Gateway's touch desktops get Athlon II X2, Core i3 and i5
updated 04:05 pm EDT, Wed May 19, 2010
Gateway ZX series gets faster AMD and Intel chips
Gateway in a low-key update this afternoon sped up its ZX series touchscreen all-in-ones at both the low and high ends. Leading the group is the 23-inch ZX6900, which now has at least a 2.93GHz Core i3 dual-core processor and an optional version with a 3.2GHz Core i5. The desktop comes saddled with Intel's integrated graphics but does tout 4GB of RAM, 640GB of hard drive space and a 4X Blu-ray combo drive.
The base Core i3 system is already shipping and costs $1,020. The Core i5 model will add a TV tuner when it ships in June but hasn't been given other details or a price.
Less demanding users get the 20-inch ZX4300, which becomes the first Gateway all-in-one with an Athlon 64 X2. A 2.7GHz version of AMD's chip makes it less powerful in raw CPU power, but it makes up for this with faster Radeon HD 4270 integrated video as well as the same amount of RAM and storage as its larger counterpart. A switch to a DVD burner helps trim costs.
The stock ZX4300 is due the first week of June for $750 and will be followed in July by faster versions with TV tuners.
