Gateway has refreshed its NV notebook series, delivering AMD's Brazos platform in a full size mobile package. The 15.6-inch NV51B0u represents the line's flagship system and is priced at only $469.99, which gets you a 1.6GHz dual-core E-350 Fusion APU with a Radeon HD 6310 IGP. A second system, the NV51B08u, is even cheaper at $399.99 and is powered by the 1GHz dual-core C-50 processor and HD 6250 graphics.
The pricier unit packs a 1366x768 LED-backlit display, 3GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, an 8x DVD burner, a 2-in-1 memory card reader, three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and VGA outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. There's also a 1.3MP webcam, a mic, and a full-sized keyboard alongside a multi-gesture touchpad. The system is outfitted with a six-cell battery, which keeps the gears turning for about 4.7 hours.
Preloaded software includes Windows 7 Home Premium, Microsoft Office Starter 2010, a 60-day trial of Norton Internet Security, Adobe Reader and Flash Player, as well as Gateway's power management and drive backup features. We assume most if not all of those specs carry over to the $399.99 model as Gateway hasn't highlighted the differences. Machines come with a one-year warranty and should be available now.