Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q725

The Qosmio X305 is the flagship gaming notebook sold by Toshiba, with configurations including dual graphics cards, dual storage drives, and the latest Intel quad-core processors. With a stylish design and great surround sound speakers the Qosmio notebooks walk the fine line between consumer notebooks and super high-end custom gaming notebooks. In this review we cover all aspects of the X305 to give you the information needed to make an informed purchase.

Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q725 Specifications:

* Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000 (2.0GHz, 1066MHz, 6MB Cache)
* 4GB DDR3 memory PC3-8500 DDR3
* Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit, SP1)
* NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTX graphics (1GB GDDR3)
* 17” WSXGA+ Display 1680x1050 (Glossy)
* Intel Mobile PM45 Chipset
* DVDRW-SuperMulti with Labelflash
* 64GB SSD + 320GB hard drive (7200rpm)
* Intel 5100AGN WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
* Stereo speakers with subwoofer
* Webcam and microphone
* 180W (19V x 9.5A) Power Supply
* Battery:8-cell 14.4V 58Wh
* Weight: 9lbs 5oz
* Size: 16.2” x12.0” x 1.7” /2.5” with feet
* Warranty: 1-year parts/labor
* MSRP: $2,699.99

Build and Design

The Toshiba X305 gaming notebook is one of the larger models we've seen in the office, with the rear of the notebook peaking at 2.5” thick including the feet. Its wedge shape amplifies the height at the rear, making the notebook look twice as thick going from front to back. The X305 is designed to handle a quad-core processor and dual graphics cards which need extra room to get proper cooling ... not to mention fitting the components themselves. To put its size into context, the dual-screen Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds is only 2.1” thick. Overlooking the thickness, the design is stylish and gives you the impression that this is definitely not a standard notebook. The glossy trim, flame paint job, and translucent red plastics really help to get that point across. The paint job could have been more detailed with more realistic flames, but that might have been cost prohibitive with the production process.

Build quality is average, and perhaps should have been better in certain areas. The back cover of the display shows a significant amount of flex due to a large empty space between the lid and screen panel. When holding the laptop with one hand from the side (if your hand is big enough) the lid compresses and squeaks quite a bit. Better support might have resolved this problem and given the lid a much more durable feel. The keyboard was another area that could have been much better. The support beneath the center of the keyboard was fine for heavy typing, but typing near the bottom corner of the keyboard resulted in a "popping" sensation making the keyboard move around.
by : www.notebookreview.com

Toshiba Satellite T235

There seems to be a flood of budget-priced 13-inch laptops on the market today as consumers try to find the perfect balance of portability, performance and price. The Toshiba Satellite T230 and T235 series notebooks offer a range of options that just might help this laptop find a place on your holiday shopping list. We took a closer look at the AMD-based Satellite T235D to find out whether this laptop offers a truly impressive value.

Toshiba Satellite T230/T235 (T235D-S1345) Specifications:

* 1.5GHz AMD Turion II Neo K625 Dual-Core Mobile Processor
* 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 x 2GB)
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* 13.3" WXGA HD TruBrite LED Backlit display (1366x768)
* 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* ATI Radeon HD 4225 Graphics
* 802.11b/g/n, 10/100 LAN
* 6-in-1 card reader
* 6-Cell Li-ion 61WH battery, 45W Power Supply
* Dimensions: (W x L x H) 12.7" x 8.8" x 0.8"/1.1"
* Weight: 3lbs 13oz (with 6-cell battery)
* Price as configured: $599.99

