Toshiba's latest luxury notebook, the Qosmio G35-AV650, is the first notebook available with an HD DVD drive for playing high-definition content. We looked at a shipping unit, and we liked many of the heavy portable's outstanding audiovisual extras. However, while HD content looked fantastic, the pricey Qosmio has some minor limitations.
Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 - AVPC Laptop (2GHz Core Duo, 1GB DDR2, 200GB, HD-DVD-ROM/DVD+R DL, Windows XP Media Center, 17

Pricing
Latest Price: $2,299.00
- Spec Navigator
- Processor
- Memory
- Display
- Storage
- Battery
- Dimensions
- Other Features
- Networking
- Multimedia
- Software
- Interface Connections
- Included Devices
Storage
| Total HD Size | 200 GB |
| Optical Drive Type | HDDVD-ROM |
| Optical Drive Speed | 2 |
| Removable Optical Drive | No |
| Slots |
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| Number of Media Slots | 3 |
| PC Card Slots | Yes |
Battery
| Number of Included Batteries | 1 |
| Standard Number of Batteries | 1 |
| Type of Batteries | Lithium ion |
| Vendor Rated Battery life | 301 |
Networking
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Included network card | Gigabit ethernet |
| Modem Type | V.92 |
| Wireless LAN Type | 802.11a/g |
Multimedia
| Video chipset | nVidia GeForce Go 7600 |
| Installed video memory | 256 MB |
| Video integration | Integrated |
Software
| Included Software | (2) Recovery & Apps/Drivers DVD |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition |
- Lab Tested
- How We Test Laptops »
Pros
Terrific multimedia notebook with HD DVD
Cons
Bulky size may not be for everyone
Bottom Line
Large desktop replacement performs very well, has great battery life and plays HD DVD movies. Features HDMI output and TV tun
Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650
Qosmio G35-AV650 - AVPC Laptop (2GHz Core Duo, 1GB DDR2, 200GB, HD-DVD-ROM/DVD+R DL, Windows XP Media Center, 17 Review, by Danny Allen and Melissa J. Perenson November 29, 2006
The $2999 G35-AV650 uses Toshiba's own HD DVD tray-drive, the HD TS-L802A. This combo drive serves as a 4X multiformat, double-layer DVD burner as well as an HD DVD-ROM reader. To enable HD DVD playback, the G35-AV650's 17-inch wide-screen display has a native resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels, more than enough to support the 1080p HD format. The display also features a glossy coating to increase the viewable angle, and it gets power from two lamps instead of one for greater brightness.
We watched The Last Samurai in HD DVD on the laptop; the video looked sharp, and exhibited incredible detail and depth. (We then watched the same movie in standard definition, and found it lacking in comparison.) The Qosmio's sound is superb as well, thanks to an integrated 1-bit digital amplifier, Harman/Kardon speakers, and Dolby Home Theater enhancements that together simulate easily discernible multichannel surround sound.
Connect to an HDTV
Another unique feature of the G35-AV650: It includes an external HDMI port with HDCP support. This lets you connect the unit directly to an HDMI-equipped HDTV for use as a high-priced HD DVD player. If your TV lacks HDMI, though, you're out of luck in regard to an HD signal; the G35-AV650's other outputs are for analog S-Video and a VGA monitor, neither of which will facilitate an HD DVD signal.
If you've hooked the notebook up to an HDTV, you can close the screen and still play content inserted into the HD DVD drive, once you've used Toshiba's power-management tools to prevent the notebook from hibernating. An instant TV-out button sends the display signal to the television. Alternatively, you can use the Fn and F5 keys to toggle through output options.
Using this method we were quickly able to send an HD DVD signal to our test HDMI-equipped HDTV. However, despite HDMI's ability to carry both video and audio, in our tests the audio emitted from the Qosmio's built-in speakers rather than the television. (Toshiba reps said this shouldn't happen; we're still working with the company to resolve the issue.)
Another drawback: Like Toshiba's HD-A1 and HD-XA1 HD DVD players, this notebook outputs video over HDMI only at 1080i, a disappointment considering that Hollywood studios are starting to encode their discs at 1080p resolution.
The G35-AV650 is bundled with a coaxial adapter cable (for use with its coaxial antenna input), as well as a composite video/audio adapter cable (for connection to the composite input, which also doubles as a stereo audio input). The notebook has an S-Video input port, too, but as with the HDMI, no cable is supplied in the box.
Like previous Qosmio notebooks from Toshiba, the G35-AV650 runs Windows XP Media Center and comes with a TV tuner and a remote control. Though using the remote control is easy, we also like the numerous media playback buttons located just above the keyboard, some of which have multiple uses.
For instance, if the notebook is on, the dedicated TV and record (DVR) buttons will initiate the Media Center interface. But if you press the TV button when the unit is turned off, you can watch TV via Toshiba's QosmioPlayer interface without having to boot up Windows.
