Toshiba Qosmio E15 Notebook PC - Radical Digital Media! Get everything you want in one convenient chassis: sight, sound, premium PC functionality and simple connectivity. Simple organization describes the many external ports that come standard on Qosmio AV notebook PCs. Unlike other notebooks, the Qosmio E15 was designed with home aesthetics in mind. Because it thinks like a home entertainment center, nearly all external wires plug into the back of the unit for clean lines and thoughtful design. So it looks equally good nestled in with other electronics, or as a standalone unit.
The Basics When is a notebook not just a notebook? When it's one of Toshiba's new Qosmio notebooks. Distinctive from other mobile computers by virtue of its strong multimedia attributes and easy adaptability to home entertainment setups, the Qosmio E15-AV101 is a superb portable package that impresses in virtually any environment. Powerful, exceedingly versatile, and packed with cutting-edge amenities, the Qosmio E15-AV101 is well-suited to discriminating individuals with a passion for multimedia.
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The Qosmio E15-AV201 features a 15-inch diagonal wide-screen XGA LCD with TruBrite. | Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPUs on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, e-mail, and the like. The Qosmio E15-AV101 is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor 735 running at 1.7 GHz. This is one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system, the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support. Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This particular CPU is part of Intel's new, upgraded Pentium M lineup, featuring an amazing 2 MB of Level 2 cache for extremely fast access to recently opened files and applications. Though its overall speed is not on par with that of a high-end Intel Pentium 4 processor, this CPU will easily handle all common tasks while at the same time improving battery life. Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drives, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in random access memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking, and less strain on your hard drive. The Qosmio E15-AV101 incorporates 512 MB of fast PC2700 DDR333 SDRAM memory. Though ultrademanding users may want to expand this total to the unit's boggling maximum of 2,048 MB, the stock allotment of RAM is more than enough for the vast majority of situations. |
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CPUs are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with dedicated video memory is preferable to a controller that "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures. This system's graphics controller is an nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 with 64 MB of dedicated DDR video memory. This is considered a strong notebook graphics chipset, delivering topnotch images and smooth frame rates to virtually any 2-D and most 3-D applications, including many of today's most popular 3-D games. Super-serious gamers may want to upgrade to an even more powerful 3-D card, though most users will be quite satisfied as is. Display
You'll love the way your images look on the system's 15-inch XGA display. Featuring Toshiba's TruBrite technology for a better, brighter picture than with typical notebooks, a maximum resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels, and extra-wide viewing angles, this display is ready for any environment and source. Hard Disk
The Qosmio E15-AV101 features a massive 80 GB of hard disk space. This level of data storage is a welcome perk indeed for those who want to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a large library of space-gobbling music and multimedia files. | 
The QosmioPlayer allows video and audio entertainment with the press of the button. |
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The SuperDrive reads and writes most popular DVD/CD formats (+/-RW and RAM). | Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A CD-ROM drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A CD-RW drive adds CD burning, so you can also back up your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can write home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVDs, which boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs. Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-Super-Multi drive that supports all of the above in each of today's most common CD and DVD formats. Audio
The system features an integrated audio processor that mimics the spatial awareness of surround sound and two larger-than-average Harman-Kardon speakers for powerful mobile stereo output. Keyboard and Controls
The system features an integrated audio processor that mimics the spatial awareness of surround sound and two larger-than-average Harman-Kardon speakers for powerful mobile stereo output.
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Connectivity and Expansion
Whether you prefer wireless or corded connections, the Qosmio E15-AV101 is ready for anything the present or future may bring. The unit offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a standard dialup 56K data/fax modem for low-speed communication, an IntelPRO/100 VE network connection for high-speed wired networking and Internet, and integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g) for cordless e-communication at home, at the office, or on the road via local public hotspots. Other key amenities include four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug-and-play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, Bluetooth 1.1 technology for interaction with wireless peripherals, an i.LINK 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), futuristic S-video and component TV-out ports, and a digital audio-out (SPDIF) connection. Furthermore, all critical connections are positioned at the rear of the unit for clean lines and easy home entertainment setup.
Operating System and Software
Toshiba has fitted the Qosmio E15-AV101 with Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004. Similar to the standard Windows XP but with several enhancements geared to the multimedia fan, this is one of today's most advanced operating systems. Other applications include Intuit's Quicken New User Edition 2004 financial center, Microsoft's Office OneNote 2003 note-taking and management program, and several operational, multimedia, and online utilities.
Dimensions and Weight
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve pounds or more, therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements." On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultraportables," super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two pounds and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. At 13.31 by 11.22 by 1.70 inches and 8.17 pounds without AC adapter, the Qosmio E15-AV101 is of average size.
