Toshiba's oversized Qosmio G20 laptop

Toshiba's pushing a new, very large, very shiny desktop-replacement laptop, the Qosmio G20.  The stand-out feature is a 17-inch WXGA screen which, curiously, has a resolution of (only) 1440x900 (a little higher wouldn't have killed 'em). Other features include a 128MB Geforce 6600 graphics card, a choice of either a 1.86Ghz or 1.73GHz Pentium M CPU, a SATA HDD in either 160GB or 200GB capacities, and 512MB of RAM standard on both models.  The Qosmio also comes with an integrated TV tuner, along with a remote.  No word on a price or release date yet, at least none that we can dig up.

[Via Akihabara News]

[Alexandre Ludolf @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

i think it�s really yummy!

but i don�t even want to guess the price

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

But the dumb part is it's running XP Home! Why not Media Center 2005?? It's got a TV tuner, it's got a massive hard drive, it's obviously intended for that sort of thing. It's not as if MCE is massively more expensive (what, $25 more or so?) - would it have killed them to include it?

A machine like this running MCE, I could see being pretty cool. I think HP makes a monster like this running MCE. XP Home just means you're not taking full advantage of all that hardware you're paying so dearly for (both in price and in terms of weight and bulk).

[Henrik @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

A bit cheap on RAM and disk, 1024-2048 MB RAM and a 400 GB disk wouldn't have killed 'em either. Also, what is the deal with only two trackpad buttons? Why not three buttons and a scroll wheel. Cheap.

[Justin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Why do people want such high res. On my 20" iMac, the highest setting, 1600 x something is just too freaking small. Unless you're watching movies or something, but even still.. 1400 would be perfect.

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

#2, that is one of the most poorly thought-out posts I have ever seen here. I'm talking about including an OS that is actually capable of utilizing the hardware that's included with the machine, vs. one that isn't. You're just talking a bunch of nonsense.

[Sydd @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

RE: Why not Media Center?
Using XP Home allows them to create their own media center system. The XP media center does not support HD and is all-around lame. It's quite possible that the inclusion of XP Home means that toshiba is bringing it's dvr expertise to the windows platform for this series. Frankly, Toshiba could do a better job of providing integrated dvr than Microsoft.

[Adam @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Shiny.

Me like.

[Gazza @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Its out is Australia already for $5999 OZ (so about $4700US which will translate to about $3999RRP). the ozzie spek one has a 2ghz 760 PM processor and 1GB ram standard.

yeah...its BIG!!!! oh...battery life is about 1hr!

and the ozzie one runs Media Centre.

[Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Bah!

OK, I like the slot loading optical drive, but BAH!

You want a powerful DTR? Try a Sager 9860 from PC Torque.

See the review for it here (and keep in mind that some new options have been added since the review): http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=49132

Go to http://www.pctorque.com to see all the options for the 9860.


Now THAT's a laptop, and nothing can beat it.


PC Torque also offers really nice custom paintjobs, but they've recently moved from Florida to Texas (so it may be a couple months before they offer the paintjob option again).


I don't work for PC Torque, but they sell great computers, they offer excellent customer service, good pricing on their systems, and they run http://notebookforums.com, which not only shows their passion and commitment to the products they sell and to the mobile market in general, but also serves as a major benefit for anyone searching for a great place to talk about their laptops with others (of all brands, not just Sagers) and that offers a lot of information and support.

I wanted to mention the Sager 9860 so that others reading about this new Toshiba, are aware of an even better DTR option out there, along with one of the best places I know of to buy it.

[Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I have to correct the Notebook Forum link I listed above...

It's http://notebookforums.com

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Big Deal. I have the current 17 inch one and the video from the tuner looks like pure crap. when you switch to tuner mode or to online features in media center the screen looks extremely unclear, and watching tv in media center has bars on the side, but there arent any when using it in off mode where its just turned on to be in tv independant of the os.

[Right @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

There's no such thing as a desktop replacement in the form of a laptop.

[Henrik @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

#4, my #2 post is referring to the original article, not your #1 post.

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

1. It doesn't run Windows MCE but it comes with Toshiba's proprietary QosmioPlayer software which allows TV/DVD viewing and recording with the computer power off.

