Gateway NV55C: make it better if you can
Non-tech people need tech reviews that speak to them in plain language. This Gateway NV55C review has them in mind to provide a non-technical review of a laptop to help them make their purchasing decisions. While the NV55C is priced well, there are faulty machines and other problems.
Disclaimer: I know next to nothing about technology. I pick up a few things here and there, but not enough to become a qualified IT specialist. I know how to start the computer, write and shut it down. However, that is the reason why I settled on this review. Many of us depend on technology, but we are not sure which products and services work best.
All I knew was that I needed a new laptop after using my Acer Aspire One netbook for a few months and I noticed that its performance was quite inferior compared to full-size laptops. Since my job depends on network access and a good operating system, I needed to find something that could download files in less than three minutes and upload them in such a short time. However, like most people, I’m on a budget and can’t afford to get top-of-the-line models that promise to work even after abuse, like dropping and spilling coffee on them.
This is how I came across a Gateway NV55C, as I vowed never to use HP and their shitty products again. I had been warned about Intel Celeron processors, so I first looked for something with a non-Celeron processor. This machine runs on an Intel Pentium P6100, but I’m not sure what that means. I knew the operating system was Windows 7 Home Edition, a definite step from the Windows Starter operating system that still powers my little Acer.
I must say that with 3GB of DDR3 memory, 320GB hard drive, a DVD drive, and a 15.6-inch HD LED LCD screen with 16: 9 ratio, I had just about everything I needed and a little more with Intel HD graphics. and a 1.3 MP webcam. I am not a gamer nor do I usually work with programs that require a lot of memory and other special features that those who understand how computers work know will keep them running efficiently. Also, I have to give him points for the Energy Star sticker.
However, after two months, I have noticed some problems. I will stream movies and other videos as well as listen to podcasts while I work, but I found my sound to be a bit unsatisfactory. It took me so long to realize that my right speaker is not working. * It has never worked, but it took me a while to realize this. I finally figured out how to manipulate the sound to get a little more out of the speaker I have, but it makes a very loud and irritating noise if I put it to sleep with the volume turned up high. Believe me, it is a very scary noise.
I’m also starting to notice that the web browser might freeze when it didn’t previously. I usually have multiple windows open, but this has never been a real problem before. I have a very good high speed connection so I doubt the freeze is due to web browsing and simulcasting.
In general, I could get used to this laptop for the next several months unless I somehow get a lot of money that allows me to pay for a new laptop. After all, this one only cost me less than $ 350, including taxes and processing. Hopefully one day I can get a more top-of-the-line machine that doesn’t arrive faulty. Until then, I’ll get used to listening to music through one ear. **
* Since then, I have found some very cheap USB speakers to get a little more volume out of my laptop.
** Since then I also had to go back to using Acer to create documents as the Gateway hardware broke down and slowed down the computer for almost half an hour when trying to open documents in Word.
