The Basics When is a notebook not just a notebook? When it's one of Toshiba's new Qosimo notebooks. Distinctive from other mobile computers by virtue of its strong multimedia and 3D graphics attributes and easy adaptability to home entertainment setups, the Qosimo F15-AV201 is a top of the line portable package that's impressive in virtually any environment. Powerful, exceedingly versatile and packed with cutting edge amenities, the Qosimo F15-AV201 is well suited to discriminating individuals with a passion for multimedia.
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The Qosmio F15-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 CPU's 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, email and the like. The Qosimo F15-AV201 is equipped with an Intel Pentium M processor 745 running at 1.8 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, the Pentium M 745 will easily handle typical tasks. Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, 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 Qosimo F15-AV201 incorporates 512 MB of fast PC2700 DDR333 SDRAM memory. Though ultra-demanding users may want to expand this total to the unit's boggling maximum of 2048 MB, the stock allotment of RAM is more than enough for the vast majority of situations. |
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CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing 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 Go5700 with an impressive 128 MB of dedicated DDR video memory. This is a very strong notebook graphics chipset - on par or superior to the graphics capabilities of many desktop PCs - that delivers top-notch images and smooth frame rates to virtually any 2D and most 3D applications, including many of today's most popular 3D games. Display
You'll love the way your images look on the 15.4-inch WXGA display. Featuring Toshiba's TruBrite Technology for a better, brighter picture than typical notebooks, a maximum resolution of 1024 by 768 and a panoramic, movie-friendly widescreen format, this display is ready for any environment and source. Hard Disk
The Qosimo F15-AV201 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/or 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 backup 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 DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). 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
Toshiba has equipped the unit with an integrated audio processor that mimics the spatial awareness of surround sound and two comparatively beefy harman-kardon speakers for powerful mobile stereo output. Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 85-key keyboard, several one-touch multimedia and general function keys, and a TouchPad pointing device with scroll.
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Connectivity and Expansion
Whether you prefer wireless or corded connections, the Qosimo F15-AV201 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 dial-up 56K data/fax modem for low-speed communication, an IntelPRO/100 VE Network Connection for high-speed wired network 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 setups.
Operating System and Software
The bundled software package begins 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 lbs or more and 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"ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. At 14.7 by 11.22 by 1.70 inches and 8.6 lbs (without feet), the Qosimo F15-AV201 is slightly larger than today's norm.
Power
The unit is equipped with a 6-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
Qosmio is true digital media convergence simply achieved through state-of-the-art and streamlined design. It's 4-in-1 functionality combines TV, Audio, PC and DVD features in one compact package. The multiple plug-and-play ports transform the unit simply into a gaming monitor, a digital camera slide show screen, audio-out to home systems for TV and MP3s, and more! Qosmio's sleek style echoes consumer electronics design, to complement existing electronics in the home.Experience entertainment fully with one trim notebook. Movies, music, television, gaming, internet and personal computing in the Qosmio F15 - all mobile and starting under 10 lbs.
1 amazing screen quality
I've had a qosimo F15 for only a few weeks, but so far it has amazed me - I have the US version as the European one is not as hi-spec. So far - screen quality amazing, sounds excellent (better than any other I've heard), and the way the ports are arranged are very user friendly as mentioned by the other reviewer. I've not tried the gaming on it yet but sounds and visison on everything else seem great so I am sure it will fine. The only complaint I might have is that the laptop does not last that long on battery power alone - I think just a couple of hours - which may be a problem for some.
2 New PC Owner
It hasn't been a month yet since I received the PC, but I like it so far. It's the software that I have to get use to. Usually, it's the software and/or the operator that is the problem and not the electronics. The display is clear and sharp. The color is great. For the size of the speakers, the sound is outstanding. I like the USB ports on three sides. I watched someone trying to give a presentation with a laptop with ill placed USB ports. He had a difficult time getting prepared. I would recommend the purchase of this model.
