Gateway hopes "One" will tempt would-be iMac buyers (photos)

[AppleInsider]

After scrambling to have "leaked" product shots removed from the Internet on Wednesday, Windows PC systems manufacturer Gateway has lifted an embargo on details of its new "One" all-in-one desktop system, which unsurprisingly bears a number of striking resemblances to Apple's just-released aluminum iMacs.

"Dubbed simply the 'One,' the design is far sleeker than Gateway's earlier Profile systems and fits the entire design within a single metal shell just 3.6 inches deep," writes Electronista, one of the first publications to dish details of the offering ahead of its public release. "The entire front face is black to hide the borders of the 19-inch widescreen LCD and blend into home decor, such as the living room."

In designing the One, the ailing Windows PC maker from Irvine, Calif. also appear to have built on Apple's minimalist emphasis: where the iMac plugs all cables directly into the back, the One feeds gigabit Ethernet, four USB ports, and AV ports to the external power adapter to take clutter away from the desk. Similarly, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are standard and eliminate the need for a wired mouse or keyboard.

Other Apple-influenced design cues are apparent from the system's slot-loading, side-mounted DVD burner as well as its aluminum-colored enclosure (though likely still plastic) with three USB ports, one FireWire, and audio in/out connectors. On the other hand, Gatway's new design adds a 5-in-1 card reader and is easily opened to replace the hard drive or memory. Buyers can also add a mounting kit to hoist the One against a wall, or a USB TV tuner for watching live programming.

In its official press release Thursday, Gateway said it plans ship the One series in late October with two retail models and a single online-only version. Pricing for the retail line is slated to start at $1,300 for a model that includes a 1.5GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of memory, a 320GB hard drive, and Intel X3100 graphics. A high-end model ($1800) will boost the processor speed to 2GHz, memory to 3GB, hard disk space to 500GB, and add a Mobility Radeon HD 2600 dedicated video card.

The online model ($1,500) sits in between the two store models with the same hardware as the base PC save for a 400GB hard drive and Radeon HD 2600 chipset. Like Apple's iMac, each One also sports a 1.3-megapixel webcam hidden in its chassis, Gateway says.









By comparison, Apple's new aluminum iMac line starts at $1200 for a 20-inch model with a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB of memory, 250GB hard drive, 8x double-layer SuperDrive, and ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB memory. For the same $1500 as Gateway's online One model, Apple also offers an iMac with a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 320GB hard drive, and ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB memory.

Jumping up to the $1800 price point, Apple buyers get an addition 5-inch of screen real-estate (24-inchs) compared to Gateway's high-end One model, which remains at just 19-inches.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[PB]

What's its nickname? GatoChin?

[der passant]

You beat me to it. That is some chin. You could put a whole stack of postits on that!.

Still not to bad looking. Have to check the specs and price but I'm never buying a pc for personal use.

[ravelgrane]

One thing that bugs me about this design is that it looks like a strong breeze will knock it over. Can't see the back very well, but it looks like a picture frame type stand, where a tab swings out to hold it up. Doesn't look very stable to me. Maybe they have a heavy weight at the bottom to lower the center of gravity tho. This same thing bothers me about the new iMacs, but when I test them in the store, they don't seem to be prone to falling over. And then the staff chase me out for trying to knock over the merchandise...

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by der passant

You beat me to it. That is some chin. You could put a whole stack of postits on that!.

Still not to bad looking. Have to check the specs and price but I'm never buying a pc for personal use.

Forget the chin.... does the little thing-y in the back look like a little thing-y? (In the first photo).

[msantti]

THe iMac might have a chin but that thing has a "Jay Leno" chin.

Certainly better than their previous offerings but not as price competitive as Apple.

Apple has faster speeds and bigger screens.

[CharlesS]

On the one hand, it's amusing how much this rips off the iMac's design...

... but on the other hand, I think this design actually improves on the iMac's. For one thing, if it's easy to open the case up to replace components like the hard drive, that is a huge benefit over the iMac...

[zzcoop]

Yeah.

I think all those would-be iMac buyers will be iMac buyers.

[Thomaspin]

Finally Windows users get to lock up in style.

[bdkennedy1]

Well they've finally caught up with the 20th anniversary Mac from 10 years ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentie...sary_Macintosh

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by ravelgrane

One thing that bugs me about this design is that it looks like a strong breeze will knock it over.

I think a lot of people said that of the iMac G5.

So far, most of the iMac-alikes have failed or are just obscure. Windows PC buyers seem to just reject them. It seems like Apple customers are the only ones that buy this kind of thing. Is there any tilt adjustment on this? I wouldn't want to use a machine that's always sloping back like that.

