When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 and the Gateway 14.1", consider that the Framework is designed to be modular and upgradable, offering high performance for demanding tasks such as engineering or creative work. It comes at a higher cost but provides longevity through its upgrade options. The Gateway, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly and is sufficient for general use like web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. It is also lighter and more portable, making it a good choice if you're always on the move, but its performance for resource-intensive tasks and future upgradability will be limited. 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 14.1"
Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
5.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a high-quality CPU and more RAM, ensuring a smooth experience for a variety of tasks, and its superior screen makes it ideal for prolonged use, while its thoughtful design still maintains good portability and battery life. In contrast, the Gateway 14.1" falls short with a less capable CPU and less RAM, leading to a possible sluggish performance, and with lower screen quality, it may not be as enjoyable for media consumption or long work sessions.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
5.4/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
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 14.1" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a dedicated GPU and high screen refresh rate, making it capable for handling gaming and 3D tasks, whereas the Gateway 14.1" lacks a dedicated GPU and has a lower screen refresh rate, which limits its performance and fluidity for such intensive activities. While both have adequate CPUs and screen quality, the GPU and refresh rate are crucial for a smooth and immersive gaming or 3D experience, areas where the Framework outperforms the Gateway.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
5.5/10
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 14.1" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU, which are essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, along with a high-quality screen that provides clear and sharp visuals. On the other hand, the Gateway 14.1" has less robust components and a lower-quality display, making it less suitable for intensive tasks, although it might be more portable and quieter, which could still appeal to users with basic needs.
Content Creation
8.1/10
5.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
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 14.1" 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
5.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Gateway 14.1" 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
6.0/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.1in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Gateway 14.1" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 likely boasts a higher resolution and brightness, along with an IPS panel that provides wide viewing angles and good overall color accuracy, making it well-suited for general use and engineering tasks where details and color representation are crucial. However, its lower refresh rate is a drawback for gaming and 3D applications, which benefit from quicker screen updates for smoother motion. The Gateway 14.1", with a fair quality screen, might be adequate for general purposes and some engineering work, but its screen likely doesn’t support the wide color gamuts or the high refresh rates desired by professionals in design and 3D fields.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.1in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Gateway 14.1" has very good 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 14.1" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$99
$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 14.1" costs $99.
"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."
"The Gateway Ultra Slim 14" is surprisingly quiet with long battery life. The inexpensive Gateway excels at maximizing performance per dollar with lots of RAM and storage, super-quiet fan, and a long battery life. It can even house up to two M.2 SSDs which we weren't expecting from such a cheap system. However, the iffy reliability of the keyboard and USB-C port on our test unit means users should double-check for these potential issues immediately after purchasing."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Gateway 14.1"
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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