Gateway 200 series notebook computers launched in 2002, weighing just 3 pounds and costing around $2000, including a portable docking station. Gateway 200 series notebook computers feature a Pentium-III M processor, two USB 1.1 ports, one PC card slot and built-in wireless.

Since Gateway 200 series notebook computers are out of production, it's a little more difficult, but much more economical to buy Gateway 200 series notebooks. You can also make several easy improvements to the Gateway 200 notebooks, such as swapping out a longer-lasting battery for around $150 to upgrade your battery life from less than 3 hours to 7 hours or more.

When shopping for Gateway 200 series notebook computers, remember the following:

1. Search distributors of Gateway computers for refurbished older models.

2. Get support and upgrade recommendations from Gateway and shop for memory upgrades.

3. Get replacement parts from computer parts and accessories distributors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for Gateway 200 series notebooks from Gateway distributors

While you may not be able to buy Gateway 200e laptops or Gateway 200xl series laptops from Gateway directly, you can look for them at retailers of Gateway computers. Retailers may have older Gateway models on clearance or available refurbished.

I recommend: CompUSA sells refurbished Gateway computers and may have the Gateway 200e laptop computers or Gateway 200x laptops you're looking for. You can also search Manufacturer.com for any model of Gateway computer and find listings from retailers and distributors who have the model in stock.

Get support and upgrades for Gateway 200 series notebooks

If your business already owns a Gateway 200 series laptop or you find one to buy, the Gateway 200e notebooks or Gateway 200x series laptops will be most useful if you get some recommended upgrades. Memory is the most important upgrade to get, and is easy to find for any model of laptop computer.

I recommend: Gateway Support recommends certain upgrades for the Gateway 200e laptop computers and other models. You can also search for memory upgrades for any model, including Gateway 200e laptops and Gateway 200xl laptop models, at Memory Ten.

Get replacement parts for Gateway 200 series notebooks

If you're refurbishing a Gateway notebook or if your business has a Gateway 200 series computer that needs a replacement part, you can find parts from any of several computer parts distributors. Screens, batteries, memory and other parts are typically available for Gateway 200 series notebooks.

I recommend: ScreenTek sells screens for Gateway 200e notebooks and other models of Gateway laptop, which is one part you'll likely need to replace eventually in an older laptop. You can also search for Gateway parts or parts compatible with your Gateway notebook at Mundo Corp.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to sell your Gateway notebook instead of upgrading it, look for a reseller of refurbished Gateway 200 series notebook computers. You may also want to sell the notebook for parts resale to a parts distributor.