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

Well they've finally caught up with the 20th anniversary Mac from 10 years ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentie...sary_Macintosh

ROFLMAO.

K

[palegolas]

Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

Well they've finally caught up with the 20th anniversary Mac from 10 years ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentie...sary_Macintosh

Exactly my thoughts.

[Frank777]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

and is easily opened to replace the hard drive or memory...

This is where it beats the iMac hands down.
Only retarded people buy a computer which restricts you from replacing the hard drive in-house.

There are serious privacy and security implications to leaving your hard drive for days on a reseller's counter. Especially if your computer is being used for online purchases, small business accounting or credit card processing. The Canadian Privacy Commissioner should caution people against buying the iMac. Maybe then Jobs will get a clue.

While the Gateway's screen is too small, it shouldn't take long for a larger version to become available. While I'm extremely partial to the Mac OS, I would (sadly) counsel friends and family to buy this machine before buying a current iMac.

[KindredMac]

Thank God somebody found it!

I lost my 20th anniversary Mac years ago and it turns out Gateway had it this whole time!

Way to catch up to the PAST Gateway! WooHoooooo!

[PB]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

I think a lot of people said that of the iMac G5.

Hmm, right, but now maybe there is a problem, because of the type of the stand (picture frame like, and from the ones with bad balance). Only practice will tell if this is the case or not.

[MacTel]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

each One also sports a 1.3-megapixel webcam hidden in its chassis, Gateway says.

That might infringe on Apple's patent for a built-in camera. I'm sure Apple lawyers are looking into it.

[dontlookleft]

wow, what a fugly piece of garbage. i hope it fails miserably.

[Frank777]

Originally Posted by msantti

And just how many users know how to replace a hard drive?

By that kind of logic, Apple should have left out access to the memory slots too.

[VeloRandy]

It's still running Windows, no matter how pretty it is or how it'll try to look like a Mac.

[TenoBell]

Only retarded people buy a computer which restricts you from replacing the hard drive in-house.

The hard drive is like the cell phone battery. Its going to take a long time before it fails. By that point most people will just buy a new one.

By that kind of logic, Apple should have left out access to the memory slots too.

There is a far higher chance more memory will be added than a new hard drive.

[aegisdesign]

Looks nicer than an iMac IMHO.

The keyboard and mouse matches for one. I wonder if they gave it a stupid gloss screen though. Pity it's saddled with Windows.

If the max RAM is 3GB that kind of says it's pre-Santa Rosa too, which would be silly.

[Mr. H]

Wow, that is a lot better looking than Gateway's previous attempts at all-in-ones. However, the price is poor. If you are a Windows user and want an all-in-one, you can get a much more powerful iMac and buy Windows XP for about the same total price as this Gateway.

[SpamSandwich]

It's like a gold-plated turd. You can dress up the outside, but inside it's still pure Micros**t.

[Mr. H]

Originally Posted by aegisdesign

If the max RAM is 3GB that kind of says it's pre-Santa Rosa too

Unlikely given it comes with Intel's X3100 integrated graphics. Does the X3100 even work with Napa?

[JeffDM]

If you want to see an ugly all in one, check out Averatec's unit. This Gateway is far nicer looking.

[Royboy]

Originally Posted by dontlookleft

wow, what a fugly piece of garbage. i hope it fails miserably.

Why? Don't you want Apple to have some competition in the AIO market, so that Apple will be have some pressure to improve their AIO and perhaps have a reason to lower prices?

[nagromme]

Silver with a black front - great idea! And plastic instead of real metal/glass? (Can't tell.)

Quite a large foot print compare to the iMac's floating zero footprint. (You can fit a lot of peripherals and papers under an iMac, with its flat foot.)

So if the Gateway is almost 4 inches thick, has a smaller screen than the smallest iMac, and STILL can't manage to fit the power supply internally... how did Apple manage to make theirs so thin?

But hey, it runs Windows and is made by a cheap brand using cheap parts (integrated graphics) despite costing more than a Mac And it has a slot load drive down a desktop level where the ejected disc will ram into speakers, backup drives, routers, books and cups of hot coffee.

Why, it costs about the same as a real Mac + Windows installed...

Originally Posted by Royboy

Why? Don't you want Apple to have some competition in the AIO market, so that Apple will be have some pressure to improve their AIO and perhaps have a reason to lower prices?

You mean like Apple just DID improve their AIO and lowered prices on the new model by hundreds of dollars?

The reason to want it to fail is because REAL competition should be original and good value, not an inferior knock-off. A failed attempt at an iMac provides no competition anyway.

[Zolk]

While the AppleInsider article mentions the USB, Firewire, and audio ports are on the power adapter, an Engadget photo clears shows them on the side of the unit. This is one of the design flaw in this system. Even without cords protruding out of those ports, their mere presence tarnishes the design aesthetic.

