Review: Gateway P-7808u FX gaming notebook

The relatively new Gateway 7808u FX Edition is the first model in the company’s P series of gaming notebooks to have a quad-core processor. This series gets a new model number each generation so the 7808u may seem like an all-new laptop, but it’s incredibly similar to two systems that we previously covered here on Geek.com, the P-7811 and P-171, as well as two newer models, the P-7809u FX and P-7805u FX.

The chassis, exterior, interior, keyboard, trackpad, display, and sound are all just about the same as previous models, so for the bulk of your reading check back to the previous two articles. If you want the short version here goes: everything is solid. Don’t expect the best-in-class for a system at this price, but Gateway doesn’t skimp. The keyboard and trackpad are acceptable, the display can be finicky if you are playing a game with a lot of dark tones (like Fallout 3) but it’s quite workable, and the build quality, despite featuring a lot of plastic, is fine. The system does generate quite a bit of heat but it is all sent out through a vent on the left side, so it doesn’t heat up the computer itself much. It’s not built for traveling, but in my time with the 7808u and the previous models in the series I haven’t had any serious mechanical problems.

There are two things that potential buyers should keep in mind about the build. The first is that the design is quickly becoming outdated (if it already isn’t). It’s been around for a few generations and it’s about time for a refresh (Gateway, come on, check out the Alienware M17x! Sure it’s more expensive, but let’s move things along…). There is nothing particularly wrong with it and Gateway is using the same design in the next generation (P-7809u FX, P-7807u FX, and P-7805u FX) but it’s about due for a refresh. Secondly, the 17-inch display runs at 1440×900 which isn’t terrible, but it would be nice to see it at 1920×1200. There is no Blu-ray option, but as soon as there is one you can bet there will be a 1920×1200 display.

The big change with the 7808u is that this is the first system in the lineup to go with a quad-core processor. This is the first significant change to the FX series in some time, as previous updates have generally just seen small changes to the processor or graphics. Combine that Core 2 Duo Q9000 with 4GB of RAM, GeForce 9800M GTS graphics (with 1GB of memory), and a 500GB 5400RPM disk and the system is more than powerful enough for today’s games, but on the same note it doesn’t reflect as stellar a deal as previous models. The price is up to $1799 (thanks to that quad-core processor) but don’t worry, deal hunters still have the option of the Gateway P-7809u FX at $1249 (and the same graphics).