Gateway M520 XL PC Notebook

Pros: Good looking machine, when it works right, its a pretty good notebook
Cons: On/Off button stuck after only 8 months of use.

I have had this computer for 8 months and It's already in the shop to be fixed, I called Gateway and they gave me the run around, on top of being rude, I have never been treated so hateful on the phone. I have a Compaq Presario and get better service ...

Pros: In the short time that it worked properly, it was a speedy machine.
Cons: See review. Overheats, bad AC Adaptor. Also, dim screen on battery power, can't be adjusted.

I will never again buy any Gateway product. Their customer service was AWFUL from day one. The M520 laptop has KNOWN problems that you can find documented repeatedly if you do some Internet research. Unfortunately, I didn't know this when I bought ...

Pros: Wide screen and quality LCD, Fast, Quick boot up
Cons: (Gateway + Windows XP) software. Recovery procedure sucks!

This laptop is the cheapest among its competitors. I bought this one from Bestbuy for $950.00. I had really hard time with gateway supplied Windows XP operating system. What I did was this. I tried to use recovery procedure to check how well it works. ...

Pros: Price compared to specs, big screen
Cons: Gateway's customer support, often a little testy to start up.

After a five-month-long process to receive my laptop computer (which included filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau) I have not been especially impressed with the Gateway 520XL. It's cheaper than most other laptops with its specifications, which is inviting, however if you aren't a computer-savvy individual, you will likely struggle to get this machine to work the way you want it. The screen will often not light up when I open the machine, it doesn't deal well with Adobe pdf files and whenever Windows XP boots up it greets me with "Preparing to Hibernate". It doesn't run badly once it gets going, however it can take a little prodding, and if you're not too familiar with computers, it could cause you some problems. Also, I've found both Gateway's ordering process and customer support to be atrocious. They sent me the incorrect computer twice, then sent me a laptop with a broken keyboard, and refused to compensate me at all until I took the issue to the BBB.

Pros: Does a passable job for most users.
Cons: Any glitch will subject you to MADDENING customer service!

The system isn't that bad: too many 'Windows Did Not Start Properly' messages, the screen loosened quickly and flops around and the a/c power supply plug looses its connection too easily which is a problem when the battery is worthless (2nd warranty battery!)...

The REAL problem with Gateway is customer service and their disinterest in getting the job done. My computer has been at their service center several times and, since the last return, I haven't seen it in almost 6 weeks!!! Ok, it was returned by Fedex after the box was damaged BUT Gateway hasn't bothered to even look at it for 10 days, can't find it, need to research it, want me to call back in 72 hours, etc., just a run-around. Then they don't take notes so every person you speak with is clueless all over again. It's the little things that make me crazy, like being told the computer couldn't ship this week because of CHINESE NEW YEAR! Well, Mardi Gras is next, then Lent... will I ever see my laptop again???

AVOID GATEWAY IF YOU DON'T LIKE HOLD AND NONEXISTENT SERVICE!

Pros: Worked for about one and a half years.
Cons: Warranty expired before failure.

The power connector on the motherboard will go up in flames if you move the power cord to often. I am not the only person to complain of this problem on the internet. Gateway will not sell me a replacement motherboard. The said that I can send them my computer and they will replace the motherboard for $300. I will not buy another Gateway.

Pros: Fast, lots of memory, sleek looking.
Cons: The battery does not last very long when its not plugged in.

I just recently bought the laptop and I am enjoying it. I use it for music and playing some games. I am enjoying so far and appreciate all of its features.

I would recommend for other who prefer to have a large hard drive and speed to purchase this notebook.