Gateway M305XL PC Notebook

Pros: Good price point, nice performance.
Cons: Absolutely awful support, and not what is promised even with the upgraded support agreement.

I had recently purchased a Gateway 305XL from the local Gateway store. The price seemed acceptable 999.00 and with 512 GB of memory a 2.4Ghz P4 processor, CD-RW/DVD-ROM it seemed like a good deal.

I attempted to perform a system restore using the supplied disks as I wanted to start with a very clean machine (minus all the other apps they tend to throw on), and encountered a critical stop error (aka Blue Screen of Death). Tech support identified the problem as a defective system and said it would need to be replaced.

Long story short, even though I had purchased next day-on-site parts and labor warranty, it would be 7 - 10 days before I could get a replacement. I inquired how long it would be should this be a more minor issue, such as a bad hard drive. Even with my "next day/on site" support I was quoted 3-5 days before the part would be to me.

I have had clients that swear by Gateway, but based on my support experience I would not recommend them at all, if you need a rapid repair.

Pros: price
Cons: defective screen non-existent customer service

I recently purchased this computer and immediately noticed a defect on the screen. There is a white or bright spot about 2 inches to the right of center. I called Gateway and after an hour on the phone I was told that this is an acceptable defect. I purchased this computer over many others because I did not expect defects from Gateway, then to be told that it is a defect but is acceptable, is very upsetting. I wanted to exchange the computer, but they would not do it. I asked about returning it, and they said I would have to pay a 15% restocking fee - $150.00. I had the computer for less than an hour when I noticed the problem, and have been on the phone with Gateway 12 times totalling 4 hours, with no resolution. They told me this is a very common problem, so they consider it an "acceptable defect". I expected better customer service!