Qosmio

The Qosmio Series is Toshiba's consumer-marketed line of high end desktop replacement laptops. Toshiba claims these laptops feature an involving media-oriented experience.

Previous Generation's Features

Bought in 1996 by Toshiba, the Qosmio (kwa-si-mo) firm was one of the biggest independent producers in the USA, catering to high-end media and digital usage. Previous models are distinguished by their distinctive glossy polycarbonate white shell. Due to the line's multimedia nature, models are available with Intel Pentium M processors (although newer models are available with Intel Core 2 Duo processors) and relatively powerful NVIDIA graphics cards. Some models feature Microsoft's Windows Media Center operating system and an array of A/V inputs and outputs such as S/PDIF, S-Video and D-Video outputs.

It is also worth noting that the Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 is the first production notebook made available with an HD DVD compatible drive. While the HD DVD drive is ROM, it is backward compatible, being able to burn and read both DVDs and CDs. The Qosmio G35 line also functions as a DVR as it contains an integrated TV tuner. [http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/detailed_specs/qosmio_G35-AV600.pdf]

Newest Multimedia Features

HD DVD WritingThe latest Qosmio models offer not only HD DVD reading capabilities but also writing capabilities in either 15GB or 30GB capacities. External audio/video controls have are also available to allow for one touch recording. A remote control is available to allow access within 20 feet of the laptop.

Maximum speed and compatibility:
HD DVD-R(1x)
HD DVDROM(8x)
CD-ROM (24x)
CD-R (16x)
CD-RW (4x)
DVDROM (8x)
DVD-R (4x), DVD+R (4x), DVD-RW (4x)
DVD+R (Double Layer (2.4x)), DVD-R (Double Layer (2x))
DVD+RW (4x), DVD-RAM (3x)

Current Operating System & Software

Operating System
Instead of Windows Media Center, Windows Vista Ultimate is the flavor of choice now. A wide variety of features including Aero amongst many others take advantage of the systems horsepower. Unfortunately, at the present time, there are several driver issues associated with Vista and Nvidia drivers.

Other Packaged Software
Microsoft Office Trial Home and Student 2007 Edition (60-day trial)
Microsoft Works Version 8.5
Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5 for TOSHIBA
Infineon TPM Software Professional Package 3.0
TOSHIBA ConfigFree
TOSHIBA Security Assist
TOSHIBA Disc Creator
TOSHIBA Speech System
TOSHIBA Game Console

Current Hardware

ProcessorThe latest processors used are the Intel Core 2 Duos. The highest processor offered is the Core 2.40 Duo 7200.

ChipsetThe current Qosmio chipset was chosen to be the GM965. The GM965 is one of many chipsets spawned from the Intel GMA line up.

Wireless TechnologyThe wireless technology has been upgraded from 802.11g to 802.11n

WebcamA 2MP webcam has also been added that allows for video recording and still picture recording.

GraphicsThe highest model uses the Nvidia GeForce 9700 GTS with 512 DDR2 dedicated memory, plus up to 255MB shared memory using Nvidia TurboCache technology. Thus, the total available shared graphics memory is 767MB.

MemoryDDR2 is supported for almost all new Qosmio laptops. While most Qosmios come stock with 533 MHz DDR2 RAM, they can support speeds up to 667 MHz and up to 4GB capacity. Toshiba has also began introducing DDR3 RAM (ex. in the Qosmio X305-Q701)

Surround SoundThe stereo available in the latest models involves a built in 4.1 speaker system. The Harman Kardon system includes two tweeters, two bass reflex speakers, and a sub woofer. The sound can be transferred through HDMI or a S/PDIF interface.

LCD/TVThe external TV tuner in the newest models support worldwide TV broadcasting format. The external audio/video controls allow ease of use with the TV tuner. The TV tuner is also an integrated analog and digital tuner. The LCD supports full 1080p with 1900x1200 resolution. It has an HDMI interface to support no quality loss via file compression when transferring digital media. The maximum brighntess (Cd/m2) is up to 350 Cd/m2. The contrast ratio of the LCD screen is 450:1. Also the Horizontal Viewing Angel is 140 Degrees and the Vertical Viewing Angle is 110 Degrees.

Expandability

2 Main memory slots
One PCMCIA - Type II Card Slot
ExpressCard slot
5-in-1 Media Adapter supporting Secure Digital Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMediaCard, and xD-Picture Card

Physical Dimensions/Characteristics

The newest Qosmio have dimensions of (WxDxH) 17.4" x 11.8" x 1.78" without the rubber feet attached to the bottom. These laptops generally weigh in on the upper scale of 10.6 lbs. The color has been changed from white to Cosmic black Pearl.

Known Issues

It is also worth mentioning that some of the earlier Qosmio models (F10 and G10 series) from Toshiba are plagued with chipset issues. When the unit is under considerable load for an extended period of time the video chipset on the board is known to fail causing considerable interference on this display both internal and external via VGA connector and/or complete motherboard failure. Toshiba has recalled these boards and released revised ones. Unless your board had issues before march 2007 you are responsible for the repair as their recall expired on March 24th 2007.

While Toshiba claims the battery is superb, any video games running will substantially wear the battery life down to less than one hour before needing to be plugged in. This is to be expected with high end laptops.

References

External links

* [http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/ebtext.to?page=qosmio_home Toshiba Home]
* [http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3221&review=Qosmio+G35-AV650 Notebook Review AV650]
* [http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,125429/article.html PC World Review]
* [http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,1827541,00.asp PC Mag]
* [http://www.laptopical.com/g35-av600.html Laptopical]