[jmarc21a]

Originally Posted by Frank777

This is where it beats the iMac hands down.
Only retarded people buy a computer which restricts you from replacing the hard drive in-house.

There are serious privacy and security implications to leaving your hard drive for days on a reseller's counter. Especially if your computer is being used for online purchases, small business accounting or credit card processing. The Canadian Privacy Commissioner should caution people against buying the iMac. Maybe then Jobs will get a clue.

While the Gateway's screen is too small, it shouldn't take long for a larger version to become available. While I'm extremely partial to the Mac OS, I would (sadly) counsel friends and family to buy this machine before buying a current iMac.

So you would recommend a PC with lame Windows, viruses, bugs and all over a mac with OSX because just MAYBE you might need to replace the hard drive and because maybe someone might gain access to your privae information when they replace the hard drive?! I'm sorry but hands down THAT'S retarded!!!

[TenoBell]

I wonder if they gave it a stupid gloss screen though.

Yes it has a glossy glass screen and brushed aluminum back.

AIO and perhaps have a reason to lower prices?

No Gateway's One will not force Apple to lower iMac prices any more than Gateways' laptops force Apple to lower its laptop prices.

[gloss]

This is actually not half bad. It's attractive and minimalist and, aside from choice of colors (as if there's that much variation in minimalist design in the first place), stands well against the iMac. I'm all for attractive aesthetics outside of Apple. At least it shows a little competitive spirit.

I have to admit, I like the leaning-slate form. Kind of cool.

[jmarc21a]

Originally Posted by Frank777

By that kind of logic, Apple should have left out access to the memory slots too.

Only your kind of warped logic. Memory slots and hard drives are two completely different things...

[ifiredmyboss.com]

With external drives being so cheap why bother with upgrading or replacing an internal one unless it is toast.

If it is toast then you don't have to worry too much about the privacy issues, just make sure you take the old drive with you when you leave.

Also, other than the readers of tech magazines, blogs... the average consumer doesn't actually crack the box at all and those that really want to will always figure it out.

Originally Posted by Frank777

This is where it beats the iMac hands down.
Only retarded people buy a computer which restricts you from replacing the hard drive in-house.

There are serious privacy and security implications to leaving your hard drive for days on a reseller's counter. Especially if your computer is being used for online purchases, small business accounting or credit card processing. The Canadian Privacy Commissioner should caution people against buying the iMac. Maybe then Jobs will get a clue.

While the Gateway's screen is too small, it shouldn't take long for a larger version to become available. While I'm extremely partial to the Mac OS, I would (sadly) counsel friends and family to buy this machine before buying a current iMac.

[fossilu]

Gateway is obviously trying to copy Apple but the design fails in originality and erganomics.

Not everyone sits in front of a computer at the same height. Looking at the base I'm pretty sure everyone is going to be stuck with that same screen angle. I sure won't be trading in my iMac soon.

[acknight]

Originally Posted by Royboy

Why? Don't you want Apple to have some competition in the AIO market, so that Apple will be have some pressure to improve their AIO and perhaps have a reason to lower prices?

Why would Apple have a reason to lower prices? The Gateway, on the whole, is more expensive (if slightly at some levels) than the iMac's price points, and 19" all the way up (the loaded model's at a similar price point to the 24" iMac... with more memory, yes, but a much smaller screen)

Competition == good. I'm not sure where it'll be good for Gateway, with those price points, though.

[tundraboy]

Originally Posted by MacTel

That might infringe on Apple's patent for a built-in camera. I'm sure Apple lawyers are looking into it.

You mean the USPTO actually granted a patent for putting a built-in camera on a computer? That is just ridiculous.

[geo06]

haha, I remember when the old white iMacs came out and everyone was making fun of the "chin" I think this Gateway is the Jay Leno of computers.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by acknight

Why would Apple have a reason to lower prices? The Gateway, on the whole, is more expensive (if slightly at some levels) than the iMac's price points, and 19" all the way up (the loaded model's at a similar price point to the 24" iMac... with more memory, yes, but a much smaller screen)

Competition == good. I'm not sure where it'll be good for Gateway, with those price points, though.

And with a slower processor and presumably--by virtue of the 3GB maximum--an order chip design. Apple's iMac prices have a much better price point.

[digitalclips]

Originally Posted by Frank777

This is where it beats the iMac hands down.
While I'm extremely partial to the Mac OS, I would (sadly) counsel friends and family to buy this machine before buying a current iMac.

Oh right so you advise them to buy something running Windows? Hey, with friends like you they sure don't need enemies!