Review of the Gateway Notebook LT3103

The Gateway Notebook LT3103 is a strong contender among the current choices in netbook computing. The netbook is the latest phenomenon to succeed for those seeking a very portable-yet fully functional-computing device; it's perhaps what prompted Apple to invent the iPad. Yet, netbooks still stand on their own.

In getting back to basics, a netbook is simply a mini-laptop. It's speed is often slower, and it's storage capacity is often significantly less. Yet, it's small and lightweight, allowing people to easily take a netbook in places where a regular laptop is just too bulky. Although it's not exactly feasible to download iTunes to the average netbook, you can store documents and access the internet easily.

I recently acquired the Gateway Netbook LT3103 model. My computer died at an inopportune time, and I wasn't then able to buy a replacement full-sized laptop. This netbook fulfilled my needs perfectly. I work from home on my computer, writing and editing articles and books. The netbook allowed me to complete all of these tasks. It was, as it turns out, a very good choice for taking to coffee houses and the library as well.

The Gateway Notebook LT3103 has an 11.6-inch screen. It offers a LED backlit display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366 x 768 resolution. It weighs 3.04 pounds, perhaps one of its most convenient features. These are all great assets to the product. They are similar to other netbooks in the consumer category, but its keyboard is a bit more roomy than others with a similar price point.

Although the keyboard on Model LT3103 is a bit larger than is offered on some other netbooks, it's still on the small size. That's appropriate for the size of the computer, but it can be difficult for fast typists who want to speed through typing, yet get a bit stuck on the smaller keyboard. I also had keys that would sometimes stick. Even though this issue isn't often reported among users, it was a problem for me.

This Gateway netbook version has a speed of 1.2GHz. Video editing and gaming shouldn't be attempted unless you have lots of patience, but it's ideal for word processing, surfing the internet, and watching some YouTube videos. It includes an installed Windows Vista Home Basic running system.

On the whole, the Gateway Netbook LT3103 is a worthwhile investment, even if you only plan on using it on the go. It is Wi-fi endabled (as is almost any laptop or netbook). You'll be happy if you aim to surf the internet and do lighter computing tasks.