Unfortunately that ability to play media without booting Windows doesn't extend to playing HD content. We were able to play HD DVD movies only through the preinstalled InterVideo WinDVD HD application. Toshiba intends to have "instant on" playback for HD DVD movies in the future. The ability to play content such as MP3s and video files without having to boot up Windows would be an added bonus.
Top-Notch Features
The G35-AV650's top-of-the-line features include a 2-GHz Core Duo T2500 processor, 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, and a 256MB nVidia GeForce Go 7600 graphics controller. It also offers 200GB of storage in the form of two 5400-rpm SATA drives.
Among its other connections are four USB 2.0 ports, one Type II PC Card slot, and one ExpressCard slot compatible with the ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54 standards. A four-in-one media card reader and a fingerprint reader are provided as well.
Though Toshiba's Qosmio notebooks each feature a full-size keyboard, it's worth pointing out that they don't have a dedicated number pad--a feature sometimes prized by gamers and number crunchers alike--though there is room for one.
One feature that does stand out on the G35-AV650's keyboard, however, is the dual-mode touchpad. In addition to controlling mouse-pointer movement plus vertical and horizontal window scrolling, you can use the programmable touchpad to launch up to six programs by holding your finger on one of the designated areas.
In its secondary mode the touchpad's back lights illuminate, and its corners become hot spots for a switching tool; a pop-up interface lets you quickly switch programs or access favorite links and even hard-disk locations you've previously specified. It's quite straightforward to use, as well as to program (via another one of Toshiba's many little utilities).
Though the G35-AV650's glossy silver lid helps it resemble a home theater component, it will probably travel from your desk to the living room only rarely, as it tips the scales at 10.1 pounds.
We're currently running our WorldBench 5 benchmark as well as our battery life tests on the unit, so check back soon for our performance scores and overall rating. We enjoyed our first few hours with the Qosmio. As the first HD DVD notebook to ship, it still has a few kinks--but overall it's a solid, powerful portable that likely won't disappoint early adopters with money to spend.
Danny Allen and Melissa J. Perenson
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- Rating Breakdown
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87
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96
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92
- See Complete Lab Results »
Performance Comparison with Similar Laptops
87
52
67
66
Performance
| ACD Systems ACDSee | 623 |
| Adobe Photoshop | 348 |
| Adobe Premiere | 479 |
| Ahead Nero | 673 |
| Battery Life (Office Applications) | 3:01 |
| Discreet 3ds Max DirectX | 285 |
| Discreet 3ds Max OpenGL | 311 |
| Doom 3, 1024 by 768, 32-Bit | 89.5 |
| Far Cry, 1024 by 768, 32-Bit | 107 |
| Microsoft Office XP | 550 |
| Mozilla | 391 |
| Musicmatch Jukebox | 541 |
| Number of Included Batteries | 1 |
| Roxio VideoWave | 280 |
| Windows Media Encoder | 321 |
| WinZip | 418 |
| World Bench 5 Score | 96 |
| World Bench 5 Word Score | Very Good |
WorldBench Tests
| Multitasking | 478 |
Average User Reviews for Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 - AVPC Laptop (2GHz Core Duo, 1GB DDR2, 200GB, HD-DVD-ROM/DVD+R DL, Windows XP Media Center, 17
- Latest User Reviews 1 review
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Reviewed by: stephenbuss
Duration of ownership: 2 Years
Strengths: Don't buy Qosmio series from Toshiba, I can give you proof if you message me (sales receipt some pictures) . I would like nothing more then to make a impact on somebody considering on buying from Toshiba. Stick with your Desktop then with this cash burner that will malfunction shortly after the warranty does.
Weaknesses: -Huge Laptop, (larger then I had thought) -Very noisy fan or fans -Hot -The laptop scratches easily -About 5 burned out pixels right out of the box (new) -A lemon (again the F-15) Do a google search. The Nvidia Graphics chip that is soldered on overheats and makes the whole motherboard a complete pile of junk. -Speakers sounded terrible after 3 months of use -Battery life is awful. After 1 year of use the windows battery warning comes on after 5 minutes of being unplugged. -infrared only works with remote, not a true Infrared that can work with other devices -Heavy -Very poor customer support unless you plan to call overseas.
Overall: WARNING This comment is for all Qosmio Laptops. I just got rid of my Toshiba F-15 AV-201 paper weight at the huge technology mall: Pantip Plaza, in Bangkok Thailand for 1,000 baht equivalent of $32.00 USD. Bought the Laptop NEW for $2,599.95 from CDW a couple years back. Well 1 Year and some change the Main Board fried, something to do with the embedded Nvidia graphics chip. A TRUE lemon. The Toshiba repair shop in Thailand said that the quality of parts on the Motherboard is not good in the U.S. and I should have bought it in Thailand. Now I am on a mission to let every one now about Toshiba. Just go to there web site and see if it is easy or not to contact customer support. No mention of this anywhere, just one big cover up. Vertical lines on the screen? not this laptop!!! P.S. I am on a crusade to let every one now about this lemon from Toshiba.
Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
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Reviewed by: elifd
Strengths: HD DVD drive and external support, tons of useful connections, crisp and clear display, brighter than the competion
Weaknesses: Not portable at all, poor customer service.
