Gateway XHD3000 30-Inch Extreme HD LCD

Reviewed by: bertrammoshier

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: PIP, 2560x1600, multiple input

Weaknesses: Lack of Gateway taking ownership of technical issues! Software required to use monitor but it doesn't work.

Overall Evaluation: I purchased this monitor 4 days ago and have had both joy and pain with it since. Pro: I love the PIP support, such as sizing the window, moving, and transparency. While there are limits when using 2560x1600 mode, Gateway denotes these limits up front and discusses how to work around them. The 2560x1600 is wonderful. The color width / saturation could be better (e.g. like the Dell 3008WFP, but you can't have everything). The multiple input support works very nicely. The Con, though, are significant, IMHO. 1) Lacks a Media Card Reader as the Dell 3008WFP or 3007WFP provide. (Minor nit) 2) The color width / saturation is not as good as the Dell 3008WFP (which is at 117% of NTSC and shows it). (Moderate) 3) When I boot my Windows XP Pro x64 system, Windows' Plug & Play asks me to provide the "Gateway XHD3000 driver." Contacting Gateway results in talking to people who simply say "monitors don't need drivers." Yet, I keep getting this message whenever Windows scans for new hardware. So, there are two issues: (A) The software issue with the driver and (B) Gateway is unable support this monitor. After searching on my own, I found USB device drivers for the XHD3000. When I try to install the driver, Windows says it can't find the hardware associated with the software from Gateway. I pointed this out to Gateway support. Their response was to say they don't know what to say. At this point, I'm at a loss for where to go for help. Do YOU know someone at GATEWAY who is willing to take ownership of technical support? If so, please, send them my way. (Major / Critical issues) Overall: This really seems to be a 21st monitor but the support is almost 1980 Microsoft with no one wanting to take ownership and/or help.