When I first started writing about technology in the late 90s, Gateway 2000 was one of the computer companies that tried to do things differently, with a bovine-themed project filling the pages of computer magazines (also known as dead ink tree). “No matter how close you look, the quality shines through,” reads one of the slogans.
Fast forward to 2023, and Gateway 2000 is now an Acer brand exclusive to Walmart, the world’s largest supermarket chain.
Gateway is probably one of the most underrated computer brands in the world GWCC71416-BK, a 2-in-1 slim convertible laptop that retails for $499 (down from $699) (opens in a new tab)is perhaps the best example of the amazing value for money products Walmart can get from its suppliers.
Gateway 14.1-inch 2-in-1 Elite: A Brief Look
Three things set this laptop apart from freelancers: a Core i7 processor, a stylus, and a $499 price tag (with an optional $79 Allstate 3-year product warranty). From a distance, it looks like one of those expensive Lenovo Yoga laptops, but at a fraction of the price.
The stylus is especially useful when paired with mind mapping software as part brainstorm session with the client or as an electronic helper with note taking app as One note.
In addition to the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor (with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics), there’s 8GB of non-upgradable DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD (probably PCIe NVMe Gen 3).
The display is a 14.1-inch Full HD IPS touch screen with a fairly large bezel to help you hold the device – a good choice considering the device weighs in at around 1.5kg/3.4lbs.
We’re not sure what Wi-Fi card comes with the Elite, but given the presence of Bluetooth 5.1, we’d say the GWCC71416-BK uses the Intel AX201 NGW which offers Wi-Fi 6, with WiFi 6E AND WiFi 7 being faster wireless iterations. The sound is handled by THX technology and there are two stereo speakers which should provide good enough sound.
Walmart also didn’t reveal the battery capacity of this laptop, but claims it can run for up to 10 hours, which is plausible given the Core i7’s low power consumption. In fact, it’s likely that the screen will be the system’s biggest power source; which brings us to the next important point. We don’t know how bright the screen is, although we’d expect it to be at least 300 nits.
While the keyboard is backlit, there’s no fingerprint reader, and the 2-megapixel front-facing camera doesn’t have a privacy shutter, two key features that make it right business laptop. That said, the GWCC71416-BK has adequate expandability: two USB ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. There are no Ethernet or HDMI ports, so you’ll have to get your hands on one Docking Station if you want extra connectors.