Toshiba's latest Qosmio, the G25-AV513
By Ryan Block 
posted June 14th 2005 4:40PM
posted June 14th 2005 4:40PM
We haven't heard much from Toshiba's powerhouse Qosmio XP Media Center-based laptops in a while, but it looks like they're back with their new G25—a sleeker, blacker box which while being decidedly more stylish than their standard plasticy-silver machines, is still every bit the bruiser you'd expect a 9.5-pound 16-inch wide 1.7-inch thick laptop to be. But if you're not sorry to part with your car or great grandmother's jewelry, you too can break your back with 120GB of dual-drive goodness, a 2GHz Pentium M, and a gig of RAM (among other things) for a mere $3,000.
We're selling at least one Qosmio this summer at work, they are gorgeous laptops.
And it's still a dumb idea to have the feature of being able to record TV while you're gone, in something you're going to take with you. Sigh. Why not sell your notebook computer as a web and email server, too, Toshiba? Or what about a home alarm system? I mean, not only does one of the primary features of this computer require that it's stationary, but it requires that it has additional cables plugged into it.
I have last years model G15-AV501 17". The laptop is awesome. It has more hard drive then anyone would ever need and more features as well. I have been completely satisfied with it. I do have to agree with the comment above. With a laptop you want the portability and when recording programs is diffcult. This feature will be easier when slingmedia comes out. www.slingmeida.com
Yeah - these mega-books are by far the most self-contradictory product ever. Seriously, what usage scenarios do these things support?
Eso, you don't seem to get that this is a desktop replacement notebook. It is not meant to be ultra-portable.
VVV, I know no one who, no matter how big their notebook computer, leaves it permanently on their desk. If one actually uses the DVR features of this machine, one can't even take this computer to another room as it has to remain tethered to a video input.
The thing's a monster. If it's going to remain stationary, I would just rather get one hellava destop system with $3,000!!! That would suck to screw coax cables in and out when ever you wanted to move the system. It is kinda pretty, though.
I agree with VVV, it seems people are missing the point of desktop replacement. Eso, try living in Manhattan in a 450sq ft studio and you'll see the point of these. Can be stowed away when you're not using it and don't need a dedicated computer desk either. If Toshiba offered rebates like Dell I would buy this thing right away.
I think for grabbing a show one day when you do happen to be home, then catching it the next day on the road, it'd be pretty cool.
"Can be stowed away when you're not using it and don't need a dedicated computer desk either."
Um, no -- to function as a DVR it has to be turned on and connected to a video source. Without the DVR functionality, this computer has no appreciable advantage over any other 17" notebook computer. And in terms of space efficiency, it actually takes up a *larger* footprint than a 20" iMac with an eyeTV. I'll say it again: it's still a dumb idea.
For the size and cost, the powerbook kicks this things ass.
Eso, you need to actually know the product before you talk. The others have it right, it is designed for intrahome mobility with the ability to be extrahome mobile from time to time. PVR is one functionality but not the only one. and not everyone needs it to be on and running 24/7 or only use it as a PVR. its instant on entertainment functions for TV, DVD, and CD are great. its real easy to unplug it from my main entertainment area to another location and get it TV access. i guess you only have one cable TV jack in your home. shame. i have one in every room. but here's a shocker to you...i like to enjoy it as a notebook sometimes and use it in the backyard...and no, i don't need to connect it to the video feed while i'm on it. when i'm done, i can put it back. nice. to answer another comment, its not screwing and unscrewing. its a literally like a headphone jack plug that connects to your coaxial cable. so unlike a desktop where i have multiple connections, mine only has 2 to 3 depending on whether i port the video to an external monitor. its more than a DVR. if that's all you wanted then get a Tivo.
tlite722,
OR, I could buy a fully-featured Media Center PC PLUS a fully-featured 17" notebook for $3000, and actually be able to USE the PVR and portability features TOGETHER (with the ADDED advantage that I can stream shows from the desktop to the notebook over WiFi). BTW, I have digital cable, so unless I'm going to be lugging my cable box from room to room, if I bought this inane Qosmio, I *would* have to cart the cable box with me to be able to record much of the programming I watch (unless this gem ONLY works with its internal tuner, which would just make it that much more useless).