Build and Design
The Toshiba Satellite T230 and T235 series notebooks are an update to last year's T130 and T135 notebooks. These thin and light 13-inch notebooks are designed to offer consumers a stylish alternative to netbooks with better performance and a larger screen for a modest increase in price. Toshiba keeps the profile only a fraction of an inch thicker than the USB ports on the side of the notebook, though this is done in large part by cutting out things like an ExpressCard slot and optical drive. For the average user this notebook has all the advantages of a standard computer--a high resolution display, a full-size keyboard and a dual-core processor--but none of the bulk. The combination of black and silver plastics give the T235D a very modern appearance, but we weren't particularly impressed by the durability of the mirror-like chrome finish around the keyboard. In our standard drop test (droping the notebook from 12 inches onto carpet) we noticed a small piece of the chrome paint flaked off the notebook. It's safe to say that if the finish can't survive a 12-inch drop onto carpet it won't hold up well to serious abuse.
by : www.notebookreview.com

Toshiba Satellite A660 and A665

The Toshiba Satellite A660 and A665 are 16-inch laptops with a reasonably attractive design and solid performance. If you're shopping for a desktop-replacement notebook the Satellite A665 might be a worthy choice. Keep reading to see what we think of this Core i5-equipped model with Nvidia discrete graphics.

Toshiba Satellite A665 (A665-S6089) Specifications:

* 16-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Intel Core i5 460M (2.53GHz)
* Nvidia GeForce 310M graphics card w/ 512MB GDDR3 dedicated memory (Optimus switchable graphics)
* 4GB DDR3 RAM
* 500GB 5400RPM hard drive (Toshiba MK5065GSX)
* 802.11b/g/n wireless
* DVD SuperMulti (+/- Double Layer)
* Warranty: 1-Yr Parts and Labor, 1-Year Battery
* 6-cell Li-ion battery (48Wh) and 90W power adapter
* Weight: 6.52 lbs
* Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 1.2-1.5 inches
* Price as configured: $879.99

Build and Design
The Satellite A660/A665 is the latest generation of 16-inch multimedia notebooks from Toshiba and is the "big brother" to the Satellite M640/M645. At first glance, the design of the A665 is pretty traditional with sculpted edges, a mixture of smooth and textured glossy plastics, and some attractive LED accent lighting. If you're familiar with the 14-inch Toshiba Satellite M645 and 15-inch Satellite C655 then this laptop just looks like a larger version of those notebooks. The exterior is covered in what Toshiba calls the "Fusion X2 Finish in Charcoal." Personally, I call it black glossy plastic with a textured "chain" pattern imprinted in the surface to help hide fingerprints and dirt. Despite the silly marketing name for the finish, I have to give Toshiba credit here. The textured chain pattern gives you the modern look of the glossy plastics but doesn't look like a horrible magnet for smudges, dirt, or whatever else a student spills on a laptop.

The build quality of the A665 is very good with a durable main chassis that doesn't squeak, creak, or flex even under significant pressure. The screen hinges are a little loose, making it easy to open the laptop with one hand but also making it easy to accidentally move the screen if you bump the laptop. While we're on the topic of the screen, the screen lid doesn't provide as much protection as we'd like. If you press on the back of the screen while the laptop is running you'll see obvious distortions on the screen itself. In addition, placing more than one heavy textbook on the screen lid causes the lid to bend inward sharply toward the screen ... suggesting that the screen lid doesn't offer much protection during travel.

The bottom of the notebook includes two access plates for the RAM and the hard drive. Despite the fact that most consumers buying this type of general purpose or light multimedia notebook don't perform upgrades, Toshiba engineers made is very easy to get inside this laptop. You only have to remove one screw to access the hard drive and one screw to get to the RAM.
by : www.notebookreview.com

Toshiba Satellite A665-S5176

Toshiba recently released a refresh of the popular Satellite A665 notebook with the latest Intel Sandy Bridge processors and graphics. Is the new A665 a worthwhile upgrade to last year's laptop? Keep reading to find out.

