Gateway M405 series notebook computers may be your gateway into the world of mobile computing, freeing yourself from your basement or office. Gateway M405 notebook computers are a viable alternative to a desktop computer. Before you buy, get the information you need to determine whether Gateway M405 notebooks are your best choice.

The Gateway laptop M405 is a medium-sized laptop, weighing in at 6.4 pounds. Don't let the small size fool you; Gateway M405 series notebook computers come loaded with features like a 14-inch or 15-inch ultra-bright screen, 2 USB 2.0 ports, built-in stereo speakers and a hard drive of 40 GB. Before you buy, consider the Gateway M405 notebooks and accessories you might need.

1. Add RAM to your Gateway M405 to give it an inexpensive speed boost.

2. Purchase either an extended life Gateway M405 battery or an external battery.

3. Select the Gateway M405 features specific to your computing needs.

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

Purchase upgrade accessories to Gateway M405 notebooks

Gateway M405 computers are customizable. You can put in larger hard drives and expand available RAM. You can also purchase an extra battery to double your unplugged time.

I recommend: Purchase Gateway M405 computer parts from many suppliers. Memory-Up.com supplies RAM for Gateway M405 laptop computers and guarantees their work. You can upgrade the hard drive with a standard 2.5-inch diameter, 9.5 mm thick hard drive through Newegg Inc. At Battery Company sells batteries that will fit the M405 laptop.

Connect an LCD flat panel monitor to your Gateway M405 notebook

When you're in your office or at home, you might find it easier to work if you have a large monitor, which reduces eye strain over long-periods.

I recommend: If you want to see and touch your monitor before you purchase it, Best Buy sells flat panel monitors up to 19" diagonal for under $200. If you're a confident online shopper, Buy.com Inc. offers monitors up to 20" diagonal for under $200.

Expand your Gateway M405 laptop through external accessories

If you purchased the M405CS, consider adding an external DVD burner to burn your home movies or make backups of your personal DVDs. You may also find that when you aren't mobile, the laptop is easier to use connected to a mouse and external keyboard.

I recommend: TigerDirect sells many DVD burners, including those with Lightscribe capabilities (the ability to create images on specially prepared DVDs). Super Warehouse offers a wireless keyboard and mouse combo. The devices communicate to the laptop via an RF receiver connected to the laptop's USB port.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you shop for Gateway M405 series notebooks online, read all the consumer reviews you can find. Learning about everyday users' experiences will help you determine the specifics you'll need in your own Gateway model M405.