very compact for easy take and go. Cons: The speakers are pretty bad, no bass just treble, typical small speakers. |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
Great computer, probably one of the best computers on the market.
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Summary: Take it and run! by w0288839 - August 16, 2008 Pros: EXCELLENT Memory space, affordability, lightweight, and battery life...well, everything. Cons: Finger prints everywhere, would recommend using the keypad before buying. CNET reviews are accurate on a "shallowness feeling" when typing. Still, it's a different sensation that will most definitely increase in comfort over time and use. |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
I am a student in nursing school and I bought this lap top from Best Buy about a month ago. I'm proud to say that have virtually NO problems to report concerning this computer. I feel that I got the best bang for the buck, and so far I am VERY content with the performance and quality of this machine. I was a little hesitant at first with purchasing a Gateway just because of all the hype directed towards Macs and Dells...let's just say I feel very assured and happy with my decision. (Especially after my last Dell crashed for no apparent reason.) Good luck!
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Summary: Amazing Laptop. by justin0725 - August 15, 2008 Pros: Good Multitasking, LIght Weight, Relatively Fast speed, Cons: Speakers are a tad scratchy, but wouldnt make a difference if you were listening to music. |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
If your looking for a laptop that is sturdy, relatively fast, and good at multitasking, look no further. If you are looking for a laptop that would handle vigorous multitasking at a reasonable price with a light weight, definitely consider this.
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Summary: Absolutely the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK! by crazycars - August 15, 2008 Pros: very fast processor 2.0 ghz, excellent ram memory 4GB, a steal for $599 after taxes $659! walmart cant even beat the price! Cons: the speakers are below average but you can live with them. |
User Rating 8 out of 10 |
I shopped around everywhere and i saw it when it was $649.99 and when i checked on it again a 2 weeks later it was for $599, i acted quick and begged my parents to get it before the ended. Get it its the best specs for the money, aleast for now.
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Summary: Caution this is a 64 bit machine by ArtRideout - August 12, 2008 Pros: Price, memory, hard drive Cons: 64 bit may not load old software |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
Let me tell you what others have not. THIS IS A 64 BIT MACHINE. Which means not all of your old software may work. My PhotoShop for example will not load.
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Summary: Great laptop! by vanishnob - July 30, 2008 Pros: Very Fast, 4gb RAM, 64 bit, runs very cool, great display, long battery life Cons: Weak graphics card, weak speakers |
User Rating 9 out of 10 |
I'll have to disagree and say first off that the volume controls are great. They're completely touch and in a very convenient location. The sound is quite weak from the speakers, but if you have any other speakers to hook up you'll be happy. It is annoying that the fn key and ctrl key were switched around, but I got used to it very quickly and barely notice it anymore.
The laptop runs extremely cool and quickly. While the computer can't run new games it can run a little bit older ones perfectly fine. The computer will get luke warm for me, and I don't even have a cooling pad for it yet. I haven't seen many computers run Vista as smoothly as I would want, but this one certainly does the job. 800 is a great price, but I got it on sale at Best Buy for 650, so this was a steal.
I'm not sure about CNET's testing for battery life, but I did my own playing with video, gaming and just surfing the net. With just normal surfing and Microsoft Office use, I pulled out over 4 hours on this thing. Video- 3 hours. Moderate gaming-3 hours.
Everything about the computer is very appealing, and the case is sturdy to boot. It is one to get smudges and fingerprints very easily, but who cares?
All around a great laptop- perfect for a college student like myself!
The laptop runs extremely cool and quickly. While the computer can't run new games it can run a little bit older ones perfectly fine. The computer will get luke warm for me, and I don't even have a cooling pad for it yet. I haven't seen many computers run Vista as smoothly as I would want, but this one certainly does the job. 800 is a great price, but I got it on sale at Best Buy for 650, so this was a steal.
I'm not sure about CNET's testing for battery life, but I did my own playing with video, gaming and just surfing the net. With just normal surfing and Microsoft Office use, I pulled out over 4 hours on this thing. Video- 3 hours. Moderate gaming-3 hours.
Everything about the computer is very appealing, and the case is sturdy to boot. It is one to get smudges and fingerprints very easily, but who cares?
All around a great laptop- perfect for a college student like myself!
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Summary: Good laptop for the money by renzenkuken - July 25, 2008 Pros: - Screen looks pretty nice - Runs pretty fast once the bloatware is removed - Battery life Cons: - Control key is misplaced - Touch sensitive volume controls are useless - No feedback on the screen - Bloatware annoying to get rid of - Bluetooth key but no bluetooth - The case smudges real easily - I would have preferred more color options |
User Rating 7 out of 10 |
Its a good laptop for the money, Im just going to explain the cons that need to be explained.
My biggest complaint is that the control key is misplaced. The Fn and control keys are switched up so that the Fn key is on the end, all other laptops ive seen have the control key on the end. I know this may seem minor but its incredibly annoying to copy and paste but eventually youll probably get used to it.
Another complaint is that the touch sensitive volume controls are practically useless and a pain to use. i would have also liked some kind of feedback for the quick keys on the top to be displayed on the screen, fe- theres no volume indicator on the screen when you change the volume using the touch controls.
Everything else is pretty self explanatory in the pros and cons. There might seem like a lot of cons and not that many pros but overall its still is a good laptop.
Updated on Jul 27, 2008I forgot to mention that the speakers are pitiful (it was expected) also that the number pad (using fn buttons) doesnt seem to work. to my knowlege there is no number lock key on this keyboard to make it work.
Also i got this computer for 650 so it was a steal but for 799... im not to sure.
Updated on Sep 25, 2008Oh my, I just wanted to update this once again to show why not to buy this laptop. I dont know if its the laptop's cpu's fault or vista but it constantly crashes. Yes, I have no viruses it crashes most of the time when I close the laptop or put it in sleep mode.
I would strongly recommend that you get a better laptop than this one, you probably have to pay like 300 more but its worth it. Maybe its true i expected to much from a 700 gateway but I dont want my computer crashing randomly.
My biggest complaint is that the control key is misplaced. The Fn and control keys are switched up so that the Fn key is on the end, all other laptops ive seen have the control key on the end. I know this may seem minor but its incredibly annoying to copy and paste but eventually youll probably get used to it.
Another complaint is that the touch sensitive volume controls are practically useless and a pain to use. i would have also liked some kind of feedback for the quick keys on the top to be displayed on the screen, fe- theres no volume indicator on the screen when you change the volume using the touch controls.
Everything else is pretty self explanatory in the pros and cons. There might seem like a lot of cons and not that many pros but overall its still is a good laptop.
Updated on Jul 27, 2008I forgot to mention that the speakers are pitiful (it was expected) also that the number pad (using fn buttons) doesnt seem to work. to my knowlege there is no number lock key on this keyboard to make it work.
Also i got this computer for 650 so it was a steal but for 799... im not to sure.
Updated on Sep 25, 2008Oh my, I just wanted to update this once again to show why not to buy this laptop. I dont know if its the laptop's cpu's fault or vista but it constantly crashes. Yes, I have no viruses it crashes most of the time when I close the laptop or put it in sleep mode.
I would strongly recommend that you get a better laptop than this one, you probably have to pay like 300 more but its worth it. Maybe its true i expected to much from a 700 gateway but I dont want my computer crashing randomly.
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