Gateway Takes a Shot at Cameras

Gateway has introduced its first digital cameras, unveiling four models as part of its ongoing strategy to boost its stake in the consumer electronics market.

The new cameras consist of two M-series models for first-time digital camera users and two T-series units for experienced users, says Matt Milne, Gateway's general manager of digital solutions. Prices range from $130 to $400.

Gateway hopes to compete against established digital camera vendors by selling cameras with midrange features at prices below the market average, Milne says.

T-Series Entries

On the feature-rich side, Gateway is positioning its new T-series cameras for use by photographers with digital picture-taking experience, Milne says.

The DC-T20 is more compact than the M-series cameras, measuring 3.2 inches wide by 2.4 inches high by 0.9 inches thick. It weighs 3.9 ounces (without batteries or a media card).

The 2-megapixel DC-T20 costs $130 and comes with a 1.5-inch LCD, 8MB of internal memory, and a slot for an optional SD media card.

The 5-megapixel DC-T50, which is larger than the T20, comes with a 3X optical zoom, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a charger, a 32MB SD card, and a 1.6-inch LCD. It measures 3.7 inches wide by 1.4 inches high by 2.3 inches thick, weighs 6.3 ounces (without batteries and media card), and costs $400.

M-Series Specs

On the low end are the M-series cameras, which are intended for first-time camera buyers who don't require advanced features or compact design, Milne says.

The 5-megapixel DC-M50, priced at $300, is equipped with a 3X optical zoom and a 1.8-inch LCD for viewing pictures. The 4-megapixel DC-M40 costs $200 with a slightly smaller 1.6-inch LCD.

The M40 measures 4.7 inches wide by 2.6 inches high by 1.9 inches deep, and weighs 8.6 ounces (without batteries and media card). The M50 measures 4.6 inches wide by 2.9 inches high by 2.4 inches thick, and weighs 9.5 ounces (without batteries and media card).

Both M-series cameras have a slot for a CompactFlash media card but are not bundled with one. CompactFlash card capacities vary; a typical 128MB CompactFlash card costs about $30.

Consumer Focus

Gateway will sell the cameras through its Web site and retail stores, and will continue to sell cameras from other vendors in both locations, Milne says.

The cameras are part of Gateway's campaign to introduce 50 new products during the year.

As Gateway has struggled in the competitive PC market over the last year, it has focused on faster-growing markets such as digital cameras and plasma televisions to help boost its revenue.

The company has also introduced new servers and storage devices, but its plan to release a personal digital assistant has been delayed.