Gateway introduced their new Gateway CX2600 series convertible notebook, giving users the much-needed combination of performance and convenience. At sub-$1,400 prices, Gateway looks like they have a winner.

With a 14" display and extended battery life of up to five hours with standard 8-cell battery, users can look forward to a dedicated companion by their side. In the laptop mode, you use the keyboard for input. To get it into Tablet PC mode, swivel the display and fold it down on the keyboard, and the display orientation also changes, allowing you to use the digital pen for input. Take down notes, drawings, send handwritten e-mail - you get the idea.

Running Windows XP Tablet PC version, the Gateway CX2600 convertible comes with useful bundled software such as Microsoft's popular OneNote (a $99 value), allowing the user to capture, organize and share written and voice-recorded notes. Other features include an Intel Pentium M processor, 5-in-1 digital media reader three USB 2.0 and one IEEE 1394 port.

Prices start from under $1,400 and are available from Gateway's website.