In short: A netbook with AMD/ATI instead of the usual Atom/GMA950 combination that’s actually better than the norm in most aspects.
Are you just fed up with the fact that all the mini laptops are using the Atom processor to power their laptops? Well, here is a rebelliously different kid on the block- the Gateway LT3100 series. While the 1.2GHz single core AMD processor doesn’t sound revolutionizing on paper, it is actually ahead of the 1.6GHz Atom in several aspects, not least by being 64-bit capable. Embedding all this in a 11.6 inch package and at a competitive price tag of about $400 will definitely find the Gateway LT3103u/LT3114u competitively placed in the netbook market (not sure I’d call this a netbook even).
Couple the interesting choice of processor with 2GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard disk and you have a pretty slick mini notebook to reckon with. Getting interested? Well, yes, I know. This is exactly what happened to us when we first noticed the peculiar specs of the Gateway LT3100 series netbooks. Windows Vista comes standard with the laptop, mostly due to the restrictions on XP OEM installations that Microsoft does not allow on systems with more than 1GB. If you can hold out for Windows 7, that would arguably suit this one better, since it’s far more optimized for low-end systems compared to Vista. Update: I have upgraded to Windows 7 now, and after some initial driver issues it now runs great! (had to install driver in Vista compatibility mode).
Weighing in at 3.14 pounds and being about an inch thick at its thickest part, the Gateway LT3103 is definitely one of the most compact, portable and power-packed netbooks in the market today. Naturally it comes with all the other standard features like Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (unfortunately not draft-n) and Ethernet, plus a VGA port to connect with an external monitor or TV. There’s no HDMI port, however, but that was hardly expected on such a cost-effective system. You also get a webcam – a standard feature in the Gateway LT3100 series.
While most netbook users are seen cribbing about low-res, tiny screens, the Gateway LT sports an 11.6-inch screen at a very pleasant 1366×768, i.e., HD capable. High-res graphics are better suited for this baby than any other netbook currently on the market, much thanks to the improved graphics capabilities. Compared to Atom netbooks, the LT3103 tackles 720p HD with efficiency. The LED back-lit “Ultrabright” screen, with a ratio of 16:9 makes Gateway LT3103 one of the most enjoyable small notebooks for a multimedia experience, and possibly even some games.
The Gateway comes equipped with integrated ATI Radeon™ X1270 Graphics, which takes the graphics capabilities of this notebook to a new level. While it is certainly no gaming GPU, it outperforms Intel’s GMA950 found in 99% of all other netbooks. All of these enhancements are bound to consume a little more current, but Gateway takes care of that too, by supplying a 6 cell battery, which can last up to 5 hours. 5 hours is a pretty good time, considering that the laptop is equipped with a 64-bit processor and a pretty decent graphics card. Update: The battery life in Windows 7 was even better – reaching about 5:20 in power-saving mode.
Windows Experience Index Score (Windows 7):
| Processor | 2.3 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4.5 |
| Graphics | 2.7 |
| Gaming Graphics | 3.0 |
| Primary Hard Disk | 5.7 |
So, there you have it–a rebellious mini notebook with a 64 bit AMD single core processor, minus the mundane Atom processor that is a part of almost every other netbook in the market. At less than $400, I’d say that this is one of the best choices right now if you’re in the market for a cheap netbook/ultraportable hybrid with above-average screen and performance.
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any practical usage experience? I’d like to hear before purchasing. Thanks MX
I’v Recent bought one of these netbooks
nice large keys, Screen is Verry nice.
its great
altho mine had only a 160gb hard drive installed
as well as it only came with a 3 cell battrie.
and 1 gig of ram
windows xp would have been a better coice of os.
altho it still performs well even in vista.
it could do better in xp i believe.
its got directx 10 capabilitys! but omg the processor screams NOOO dont make me run anything using direct x10 rendering! NOOOooooo and the little ati is TONs way much and all around better than that cursid intel Graphical media accelerator GMA
high def movies will play fine! Source engine games will play as well “but beware large out door map games”
installing steam is viable on this netbook as some of the games are still playable just not a good platform to attempt competative gaming
we’re talking 5-15 fps but it works
even combat arms works but once again full servers big maps = big fps drops.