It is absolutely ridiculous that I would have to sit around and think, "hm, OK, it's 7 pm, so in an hour I will have to go move my computer back to somewhere that I can plug it in and leave it stationary until my shows finish recording." In one fell swoop it manages to defeat not only the entire purpose of a PVR (that you don't have to THINK about when shows come on, they're just automatically captured), it also manages to defeat the entire purpose of a notebook computer.
To another poster: using the same Media Center PC + notebook scenario (or iMac/eyeTV + PowerBook, your choice), I could still do as you say and record shows one day and take them with me the next.
This particular concept has about the same moronic "convergence" qualities as, say, puttting my home answering machine in my iPod. Or as an N-Gage.
Obviously you guys missed the picture. It looks really cool. Pay up.
At $3000, the thing should have much better resolution than the piss poor 1440 x 900 it appears to have. At that price point, 1920x1200 would be what I'd expect.
Eso, there are times when it's easier to have one computer, but not to have to make compromises. Ok, the PVR may not get used all the time, but it alone isn't why it costs what it costs. It doesn't suit your needs, or even the majority of needs, but when a genuine desktop replacement is needed it does the job.
I'm using an older Toshiba media center laptop and can't imagine going back to a desktop. Equally making do with less power and a smaller screen wouldn't be too great.
Vincent J. Murphy, 1440 x 900 is a pretty comfortable resolution for a 17inch screen. There comes a point where higher resolution isn't better, at least until everything within windows is scalable to support it.
God damn, I'm sounding like a fanboy.
OK Kim, I'll bite, so if not for the DVR, why does it cost what it costs? A 17" PowerBook is *half* the size (literally), weighs over 2.5 lbs. less, has over twice the battery life, has a DVI port that will simultaneously drive a 30" Cinema Display at 2560x1600, has gigabit ethernet & FireWire 800, optical audio output *and* input... and *everything* on a Mac is instant-on since Mac OS X can wake from sleep in < 1 sec., and for all intents and purposes doesn't scratch since it's made from anodized aluminum instead of simply a black version of the shiny, scratchable white plastic Apple's been using in their low-end iBooks for years... and still costs several hundred dollars less than this less-than-clever contraption. So, if I'm not paying for a DVR, what, exactly, am I paying for?
I agree, I would never go back to a desktop computer. I would (and do) use a desktop computer as a headless media server, however. But I would also suggest that if you switched to a true notebook computer instead of a so-called "desktop replacement," that you would similarly never go back to the latter, either.
Is the glassy finish affected in a bright room or outdoors situation?
I bought this unit to use it as an easily movable workstation/multimedia and/or entertainment center not something I intended to use without nearby power outlets. Therefore, you see, that is what "desktop replacement" means. BTW I am a video editor and this unit is a real powerhouse, I've had absolutely no problems with it - no glitches, crashes or any other kind of misbehaviour.
My God people, you are all crying about nothing. I bought this laptop because Toshiba reputation, looks good, all the bells, and just because is a laptop with all that it has. So what if it's 9.5 lbs, so what if other laptops can do the same or less, if you like it and it fits your need, let it be. Do you all think this laptop is a nice computer or better yet a desktop replacement? Well, everyone has different needs and like different taste. I like mine and DVD's look great, the 17" screen is awesome, I like the DVR feature, and Far Cry in full detail runs like a cream puff. You guys take care and be careful with those terrorist.
Read the specs...especially the functions of the Qosmio Engine" running in parallel with the NVidia card. Video scaling far superior to any Apple product.
All I want to know is , how long will a computer like the Qosmio last, and will the investment be worth it, or will there be something better in 6 months. I would hate to spend all that money and have it be obsolete. What more importantly can I look forward to with this computer. The last thing is where can I find the most cost effective Qosmio G25 on the market. Thnaks.
just order my Qosmio g25 is hello LAPTOP OF THE YEAR. powerbooks are cool i mean i go to school and its what most student have since i go to a art and design school and all but people tend not to know on bu ying sometimes. I see that the macs are nice sleek design and powerful in a sence because they run at 64bits butttttttt no matter what bits any operation system runs what matter is the hardware and believe i have been through many laptops and computers im sorry but the qosmio kicks any powerbooks ass as for hardware goes. is like comparing a mercedez benz to a ferrari. c'mon QOSMIO ROCKS
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