In short: A netbook with AMD/ATI instead of the usual Atom/GMA950 combination that’s actually better than the norm in most aspects.

Are you just fed up with the fact that all the mini laptops are using the Atom processor to power their laptops? Well, here is a rebelliously different kid on the block- the Gateway LT3100 series. While the 1.2GHz single core AMD processor doesn’t sound revolutionizing on paper, it is actually ahead of the 1.6GHz Atom in several aspects, not least by being 64-bit capable. Embedding all this in a 11.6 inch package and at a competitive price tag of about $400 will definitely find the Gateway LT3103u/LT3114u competitively placed in the netbook market (not sure I’d call this a netbook even).

Couple the interesting choice of processor with 2GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard disk and you have a pretty slick mini notebook to reckon with. Getting interested? Well, yes, I know. This is exactly what happened to us when we first noticed the peculiar specs of the Gateway LT3100 series netbooks.  Windows Vista comes standard with the laptop, mostly due to the restrictions on XP OEM installations that Microsoft does not allow on systems with more than 1GB. If you can hold out for Windows 7, that would arguably suit this one better, since it’s far more optimized for low-end systems compared to Vista. Update: I have upgraded to Windows 7 now, and after some initial driver issues it now runs great! (had to install driver in Vista compatibility mode).

Weighing in at 3.14 pounds and being about an inch thick at its thickest part, the Gateway LT3103 is definitely one of the most compact, portable and power-packed netbooks in the market today. Naturally it comes with all the other standard features like Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (unfortunately not draft-n) and Ethernet, plus a VGA port to connect with an external monitor or TV. There’s no HDMI port, however, but that was hardly expected on such a cost-effective system. You also get a webcam – a standard feature in the Gateway LT3100 series.

While most netbook users are seen cribbing about low-res, tiny screens, the Gateway LT sports an 11.6-inch screen at a very pleasant 1366×768, i.e., HD capable. High-res graphics are better suited for this baby than any other netbook currently on the market, much thanks to the improved graphics capabilities. Compared to Atom netbooks, the LT3103 tackles 720p HD with efficiency. The LED back-lit “Ultrabright” screen, with a ratio of 16:9 makes Gateway LT3103 one of the most enjoyable small notebooks for a multimedia experience, and possibly even some games.

The Gateway comes equipped with integrated ATI Radeon™ X1270 Graphics, which takes the graphics capabilities of this notebook to a new level. While it is certainly no gaming GPU, it outperforms Intel’s GMA950 found in 99% of all other netbooks.  All of these enhancements are bound to consume a little more current,  but Gateway takes care of that too, by supplying a 6 cell battery, which can last up to 5 hours. 5 hours is a pretty good time, considering that the laptop is equipped with a 64-bit processor and a pretty decent graphics card. Update: The battery life in Windows 7 was even better – reaching about 5:20 in power-saving mode.

Windows Experience Index Score (Windows 7):

So, there you have it–a rebellious mini notebook with a 64 bit AMD single core processor, minus the mundane Atom processor that is a part of almost every other netbook in the market. At less than $400, I’d say that this is one of the best choices right now if you’re in the market for a cheap netbook/ultraportable hybrid with above-average screen and performance.