Gateway M675 series notebook computers are a great way to escape the desk. Get outside and sit in the sun or go to your favorite coffee shop. Gateway M675 series laptops are a viable alternative to desktop computers. Almost anything you can do with a desktop you can accomplish with this laptop. Before you buy, get the information you need to determine whether Gateway M675 notebooks are your best choice.

The Gateway laptop M675 weighs 8.8 pounds and is in the category "desktop replacement." Gateway M675 series notebook computers come loaded with features like a 15.4-inch or 17-inch ultra-bright screen, 4 USB 2.0 ports, built-in stereo speakers and a hard drive of up to 120 GB. Consider the Gateway M675 notebooks and accessories you might need.

1. If you plan to travel frequently with your Gateway M675, purchase a sturdy bag designed for laptops.

2. Because the Gateway M675 comes in different models, select the version with features specific to your computing needs.

3. Large laptops like the Gateway M675 quickly drain battery power; consider purchasing an extra battery to double your unplugged time.

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

Purchase upgrade accessories to the Gateway M675 series

You can purchase Gateway M675 computer parts from many suppliers. The Gateway laptop M675 is customizable. You can put in larger hard drives and expand available RAM.

I recommend: Memory-Up.com supplies RAM chips for a Gateway M675 laptop computer and guarantees their work. Newegg Inc. upgrades the hard drive with a standard 2.5-inch diameter, .38-inch thick hard drive. At Battery Company sells batteries that will fit the M675 laptop.

Connect an LCD flat panel monitor to your Gateway M675 laptop

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 inch diagonal. If you're a confident online shopper, Buy.com Inc. offers monitors up to 20 inch diagonal.

Expand your Gateway M675 laptop with external accessories

If you purchased the Gateway M675E, you might now want 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, which 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 your Gateway M675 notebook 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 M675.