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Gateway LT21 Netbook Review – 6.5/7

There are 12 different models of the new Gateway LT series of netbooks. What we’re going to do is a generic review, mentioning base level specifications as well as the upgrades and how much they cost. To start off with, there are 3 differently specced models, and the variations are quite minor. The most inexpensive model ($299) has a 160GB hard drive in comparision to the top-end’s ($349) 250GB one. Also WiFi n is available in the higher priced one whose battery lasts 10 hours versus the lower end’s 8. There’s also an in-between Windows XP-based model ($315).

The LT21 series of netbooks are really goodlooking. The lid is thinly striped and all three colors (black, red and white) are eye-catching. The interior has a thick bezel that catches and retains fingerprints, but the keyboard and palm rest are nicely matted. There is also a base that slides out for easy RAM expansion. With island keyboards being all the rage, the Gateway LT21 series has full-sized keys that are a bit scrunched together. Specifications are quite generic.

Gateway LT21 Netbook Review – Top Features

• Great keyboard – Although the key don’t have much gap between them, they are full-sized and we were able to type at a normal pace without missing any.
• Well-designed netbook – The chassis is built solidly with barely any flex. It looks classy as well, with its sleek body design.
• Excellent display – The screen is quite exceptional and even though its not hi-def, you’d never be able to tell.

Gateway LT21 Netbook Review – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind

• Trackpad takes a bit of getting used to – Like some other netbooks, the trackpad is integrated into the chassis with a raised, dotted surface.

Gateway LT21 Netbook Review – Ratings

1. Price and Value for money – 1.0 Star. At under $300, the LT series is quite a steal.
2. Speed and Performance – 0.75 Star. Performs quite nippily, with good results on hard disk transfer tests, viewing quality and while browsing.
3. Screen – 1.0 Star. As I mentioned before, the screen has vibrant colors and makes for excellent viewing.
4. Keyboard, Touchpad, Useability – 1.0 Star. The keyboard is great and the trackpad isn’t too shabby once you get used to it.
5. Portability and Battery Life – 1.0 Star. We always like it when netbooks live up to their battery life promises, and the LT series does whether its the 4400 mAh or 5200 mAh version.
6. Looks and Design – 1.0 Star. Gateway have kept it simple with the LT series, but the look is still sexy.
7. Connectivity and Extensibility – 0.75 Star. Impressive WiFi connectivity and standard ports. The XP version has Bluetooth, but why the others don’t, we’re at loss to explain.

This gives the LT21 an overall rating of 6.5 out of 7 Stars.

Gateway LT21 Netbook Review – Our Recommendation

This is a good netbook at a great price. With generic specifications being the norm, it’s the netbooks with good viewability and useability that win through. Of course it doesn’t  harm if the netbook is exceedingly goodlooking. We’d strongly recommend the Gateway LT21 series of netbooks. They’re available on amazon from $299 – $349.

Gateway LT21 Netbook Review – What have buyers on amazon said?

Pros:

1. “Excellent tactile keyboard, amazingly crip and bright screen, good touchpad, fantastic battery life – small footprint! Good transfer speeds and responsive.”
2. “Oh yes, the screen is wonderful. This little rascal will burn your retinas on the max brightness setting. Full and vibrant colors, with good text clarity.”
3. “I installed Photoshop 9 (CS2) on it just to see how it would work, and was very surprised. It runs quite well.”

Cons:

1. “The screen collects dust easily.”
2. “One more minor annoyance using this Track Pad is that due to it being flush with the palm rest, you can sometimes miss the Track Pad.”

Gateway LT21  Netbook Review – Technical Specifications

Below are the specs for the $299/$349 versions

• OS: Windows 7 Starter
• CPU: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor
• Display & Graphics: 10 inch 1024 x 600 Display, Intel GMA 3150
• RAM: 1GB DDR2
• Storage: 160GB/250GB Hard Drive
• Connectivity: 5-in-one card reader, 802.11b/g/(n),  Ethernet LAN (RJ-45), VGA, 3 x USB 2.0 Ports
• Battery: 6-cell (8 hour life)/6-cell (10 hour life)
• Weight: 2.76 lbs
• Colors: Black, Red, White
• Price: $299.99/$349.99

There is also a Windows XP version with 160GB hard drive, b/g/n WiFi, 10 hour life and Bluetooth for $314.99

Filed under: Gateway Netbook Review