Gateway's new P-6860 laptop is a preconfigured model in the company's FX line, which is geared toward gamers and other heavy users. It's an excellent computer to take with you on the road, provided you'll be using it to it's fullest potential; otherwise, a less powerful, less expensive model might be in order.

The core of this system features an Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 1.86GHz processor paired with a hefty 4GB of 667MHz RAM. There are faster processors out there, but this combo gives you plenty of power for multitasking and running the latest games.

You can't really handle games without great graphics capabilities, however, and the P-6860 delivers in this regard. It features the powerful Nvidia GeForce 8800M GTS graphics card, which offers 512MB of dedicated video memory.

Most impressive, however, is the P-6860's 17-inch widescreen display. Laptop gamers usually have to sacrifice screen size for portability, but this display and its 1440X900 resolution is large enough to prevent you from having to squint to take sniper shots in first-person shooters.

The P-6860's 320GB 5,400rpm hard drive gives you plenty of storage space for game installs and multimedia file storage. The onboard optical drive is a DVD writer with Labelflash technology. This drive lets you burn to CDs, DVDs, DVD-RAM disks and dual-layer DVDs, and can also imprint monochromatic labels on compatible media, providing a professional-looking alternative to markers and stickers.

Connectivity is cutting edge, thanks to integrated 802.11b/g/n wireless, gigabit Ethernet and built-in Bluetooth. The stylish black and copper-accented FX case will impress others, and its components provide function in addition to form -- the illuminated metal multimedia keys are easy to find in the dark, and the full-sized keyboard even features a number pad.

There is also a built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam atop the display that lets you create video mail and videoconference with clients. The 5-in-1 media card reader makes it easy to transfer files and photos from the flash cards in your digital camera or PDA. The P-6860 also features a wide variety of connectivity ports, including FireWire, HDMI, and USB ports as well as an ExpressCard 54 expansion slot.

The biggest drawbacks for this laptop computer are its size and price. The P-6860 weighs in at over 9 pounds and often retails for over $1,300, so you can definitely find lighter and less expensive notebooks out there.

If you need a portable gaming system that can handle the latest 3D games and multimedia, the Gateway P-6860 FX may just be what you're seeking.


Pros: Excellent graphics, large screen
Cons: Heavy, expensive

Warranty
1 year, limited