Low cost Tablet PC convertible with big screen
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

[Note: it appears that as of Dec 2005, the Gateway M275 has been replaced by the company's CX200 tablet PC convertible. Too bad both are not available as they are very different machines.] Much to its credit, Gateway offers its own Tablet PC Convertible with the large-screen (14.1") M275 Series. This is a full-function notebook that can accommodate different speed processors and a variety of internal optical drives, but still comes with a pivot screen hinge that lets you use the M275 as a tablet. Weighing in at 5.7 pounds, the M275 is light (and very thin) for a notebook, but a bit of a handful as a slate. As you'd expect, this machine offers excellent connectivity including multiple format card readers. However, there is no Bluetooth or Gigabit LAN, and the big 14.1" display offers the same XGA resolution as smaller tablets. Still, the M275 is a good option for those who want an economical Gateway notebook with a big screen and an internal optical drive, but also want to explore pen and ink functionality.