@Dafunk: Awesome input, thanks! Sounds really cool that you’ve got some source engine games running on yours. It definitely tops the standard GMA950 crap that’s in most netbooks, but personally I can’t wait to see some more nice mini’s with Nvidia’s ION in them
/Josh (author)
I like my new little red corvette. Well.. maybe not a corvette engine. But it will run my web design apps and even a few audio recording tools. Question I have it whether or not it could run Vista 64, since it is an Athlon 64 and you do get a bit more speed that way……… anybody know ?
Hi Cellomangler. Congrats on your ‘vette!
Unless you have 4GB or more RAM, there’s not much to be gained by running a 64-bit operating system. To get a speedier system, though, you could try installing Windows 7 if there are any trial versions left (or wait for the final version). Windows 7 is actually a LOT better than Vista at handling lower-end systems like netbooks.
My LT3103u does not play mp4 movies smoothly at all and forget about playing an mpeg2 file…it’s more a series of stills. Very disappointing.
I’m really excited about this netbook and will be buying one very soon, I saw the response about putting Vista 64 on may not be a good idea. What do we think about XP 64-bit?
A 64-bit XP installation would no doubt run better than its Vista equivalent, but again you will see little improvement in most circumstances unless you have 4GB or more and/or run mainly 64-bit apps. You will also need 64-bit drivers for all the components, which could be harder to get by for XP. Of course it’s a bit more complicated than that, but MS has a pretty thorough explanation of it here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946765
This article is about Vista, but for the most part it applies to all 32bit vs 64bit discussions.
Anyone loaded a Linux distro on this unit? A light weight Slatz, Puppy, AntiX operating system might play quake live on line with the video specifications…
If this system runs Vista acceptably, then a AntiX Linux O/S should make this system fly if they have not used any cutting edge eithernet, or Sound cards without the manufactures releasing the Linux drivers. Maybe a hackintosh o/S would run on this also?
JR
I got one last week: cherry with 2G RAM and 250GB
quick observations:
- boots pretty quick (for vista I understand)
- feels plenty fast in vista
- best feature is the bright and extremely sharp lcd!
- if text is too small, using firefox you just blow it up with ctrl+
- battery is awesome (6 cell) but does stick out farther than any pic ive ever seen of this net book
- its not really a netbook… Its actually usable and very functional.
- plays full 1080p with no problem!
I will put linux dual boot on here eventually… i’ve been a gentoo stalwart for years but I dont want to watch it compile forever…
so what distro should I try first? do any boot off usb drive for a test drive?
Have you tried Sabayon? It’s Gentoo-based and quite nice-looking too. Otherwise OpenSuse is my Linux flavor of choice, as it’s rock solid and very simple (if boring).
I picked up the Cherry Red LT3114u at Best Buy this week. Took it home and Created Vista restore disks. Then reformated the hard drive and loaded Windows XP Pro. Downloaded the XP drivers from gateway. It runs great. I don’t see any reason to go to vista with all the apps for XP. This Netbook is still best suited for XP. I also picked up a Logitech cherry Red Nano Mouse to go with it. This is to be sure the best netbook to have.
me wants it!
thanks for all the reviews – trying to get something for my mother.
I think it’s funny that we’re still talking about 64-bit being optional or “available.” On things. I remember when DEC (Digital) came out with the Alpha – 64-bit native arch servers in like 96 or 97 – they were amazing machines but no one would buy them because they couldn’t get the software companies on board to write for it.
running win 7 and its a nightmare I can’t fix, this is great machine, but it now freezes I know its the drivers for the ati card. I have tried everything. Anyone help please
@david,
If you’re sure it’s the ATI driver you may want to try newer drivers using the MobilityModder tool; http://www.driverheaven.net/modtool.php Have you tried that one? Best of luck, hope you can sort it out.
I’m surprised you’re having problems with Win 7. works like a charm on mine..
got it sorted, using your suggesting, it installed the old ati driver then windows update did the rest by updating again, go figure anyway, I love the machine now
got it sorted, using your suggesting, it installed the old driver then windows update did the rest by updating again, go figure anyway, I love the machine now
my friend has this and he can play any game on it just update your graphics drivers they have new update it plays really well even in native res
Great Post. Layed it out it in a way alot can comprehend, thank you and will be back!
Thanks for your write ups, your site is not like all the other spammy and poorly written sites. you got a bookmark from me!