First Look - Gateway M285 Tablet PC with Widescreen Display (pics, specs)

First Look - Gateway M285 Widescreen Tablet PC


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This weekwe received our Gateway M285 Tablet PC review unit. The Gateway M285 is one of the first Tablet PC models to include a widescreen display - a feature that makes this modelstand out of the pack. Starting at $1,129, this well-equipped tablet is hard to ignore for consumers who seek outstanding bang for their bucks!

The M285 carries the capabilities to get work done and satisfy entertainment requirements. The bright widescreen display, solid feel and array of features make this convertible Tablet PC from Gateway a worthy consideration for most anyone in the market for a moderately priced tablet ready to rock right out of the box.


Specifications:

Intel Core Solo Processor T1300 (1.66 GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
512MB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB modules)
40GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive
7-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, xD Picture Card, Mini Secure Digital, RS-MultiMediaCard)
Modular 24x CD-ROM Drive
One type II PC card slot
(3) USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), VGA
14.0" WXGA TFT Active Matrix (1280 x 768)
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks
Primary 8-cell lithium-ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty
Integrated V.92 56K modem
Integrated Intel 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter
Integrated Intel 802.11a/b/g wireless networking card
TPM - Embedded security chip for user authentication and data protection (version 1.2 ready)
Microsoft One Note, Microsoft Experience Pack and Microsoft Education Pack



[br=style='FONT-WEIGHT: bold'][/br]A Look Around the M285



(view large image) Status indicator lights, function buttons, navigation pad



(view large image) Power switch, power lock switch



(view large image) Right Side: DVD/CD burner, heat vent, Kensington Lock, modem jack



(view large image) Left Side: AC power in, docking port, VGA out, LAN port, 3 USB ports, IEEE 1394, PCMCIA



(view large image) Front: speakers, mic/headphone jacks, card reader slot



(view large image) Rear: Not much to see here.



(view large image) Underside: Battery Pack, RAM Compartment, modular bay/latch, hard drive access, pen slot/latch



(view large image) The hinge rotates one direction, but this handy arrow will point you in the "right direction".



(view large image) The Gateway M285 does not incorporate the Wacom "Penabled" standard found on most Tablet PCs, howeverthe included OEM pen is a sturdy metallic piece.



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We will be working closely with the Gateway M285 for the next few weeks. Stay tuned for our full review. We will provide detailed test results of hard drive, CPU performance, battery life benchmarks and more. For more information visit the Gateway website here...

 

Are those pics of the 8-cell battery? I was expecting the 8 cell to be flush with the bottom of the tablet, and those pics to be of the 12 cell. Am I wrong?

 

Barry J. Doyle

Thank you for putting this information up for everyones viewing pleasure. I will enjoy viewing it until I receive my M285-E SB

Thank you for sharing

Smartdog
"We all learn by sharing what we know"

 

That is indeed what the 8-cell battery looks like... Some say it provides something to grip onto. But when i tried this model, the battery really bothered me because the unit was already large. So i removed the battery altogether when using the convertible.

 

So what does the 12-cell look like compared to the 8? Does it stick out beyond the back? Or does it tilt it even more?

 

I like the battery's edge for two reasons:

1. in Tablet mode, Landscape rotated so the battery/keyboard is in original position, the battery's extended edge give the Tablet a "tilt" that I find helpful. I don't have to prop the Tablet up as much on a table, it doesn't lie flat on the table but angles up in the back, tilting the screen towards me. In my lap with the battery's edge, I don't have to prop it up as much to see the screen: the screen tilts towards me because of the battery's edge and that's helpful in seeing the screen.

2. a carrying handle for temporary use, just up the stairs at home on carpet. I can't say I'd carry it by the battery for very long or on hardfloors.