If you need a laptop that can handle demanding tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, and you're willing to invest more, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is a better choice due to its higher performance capabilities. The Gateway 11.6", on the other hand, is more affordable, highly portable, and suitable for general use such as web browsing, word processing, and video streaming, but it may struggle with more intensive applications. The Framework also offers better battery life and is easier to upgrade or repair, making it a long-term investment. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 11.6"
Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
5.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.1/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a powerful CPU and ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast operation for everyday tasks, with a high-quality screen that enhances the viewing experience; it balances portability with longer battery life. In contrast, the Gateway 11.6" may struggle with performance due to a less powerful CPU and lower RAM, and its smaller screen can limit the overall user experience, though it is more lightweight and could be easier to carry around.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
5.4/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, making it better suited for gaming and 3D applications than the Gateway 11.6", which has a less capable GPU and lower refresh rate, resulting in poorer performance in those areas. Additionally, the Framework's superior CPU and screen quality further enhance its gaming and 3D capabilities relative to the Gateway.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
5.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a robust CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU which are crucial for demanding tasks in engineering and design, as well as a high-quality screen for detailed visuals. On the other hand, the Gateway 11.6" has more modest specifications that may struggle with intensive software and workflows, and its smaller display isn't as suitable for precision work, even though it is more portable and quieter.
Content Creation
8.1/10
5.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.0/10
5.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
5.7/10
16.0in
SIZE
11.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Gateway 11.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its higher resolution and brighter display, offers a vivid and sharp image quality that enhances the experience for general use and is beneficial for engineering and design work by providing clearer detail and more screen real estate. Its screen likely covers a broader spectrum of color gamuts, improving color accuracy and range which is essential for professional design tasks. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fast motion is common, the lower refresh rate negatively affects the smoothness of motion on screen, compared to displays designed for these uses.
Portability
Good
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
11.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Gateway 11.6" has excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
5.1/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Gateway 11.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$89
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Gateway 11.6" costs $89.
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Gateway 11.6"
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
About Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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