Definition: Gateway Computer

(Gateway, Inc., Irvine, CA) A PC manufacturer founded in 1985 by Ted Waitt and Mike Hammond. Originally located in Sioux City, South Dakota, Gateway first sold peripherals to owners of Texas Instrument computers. In 1987, it began to offer complete systems, significantly driving down the cost of quality PCs by mail. Gateway computers were packaged in distinctive cow-spotted boxes, a nod to its farmland roots.

In 1997, Gateway acquired ALR (Advanced Logic Research), a PC company founded in 1984 and noted for its high-end machines. For a couple years at the turn of the century, the company was named Gateway 2000; later Gateway Computer and then Gateway, Inc.

In 2004, Gateway acquired privately held eMachines of Irvine, CA, a leading brand in retail stores. Gateway's own brand remained directly marketed to the customer, but was expanded to a presence at select retailers as well. For a while, plasma TVs and other consumer electronics were also added to the product line. In 2007, Gateway was acquired by Taiwan-based Acer, Inc., the second largest PC maker in the world.