Went to the Gateway website today, and couldn't find the pages for the GCT or other 'Connected Home' devices. Search function also provided nothing, except for in the Support area. Well, well, well, what's up with that? Fired up a chat session with an eSales advisor, excerpted below:
Please hold, a Gateway eSales Advisor will be with you shortly.
Brooke: Welcome to Gateway Country. My name is Brooke, and I will be your eSales advisor. How can I help you?
BubbaDog56: Where are the web pages for the Gateway Connected Touchpad? The search function comes up blank, have you stopped selling them?
Brooke: Thanks. We still offer the Connected Touchpad, but it is not online.
BubbaDog56: What is current pricing?
Brooke: $499
BubbaDog56: Why aren't they advertised anymore? Looks like they're being discontinued.
Brooke: I don't know not to my knowledge but it could be. Would you like to purchase a Connected Touchpad?
BubbaDog56: Not for $499, my last one was $199.
Brooke: There is a special for $199 for aol users so I can offer the $199 price for you.
BubbaDog56: Let me think about it, the idea that they're not being actively promoted to the general public makes me think they're on their way out. Thanks for the info, I'll be in touch.
Session closed
The bad news is it looks like they're throwing in the towel. However, the good news is it looks like they're throwing in the towel. The really good news is it looks like anyone who has already bought one can get the 'AOL User Special' for $199 just by mentioning their previous $199 purchase. Heck, probably anyone can get the $199 price now just by mentioning that their friend got one for that price. If the first associate won't give in, log off and try another. Hmmm, more dead soldiers littering the Internet Appliance battlefield, we must be winning....
B'Dog