Toshiba Satellite A665 (A665-S5176) Specifications:

* 15.6-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Intel Core i3-2310M (2.1GHz, 3MB cache)
* Intel HD Graphics
* 4GB DDR3 RAM (1066MHz)
* 500GB 5400RPM hard drive (Toshiba MK5065GSX)
* 802.11b/g/n wireless
* Blu-ray/DVD SuperMulti (+/- Double Layer)
* Warranty: 1-Yr Parts and Labor, 1-Year Battery
* 6-cell Li-ion battery (48Wh) and 90W power adapter
* Weight: 5.9 lbs
* Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 1.2-1.5 inches
* Price as configured: $799.99

Build and Design
I have something of a mixed opinion about the design of the new Satellite A660/A665 notebook. Since it's a "refresh" of the existing Satellite A660/A665 series the new A665-S5176 looks virtually identical to the A665 model we reviewed last year. The only significant changes worth mentioning are the use of a new Intel "Sandy Bridge" processor with improved Intel integrated graphics and a few subtle changes to the ports on the side of the notebook. The design of the A665 remains quite traditional with sculpted edges, a mixture of smooth and textured glossy plastics, and some attractive LED accent lighting. Although the design isn't particularly exciting, keeping essentially the same design makes production easier and cheaper for Toshiba ... meaning Toshiba can pass those cost savings to you.

The exterior of the A665 is covered in what Toshiba calls the "Fusion X2 Finish in Charcoal." As I said it my review of last year's A665, the finish is basically just black glossy plastic with a textured "chain" pattern imprinted in the surface to help hide fingerprints and dirt. Despite the silly marketing name for the finish, the texture is much better than a smooth glossy lid. The textured chain pattern gives you the modern look of the glossy plastics but doesn't look like a horrible magnet for smudges, dirt, or whatever a family member spills on the laptop.
by : www.notebookreview.com

Toshiba Satellite E305-S1990X

The new Toshiba E305 is a Best Buy exclusive laptop with a 14-inch screen and a street price around $900. Packed with an Intel Core i5 "Sandy Bridge" processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive and a Blu-ray drive, is this the next great family PC? Keep reading to find out.

Toshiba Satellite E305 (E305-S1990X) Specifications:

* 14.0-inch 720p (1366x768) display with LED backlighting
* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Intel Core i5-2410M processor (2.3GHz, 3MB cache, 2.9GHz with Turbo Boost)
* Intel HD Graphics with Intel Wireless Display Technology
* 4GB DDR3 RAM (1333MHz)
* 500GB 7200RPM hard drive (Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid drive with 4GB of flash memory)
* 802.11b/g/n wireless
* Blu-ray/DVD SuperMulti (+/- Double Layer)
* Warranty: 2-Yr Standard Limited Warranty (1-Yr on Battery)
* 6-cell Li-ion battery (67Wh) and 65W power adapter
* Weight: 4.95 lbs
* Dimensions: 13.46 x 9.13 x 1.25 inches
* MSRP: $1,089.99 ($899.99 at Best Buy)

Since the E305 is available exclusively at Best Buy, I can't help but feel that the "MSRP" of $1,089.99 is slightly disingenuous since Best Buy has been selling it for $899.99 from day one. Despite that minor quibble over the price, you do get a reasonably well-equipped notebook for about $900.

Build and Design
At first glance the new Satellite E305 has many design elements in common with the other Toshiba notebooks currently on the market. The rounded clamshell chassis wrapped in a combination of plastic and aluminum is a mixture of silver and black. Unlike last year's E205, this Best Buy "blue label" exclusive isn't covered in a metallic blue paint job ... something we're happy to see. The new E305 looks slightly more like a "premium" notebook compared to the laptop from last year ... but your opinion might change after you pick it up.

The screen lid and the top panel that surrounds the keyboard are both made of textured aluminum but the metal cladding is quite thin and flexible similar to the plastics you find on most Toshiba notebooks. In fact, my first reaction when reading about the "aluminum finish" on the E305 was to say, "This isn't aluminum." However, upon closer examination it is indeed aluminum ... it's just very thin. The crosshatched pattern on the lid and the palm rests helps prevent fingerprint smudges and scratches from showing up as easily as they do on an Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, but the Toshiba simply doesn't feel as durable.

