Expanding its LT series of netbooks, Gateway - an Acer subsidiary and one of the foremost vendors of personal computer systems - has announced the launch of a new, ultra-portable computer system - the LT2000 netbooks.

The 2.6 pounds 'lightweight' and highly portable LT2000 is based on Intel's successful Atom platform, and runs the Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Home - Service Pack 3.

With the San Jose, California-based Gateway aiming at providing users with almost the same basic configuration as most netbooks, the LT2000 features a 10.1-inch WSVGA 16:9 ratio TFT LCD; Mobile Intel 945GSE Express Chipset; 1024MB DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM; 160GB SATA 5,400RPM Hard Drive; Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950; 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and an integrated Web Camera.

In addition, the new netbook form Gateway also boasts of a multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader; a multi-gesture trackpad; two Built-in Stereo Speakers; three USB 2.0 Ports; and a 3-cell Li-ion Battery.

Talking about the $299.99-priced LT2000 netbook - which is currently available in two colors: black and cherry red - Gateway's Senior Product Marketing Manager, Ray Sawall, said: "The new sleek Gateway LT2000 netbooks let customers do more with their time on the go-from enjoying the Internet to video chatting and staying in touch via email and social networks. The expressive design is modern and stylish, looking perfect whether it's used for work or play."