Computer maker Gateway launched a shiny new home desktop solution that can compete against the Apple iMac:
Called simply the One, the design is far sleeker than Gateway's earlier Profile systems and fits the entire design within a single metal shell just 3.6 inches deep. The entire front face is black to hide the borders of the 19-inch widescreen LCD and blend into home decor, such as the living room. The One also builds on Apple's minimalist emphasis: where the iMac plugs all cables directly into the back, the One feeds gigabit Ethernet, four USB ports, and AV ports to the external power adapter to take clutter away from the desk. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are standard and eliminate the need for a wired mouse or keyboard.
Other echoes of Apple's design are found in a slot-loading, side-mounted DVD burner as well a main casing with three USB ports, one FireWire, and audio in/out connectors. The new design has a 5-in-1 card reader and is easily opened to replace the hard drive or memory, however. Buyers can also add a mounting kit to hoist the One against a wall, or a USB TV tuner for watching live programming.
The Gateway One systems will ship in late October. Pricing starts at $1,299 for a Intel Core 2 Duo 1.5GHz, 2GB DDR2 memory, 320GB HDD and Intel X3100 IGP graphics. For $1,799 you'll get a 2GHz CPU, 3GB memory, 500GB HDD and a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 GPU. There's also a model which can only be ordered online - it features the same hardware as the base system but a 400GB HDD and a Radeon HD 2600 for $1,499.
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