It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a top of the line laptop, the Gateway 600 series is best. If you're just looking for a simple computer that you'll usually have plugged in, a 400 series will do. Now, if you need that, but need to be more mobile, the a 450 series is your best bet Here are some breakdowns of some nicely priced systems:
600X: $1999
2.2ghz Mobile P4
512mb DDR Ram
40gb HD
Modular 24x/10x/24x CDRW and 8x DVD combo drive
15.7" SXGA TFT Active Matrix
ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 w/ 64MB DDR video memory
SoundBlaster Pro Compatible Sound & Stereo Speakers, Internal Microphone, Headphone/Speaker Jack, Line-In and Line-Out Mic Jacks, Optical Out
Integrated 56k modem and Intel 10/100 Network Card
400XL: $1699
2.5ghz Desktop P4
512mb DDR Ram
60gb HD
Integrated 24x/10x/24x CDRW / 8X DVD Combo
15" XGA TFT Active Matrix
ATI Mobility Radeon w/ 32MB DDR Video Memory
Integrated Sound and Stereo Speakers, Headphone/Speaker Jack, Line-in and Line-out Mic Jacks
Integrated 56k modem and Intel 10/100 Network Card
The only upgrade I suggest on either laptop is a warranty upgrade To upgrade to a 3 year warranty is only $119 on both systems. You'll need to add $54 for shipping on both systems. AFAIK, all Gateway Country Stores should have the 400XL in stock right now, so if you wanted to skip the shipping all together, that's your best bet.
Hope that helps
Ryan
Solutions Advisor @ Gateway Country