2. The HDD capacity you quote is provided by two HDDs in RAID config (2 x 80GB or 2 x 100GB)- not one as you suggest.

3. Expected street prices in Japan are approx US$3600.

[Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

"There's no such thing as a desktop replacement in the form of a laptop."


You obviously didn't read my post above or check out any of the links. There is indeed a DTR in the form of a laptop. It's called the Sager 9860.

Check out the links I posted, familiarize yourself with the system and you'll change your viewpoint.

[Right @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

#14, all you have to do is look at the pricing to see why that is not a desktop replacement. And with 1 hour of battery time, it's useless as far as mobility is concerned.

For 2,300 dollars, I could build a desktop with much better stats than that supposed DTR. 40 GB hard drive even? Come on.

[Suntiger @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Re the Sager: Right, anyone who can afford to blow $4700 on the tricked version of that laptop can afford extra batteries. And don't look at the base specs, look at it maxed out.

[vjmurphy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Toshiba's silliness in sticking with a 1440x900 screen is just insane. When one of my older Toshiba laptops died recently, I was offered one of the Qosmios as a replacement. But the older laptop had a 1600x1200 screen, while the replacement they offered was just 1440x900, which was a dealbreaker (plus the thing ran more slowly than the 2 year old laptop it was replacing).

Got a Sony Vaio, instead, with a 1920x1200 screen: the extra real estate really helps, and DVDs look great on it.

Toshiba's laptops have really fallen behind in recent years. They need to do better than this to catch up.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

To Justin: Regarding "Why people want such high res"...your 20" Mac has a CRT I'm willing to bet. CRT screens get a lot harder to read at higher res. LCD screens are a whole different story. My laptop has a 15" LCD and runs at 1400x1050 (SXGA+) and it could *still* stand to be a bit higher res. A 17" LCD should run natively at 1920x1200 or so to be perfect.

[Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

"#14, all you have to do is look at the pricing to see why that is not a desktop replacement. And with 1 hour of battery time, it's useless as far as mobility is concerned.

For 2,300 dollars, I could build a desktop with much better stats than that supposed DTR. 40 GB hard drive even? Come on."

What does the price have to do with anything? You could make your dollars stretch much further with any desktop than you could with any laptop, so that goes without saying, and therefore isn't the point. The point is the technology. Of course DTRs are going to be expensive. You're stuffing desktop technology into a small laptop chassis. Miniaturization costs.

The battery life does stink on the Sager. The processor won't even run at full speed on the battery, because the system is a true DTR with a desktop processor and requires more power than the battery can deliver while the proc runs at full steam. But that's the price you pay for a DTR laptop. Battery technology just hasn't progressed enough yet. (In a couple of years, this will be another story altogether, but I digress). The Sager is a system meant to be plugged in, so it's not something you're going to be using while sitting in a park and listening to the birdies. That isn't the intended purpose of the 9860. People who buy this Sager are looking for a computer they can easily move around that offers true desktop power in a laptop form factor.

As far as the HDD capacity is concerned, you can buy a desktop with a 40GB HDD, too, but again, that's neither here nor there. You're talking as though 40GB is the only option. Did you even bother to go beyond the first page of the configurator? The point there is, that the Sager can be configured with up to 200GB.

[Sebhelyesfarku @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Z you stupid shill for pctorque.

[Right @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Of course it can be configured higher, what decent computer can't be.

My point was that there is no laptop that can truely replace a desktop and this holds true. If we're talking upgradeability, reliability, etc, you can not beat a desktop.

If size is a problem, there are plenty of mini pc's out there, a shuttle and lcd monitor will fit in the same footprint as most DTR's, not to mention the Mac mini is Mac's are your thing.

Price is as relevant as anything else when discussing anything material.

If you're just talking power, then sure, that laptop is certainly a cut above the rest. Probably better than most people's PC's, but in the end, a true desktop can do things that laptop can not.

If your goal is to have a computer in a package you can move from room to room in a moments notice, then perhaps that is indeed the laptop for you.

[klinux @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Hi Chris, you are obviously a troll (20" iMac as CRT?).

But I will play along, I too wish to have a 1920x1080 resolution on my 7" DVD player too.

[Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

"Z you stupid shill for pctorque."

Stupid shill? Naaaah. Just enthusiastic about their products. It's OK for a person to support something they like, isn't it? There must be something out there that you like and support. Would that make you stupid shill, too? Hmmm...

