If you're looking for the functionality of a Tablet PC, but don't want to sacrifice the larger screen size of a business notebook, then the Gateway M285-E is a great choice. It features a bright 14-inch screen that can be used as a conventional notebook or swiveled into Tablet mode to enable you to take handwritten notes, draw diagrams, edit documents and enjoy a range of pen-based applications. It also boasts a durable design that features a magnesium display enclosure and reinforced magnesium internal super-structure that protect the system in demanding environments. <p> It's powered by Intel's new, groundbreaking processor--the powerful Core Duo T2300E--which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2300E has a 1.66 GHz processor speed and 2 MB L2 cache. Other hardware features include a 60 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM, 8x multi-format, dual-layer DVD burner, tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless capability, multi-format, video powered by the Intel GMA 950 card with up to 128 MB of shared video RAM, and Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system. <p> The unique design of this Gateway M285-E Convertible Notebook enables it to be easily "converted" from notebook into Tablet-mode, making it ideal for the many environments where a mouse and keyboard are not practical, such as taking notes in a meeting or class as well as moving around the office, school or home. After the display has been swiveled and folded down upon the keyboard, you can write notes, draw diagrams and edit documents directly on the large 14-inch widescreen display, which provides valuable extra work space over non-widescreen displays. The display is comfortable to use since it's flush with the surrounding frame and closely resembles the size of a legal pad of paper. Also, writing is crisp thanks to the digital pen's Continuous Sensing Technology that improves accuracy. <p> <b>The Basics</b><br> <ul> <li><i>Processor:</i> The Intel Core Duo T2300E processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and generous 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) <p> Optimized for multitasking, the Intel Core Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming. <p><li><i>Hard Drive:</i> The 60 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) is on the small side when compared to full-size notebooks, but it is understandable in such a small package. <p><li><i>Memory:</i> It's loaded with 1 GB of RAM, which offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. <p><li><i>DVD/CD Drive:</i> This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features up to 8x burn speeds for single-layer DVD±R discs. </ul> <b>Screen, Video & Audio</b><br> The 14-inch WXGA TFT active-matrix screen has a 1280 x 768-pixel resolution. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. It also offers an integrated audio card and built-in Altec Lansing speakers. <p> <b>Networking, Connectivity & Expansion</b><br> This PC has an integrated tri-mode Intel 3945ABG wireless LAN, which is compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). It includes a decent offering of connectivity options: <ul> <li>3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players <li>1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals <li>1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II, CardBus support) <li>1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack <li>7-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick, MemoryStick Pro, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, xD-Picture Card, Mini Secure Digital, RS-Multimedia Card) </ul> It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems). <p> <b>Operating System</b><br> This system comes with the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system with Service Pack 2 featuring Advanced Security Technologies, which helps to reduce unwanted downloads and pop-ups while surfing the Web. It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works 8.5, which provides word processing and spreadsheet functionality right out of the box. <p> <b>Dimensions & Weight</b><br> This Tablet PC measures 13.6 x 11.1 x 1.4 inches and weighs 6.8 pounds. <p> <b>Power</b><br> It's powered by an 8-cell lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which provides between 1.5 and 3 hours of battery life depending on usage. <p> <b>What's in the Box</b><br> This package contains the M285-E Tablet PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.