The combination of thin aluminum panels and plastic construction results in a main chassis that flexes under pressure and squeaks softly when you squeeze it next to the built-in Blu-ray drive. The screen hinges on this model are reasonably tight and hold the screen in position when you move the laptop from one location to another. I suspect this laptop will survive quite well as a desktop replacement and can handle regular travel as long as it's packed inside a good laptop bag, but I'd be hesitant to carry the E305 with me every day without some added protection.

The bottom of the notebook is rather lacking in terms of upgrade options. Thankfully, Toshiba includes a fast 500GB hard drive inside the E305 (the Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid drive) so you might not need to upgrade the storage. In addition, there is no convenient access panel for upgrading the RAM. In fact, all the screws that hold the notebook together are covered with small rubber stoppers. Toshiba only gives you a small panel on the bottom of the notebook with access to the wireless card in case you need to replace or upgrade that component. In short, this isn't a laptop designed for people who want to buy aftermarket upgrades.

Ports and Features
The new Satellite E305 features a reasonably nice collection of ports. You now get two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 "Super Speed" port for connecting standard accessories. There is no ExpressCard slot for adding new ports, but you do get dual video out ports: a VGA connection for old-school projectors and HDMI for new monitors and HDTVs. Toshiba was also kind enough to provide a Blu-ray drive (even if the built-in screen doesn't support 1080p resolution) and the E305 comes with Intel Wireless Display technology so you can wirelessly connect your laptop to a compatible HDTV or connect it to an HDTV with a wireless adapter.
by : www.notebookreview.com

Acer Aspire 8940G

The Acer Aspire 8940G is a desktop replacement system packing an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA 250M dedicated graphics, Blu-ray, and a massive 18.4" 1080P display. Acer built this system to not only handle everyday gaming, but also to be the multimedia hub in your dorm room or home office. With extra perks such as a backlit keyboard and touch-sensitive media buttons, is there anything not to love in the Aspire 8940G? Read our full review to find out.

Our Acer Aspire 8940G Specifications:

* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Intel Core i7-720QM (1.6GHzGHz, 1333MHz FSB, 6MB Cache)
* 18.4" WUXGA FHD LCD display at 1920x1080
* NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250M with 1GB GDDR3 memory
* Intel 5100AGN Wireless, Broadcom Gigabit LAN
* 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM (2GB x 2)
* 500GB Western Digital 5400RPM Hard Drive
* Blu-ray/DVD SuperMulti
* Webcam, Acer CineSurround speakers, backlit keyboard
* 120W (19V x 6.32A) 100-240V AC Adapter
* 8-cell 71Wh 14.8v 4800mAh Lithium Ion battery
* Dimensions (WxDxH): 17.34 x 11.62 x 1.22-1.73"
* Weight: 9lbs 5.5oz
* 1-year warranty
* Price as configured: $1,329

Build and Design
Acer shares the same overall look and feel throughout many of their notebook lines. The Acer Aspire 8940G shows quite a bit of resemblance to the Acer Aspire One ... keeping the same hinge shape and position as well as the protruding rear-edge of the main body that you can see when the lid is closed. The side profile of the 8940G doesn't look much thicker than a smaller 15" or 17" notebook. The sloped front and rear edge do a great job of masking thickness even further while also making it more comfortable to carry. Inside you have a completely flat surface containing the keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and multimedia keys. The keyboard is even recessed just enough so the flat keys lay flush with the outer bezel. Acer did an excellent job of making this laptop look user friendly and organized by keeping so many controls within a finger's reach.

Notebook manufacturers face a difficult task when it comes to making large notebooks that feel sturdy but aren't overweight. Wider panels require more bracing to reduce flex and heavier notebooks require stronger panels so they don't flex under their own weight. The Aspire 8940G feels very well built with a solid frame and only minimal flex on the screen cover when the notebook is shut. The palrmest feels durable and shows no signs of flex even under strong pressure. The same applies to the keyboard and upper bezel, which show only minimal signs of flex under heavy pressure. The one complaint I have with the build quality of the notebook is the use of glossy plastics which scratch and smudge easily. If you are a neat freak then those smudge-prone glossy surfaces might get on your nerves over time.