Overall: I have bought this notebook for its multimedia capabilities as a desktop replacement. Made a lot of research and side by side comparison with other media laptops with similar screen resolutions and display size before I made the purchase. The closest competion is from Sony (AR 190G) which has a similar display size (17-inch) and similar resolution (1,920 by 1,200) but Toshiba is still brighter, despite Sony's "Tru-brite" technology. If you are like me and like to watch movies through a PC, you are going to appreciate HK speakers with their deep bass and clarity. You also have the option to watch the movies on a bigger display, even in HD through HDMI out port, but my experience with that is limited. Toshiba has discontinued the production of this particular model (AV 650) for a time now, and first it replaced it with a newer model with basically more hard drive capacity (2 SATA drives with 120GB instead of 100GB), but that model is also discontinued. The reason I mention this fact is that you find very decent deals on this machine these days as it has been out of production for a while. You can not find similar deals on the replacement model (AV660) as it has been recently discontinued. And for that reason the price difference between AV 660 and AV650 is not justified at all (which is basically for a slight bigger hard drive capacity anyway). Overall I am satisfied with my purchase, but for people who plans to carry this notebook with themselves most of the time should be aware of the heft of this laptop as well as its size. The other downside is their mediocre customer service and the endless hours you have to spend over phone to get a high level tech support.
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Reviewed by: ldonofrio13
Strengths: Clear 17" Screen. Powerfull desktop replacement, very fast and capable.
Weaknesses: Heavy. Does not come with preloaded Microsoft Office or other applications.
Overall: I bought the computer with the intent to replace existing desktop and this was the right selection. A Targus ACP50US docking station is the ideal addition for the laptop. Sounds and looks great. Only issues are: Not to portable and expensive w/o software included. Otherwise this is the best selection for a Laptop!!!
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Reviewed by: whinsch
Strengths: 1080p capability; multiple video in/out connections; easy to use
Weaknesses: some design flaws; bios access
Overall: Have used this notebook for about three months. Got it because it has just about everything you'd want in a full-size, desktop replacement. Video input in somewhat unique - you can use it to view content output from other devices.The screen and HD player make movies look about as good as it gets. The buttons for multimedia and volume control make playing easy. Only issue is buttons placed at rear of keyboard - front placement would have been more convenient.Sound from H-K speakers is great for a notebook.Two 100gb SATA drives with RAID provide lots of space. Too bad they are only 5400 rpm.One not so great feature is that you have to access bios settings through Windows - there is no startup access prior to the OS - as on other computers. Can be a problem if Windows is not working right. However, backup/restore is a breeze with included DVD: just boot from it and it restores everything in one shot (all pc's should have this).There is a slide switch on front for wireless on/off. This can be turned off too easily because of its position. Inclusion of Bluetooth makes use of more wireless devices (cell phones, mice, etc,) convenient.The size of the notebook is a bit large and hefty, but not too bad for all that's packed into it. I basically use it as a desktop for my lap in my recliner.This is the best I've seen in a full-size notebook.
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Reviewed by: aronnyc
Strengths: Good product
Weaknesses: Bad tech support
Overall: I apologize in advance if this sounds like a rant. I write this not to vent but to warn future Toshiba customers that, if your laptop ever runs into problems, their tech support will drive you nuts.I also want to preface this by saying my product was the G15, but I'm also not reviewing the specific product, just their tech support.About 10 months after I purchased the Qosmio, I started hearing clicking and bleeping noises coming from the bottom left part of the laptop. I called up the tech support, and they told me to send it to a depot. I did that, and without a second look they said Toshiba was requiring all Qosmio G15s to have their systemboards upgraded. Two weeks later, it came back. Not long after, the noise happened again. I called up Toshiba tech support again, and they said to send it back to the Depot. I did that, and told them the systemboard's already been changed. They told me that Toshiba is asking them to only send the Qosmios off to have systemboard upgraded even though I had specified my problem. Two weeks later, the laptop came back, and the noise was still there.I called tech support a third time. This time they sent an onsite technician over. It took him 10 seconds to figure out that this was a problem with the hard drive, not the systemboard. He requested Toshiba to send me a new hard drive.It arrived a few days after, and an onsite technician came to install it. There's a 60G and a 40G, and Toshiba had sent him a 60G. That's fine, but after this was all done, I found out that it was the 40 G that was broken.So, I called tech support yet another time (by now it's three months after the problem first occurred) and told them to send the technician a 40 G. A week later, the technician came, and find out that Toshiba had sent him a 60 G.I called tech support yet again, and told them about my problem. This time they sent the 40 G but the technician couldn't get the laptop to recognize it. He called Toshiba and they said I would have to send it to the Depot. They told me they'll send me a UPS box to put it in.After the technician left, I googled the problem. Turned out that I had to just go into disk management, format the new drive, populate it, and it's working fine now. Took me 15 minutes to figure that out, and the slightly more tech savvy would've figured this out anyway.Oh, and the UPS box never came.
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