Power
The unit is equipped with a six-cell lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 2.35 hours between charges. This is a shorter life expectancy than for many notebooks utilizing Intel's efficient Centrino technology, though not entirely unexpected given the system's impressive capabilities.
1 Toshiba's diregard for the consumer
If you want to experience the latest Windows Media Center 2005 edition software, this machine is not the right one. It comes loaded with Media Center 2004. Once you purchase it, you will realize that you wont have many of the functionality of Windows Media Center 2005 such as concurrent record and play, better interface etc. The worst part is Toshiba does not give you an upgrade path and you are stuck. It is a distasteful feeling to realize you have hardware that has outdated software the day you purchase it.
2 Sellers who are Fraudlant
When I see an item advertised on the Amazon Web site and the product has a very low price and the Seller asks the Buyer to email them before they purchase, I question it. Most of these situations, the Seller asked for cash to be sent via Western Union and the Seller never sent the product. This same item was advertised for $1200 on 10/2/04 and was reported to be a fraud and removed from the Amazon site. Now, just two days later another Seller is selling the same item at a very low unreal price. I would like Amazon to investgate this Seller who is advertising this product at this low price. I ordered this product from another Vendor on another web site for $2299. I rate the product 5 stars, however question Sellers who have extremely low prices and ask that you email them prior to submitting the order. Thank you, Frank Robert Speece
3 Qosmio - A Winner!
I buy a new laptop every year, but I don't upgrade until I find a machine with specs clearly exceeding the last. Qosmio is clearly a step above most other laptops. The first thing you notice when you crank it up for the very first time is the screen. Although the maximum resolution is a disapointing 1024X768 pixels, the screen is absolutely the brightest screen I have ever seen anywhere including most CRT's! The display is incredible! And, as it turns out, 1024X768 is a very comfortable resolution. I am grateful for the 80GB hardrive which comes with a toshiba utility to reduce hardrive noise... but for the life of me I can't figure out why.. the machine is very quiet and the Centrino chip runs in conjunction with the 855chipset flawlessly and cooly. I boosted the memory to 1GB. The machine comes with a single 512mb chip, and I reccomend going to 1GB... otherwise it's like driving a BMW at 55mph. The computer comes with windows media edition and two remote controls! I was flabergasted when I saw them both. One is used withing the windows environment for media center. The other is used to play dvd's or cd's or TV from a power off condition without loading windows! That makes this machine a wonderful DVD player with a 15" screen! It's very cool! but still 2 remotes? Couldn't they figure out how to make one do everything?
The DVD/RW super-multidrive is a huge improvement over previous versions I tested it and it will write a DVD video at 8X speeds provided you ensure you use 8X blanks. Previous toshiba laptops have included easy systems Drag N Drop CD+DVD but not this one. The supportive softwre is adequate... about all I can say. Tohsiba chose to limit the screen size to 15" when everyone else is moving to 15.4" wide screens and even 17" versions. But I find those machines extremely bulky. I like the portability of a 15" screen and the Brightness is worth it. Not sure of the value of a TV tuner in a laptop but I tested it and it works well... makes for cool bragging rights! the harmon kardon speakers are well above laptop average but not as good as the previous Toshiba 5205-S705. Battery time is rated at 2.5 hours plus. I haven't completely tested it but it's gotta be close. I'm sure if the screen was a standard version the battery would be at 3 to 3.5 hours. It weighs around 8 pounds which is about average for comparable 'other brands'. Although I am partial to Toshiba, I compared with Sony, HP, and Dell. Each had similar models... sort of. The Sony A series similarly equipped priced out about $300.00 more retail. the Hp was the cheapest but didn't measure up in features. Dell, continues to use DVD+'s only when everyone else is installing DVD+-RW's so that knocked them out. Setup was a breeze. toshiba includes works 7 and office student edition along with microsoft one note. The thing comes with a joint use secure digit memory slot or a sony memory stick slot (can't use both at once... which isn't a problem). I bought a san disk flashcard pcmcia card adapter for 12 bucks and now it takes about any kind of memory I could imagine. The ports are now no nonsense... no covers to flip open or remember to close.
Bottom line if you are looking for a 'multimedia' laptop powerhouse with decent battery time and the latest features at a resonable price... this one works. Reccomended accessories: another 512mb or ram (total 1gb;) a targus sport deluxe backpack; and consider upgrading the warrantee to system guard 3 yr (you drop it they fix it).
4 Overpriced
Now I don't have the Qosimo and as much as I like Toshiba ( got a satellite ) and sure its a fine machine , its just not worth it .
For that price you can buy yourself a higher specd notebook even from Toshiba ( wait for the new models ) and add most of the Qosimo features by buying addons/software .
You'll get a better deal , better value and much more power .
The Qosimo is a step in the right direction , but don't let the companies charge you a hefty premium for nothing but a name .