The upgradability factor of this notebook looks great thanks to a single access panel on the bottom of the chassis. Simply remove the panel and you have access to the dual hard drive bays (one of which is unused in this configuration), two system memory slots, two mini-PCIe slots, and a partial view of the processor socket. I saw no "warranty void if removed" stickers anywhere, including the screws holding the heatsink onto the processor. If you want to add a second hard drive you will need to purchase a spare retention bracket, which mounts to the back of the drive, to prevent it from sliding out of place. The open mini-PCIe slot appears to be intended for an onboard TV-tuner, and as such doesn't have WWAN-antennas pre-installed.

Screen and Speakers
The 18.4" screen on the Aspire 8940G is an "all-glass" style with a protective layer covering the actual display panel. This gives the notebook a very clean and polished look, but also increases glare and reflections. With the notebook turned off the screen surface resembles a mirror and reflects the entire room around you. These reflections are reduced when the screen is on and displaying bright colors. In terms of overall quality the screen looks very nice with good color reproduction and above average contrast. The screen really draws you in while watching movies or viewing pictures ... as if you were viewing that place in person. Black levels look great and the only noticeable areas of light bleed are near the edges of the screen and only visible with the brightness set to 100%. Vertical viewing angles look good until you pivot the screen forward or back roughly 15 to 20 degrees. Horizontal viewing angles look nice right up until reflections off the screen start to overpower the image being displayed. At peak brightness the screen is still easily visible in bright office conditions as well as sitting near a window with the sun casting over the notebook.

Acer includes a 5.1 Cinematic Surround system on the Aspire 8940G that seems to sound a step above most notebooks. The audio system features five speakers, including a Tuba CineBass Booster to increase low-frequency sound. In practice the speakers produced a great surround experience, but I felt the peak volume levels were lacking. Even with the system volume set to 100%, the speakers were nowhere near being over-driven. This causes some trouble if you expect to use the system to watch a movie in your bedroom with it sitting on a dresser rather than on your lap. This can be avoided though if you use external speakers or a home theater system connected to the notebook.

Keyboard and Touchpad
Even though many notebooks are switching to Chiclet-style keyboards these days, Acer still uses a traditional design with thin flat-top keys instead. The design resembles lily patties sitting on a pond with a very thin top and the support structure tucked neatly out of view. The keyboard also offers a backlit which gives you great key visibility in dark settings. The underlying light elements are adequately shielded, preventing "light bleed" unless you view the keyboard at an angle shallower than 45 degrees. The backlight is non-adjustable in brightness, but you can turn it off completely.

The keyboard is very comfortable for typing thanks to properly sized keys and good spacing. The large 18.4" footprint allows Acer to incorporate a full-size keyboard as well as a full number pad. There is almost no "wiggle" or lateral key travel when you move your hand around the keyboard despite the thin looking keys. The keys are easy to trigger with roughly average pressure required and when pressed give off a very small click sound. The broad palmrest works very well for cradling your hands and wrists. Typing for hours at the notebook isn't a problem unless it is on your lap ... in which case your legs might not enjoy the weight.

The touchpad is a very large Synaptics model that rates very high on my list of best touchpads. It is quick to respond to fast movements, showing no discernable lag at any time. The surface texture is a soft matte finish that makes it easy to slide your finger across whether completely dry or slightly damp from sweat. The only significant complaint I have is the size. This touchpad is so much larger than most of the touchpads that I use that I end up clicking the bottom edge of the touchpad instead of the actual buttons. If you like big touchpads you will love the touchpad on the Aspire 8940G. The touchpad buttons are the same width as the touchpad surface and have a very short throw. Each button gives off a higher pitched clicking sound when you press down. Acer also includes a button to disable the touchpad to prevent accidental movement when using an external mouse. This button is located to the right side of the touchpad and lights up when activated.