Anyway, "Sebhelyesfarku", or "Right", or whatever name you choose to go by the next time you come in here, we all know it's you.

You're an angry little fellow, aren't you?

Be cool. Life's too short.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Hi klinux, nope, not trolling, I just read "iMac" as "Mac". So if "Justin" has and 20" LCD in his iMac and 1600 is too hard for him to read then perhaps he needs glasses, as I run 1400 on a 15" LCD and it's quite readable.

What exactly are you "playing along" with?

[Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Not that anyone cares, but I think that 1440x900 is properly called wxga+, since wxga is 1280x768 or 1280x800. Though apparently naming standards are different between notebooks screens and plasma TVs. But that's according to TigerDirect: http://static.tigerdirect.com/html/screen-resolution-article.html. And how depressing is it that the best summary I could find of this is TigerDirect.

Slow day at work.

[Right @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Now you're just being paranoid, I only post by one name buddy.

[Z @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

"Of course it can be configured higher, what decent computer can't be."

Well if you understand this, then why were you making it sound earlier as though 40GB was the only HDD option for the Sager?


"My point was that there is no laptop that can truely replace a desktop and this holds true. If we're talking upgradeability, reliability, etc, you can not beat a desktop."

I wouldn't say that desktops are any more reliable than laptops these days. Sure, desktops are more easily upgradeable, but you're comparing apples and oranges. They both have their unique properties. The idea behind calling a laptop a DTR, is a reference to a laptop's power and capability, otherwise, you're just engaging yourself in a circular argument, because a laptop is a laptop, and a desktop is a desktop. This should be obvious to you.


"If size is a problem, there are plenty of mini pc's out there, a shuttle and lcd monitor will fit in the same footprint as most DTR's, not to mention the Mac mini is Mac's are your thing."

Yes, but these systems have nothing to do with what we're talking about, besides, you can't pick up several components and hall them around as easily and compactly like you can a laptop.


"Price is as relevant as anything else when discussing anything material."

Not when you're comparing apples and oranges. You were trying to make an argument that you could build a desktop for cheaper than a laptop, when this wouldn't even qualify as a fair argument, because once again, desktops and laptops are two different things - apples and oranges. Laptops are more expensive because more of the technology is more advanced than what you'd find in a desktop given the miniaturization of its components. Miniaturization costs. Do you remember my previous comments earlier in this thread?


"If you're just talking power, then sure, that laptop is certainly a cut above the rest. Probably better than most people's PC's, but in the end, a true desktop can do things that laptop can not."

Like what?


"If your goal is to have a computer in a package you can move from room to room in a moments notice, then perhaps that is indeed the laptop for you."

Any laptop would fit the bill if the above statement holds true for anyone. That's what makes laptops so cool.


"Now you're just being paranoid, I only post by one name buddy."

Yeah, Riiiiight, lol...

[Amy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Hi I was looking for some advice. I currently have a TECRA that works ok but I wanted to upgrade to something better/flashier. I came across the Qosmio G20 and feel in love; due to the various features portibility- 160GB HD,1GB RAM, dual layer combo burner, etc.

I have been trying to research between the Qosmio series ie E10, F10, G20. After reading your comments I am not sure that this is the best purchase; especially considering that the only re-seller is Dick Smith at AU$6,000.00.

Should I competely ditch the Qosmio?
What other laptops are suggested with the above already installed Hard drive and Ram? Am I better off purchasing as is? Or should I purchase less capabilities and upgrade?
Whats the debate about XP home and Media Ctr? Aust comes with Media, if I were to purchase OS which is better/easier to use if I am of intermediate/mid lvl skilled?

Wanting your comments/suggestions/advice....
A.

[mueeze @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

if you use it as a dtr will you be able to leave it plugged into the mains all the time? won't it damage the battery?

[Allen L. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I'm curious about the Qosmio G20. It seems as if the TV tuner is much better than the one integrated onto the G25 because it supports 3 formats: PAL/NTSC/SECAM. That means it can work in both Europe AND USA, correct?

I also like the fact it supports HD and has the larger hard drive compared to the G25. However, where are the G20s manufactured? I know for a fact the G25s are made in Japan (absolute best quality). Can anyone help? Thanks!