Laptop Thoughts: Entry Level Gateway Still Has Some Bling

"Consumers looking for an inexpensive notebook that still has a sense of style should check out the Gateway ID49C07u. Not only is its metallic lid classy, but the notebook has decent performance figures to back it up. While we wish battery life was a bit longer--and the boot time shorter--these faults are forgiveable in a system that costs less than $700. Ultimately, the ID's glowing touchpad seems a little gimmicky, but we like that Gateway tried something new on a system that isn't for the uber-rich."

I think it is a smart move when a company invest a little money in styling on even their budget line products. Besides having a product that actually works well, a consumer that has purchased your product looks at it daily, and cheap design will have them associate your company with cheap products, which is not the association you want them to have when it comes time for them to upgrade.