Toshiba Qosmio F15-AV201 15.4" Laptop (Mobile Intel Pentium M Processor 745 (Centrino), 512MB, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive)

Toshiba Qosmio F15-AV201 15.4" Laptop (Mobile Intel Pentium M Processor 745 (Centrino), 512MB, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive)

Includes: 6-cell 3600mAh lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, Harmon/Kardon stereo speakers, remote control, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, Office OneNote 2003, WinDVD Creator 2 Platinum, Norton AntiVirus 2004, & more. Toshiba Qosmio AV Notebook PC - The Qosmio (pronounced koss-mee-oh) is a mobile computing and entertainment device that contains 4 different devices in 1! It's your computer, TV, DVD player and home stereo! To control all of these great functions, the Qomio has Microsoft's Windows Media Center Edition 2005 operating system. It gives you a TV style interface that's remote control operated. 512MB of DDR SDRAM (expandable to 2GB) 2 RAM Slots (0 available) 15.4 LCD WXGA enhanced TruBrite display Native Resolution - 1280x800 80GB HDD DVD SuperMulti Drive (Write Speeds) - up to 8x DVD-R, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD-RW, 4x DVD+RW, 3x DVD-RAM, 24x CD-R, & 10x CD-RW DVD SuperMulti Drive (Read Speeds) - up to 8x DVD-ROM & 24x CD-ROM NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5700 graphics with 128MB of RAM Integrated TV Tuner SRS WOW & TruSurround XT Technology Bridge Media Adapter - Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and xD Integrated v.92 Fax Modem Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 4 USB 2.0, 1 FireWire, TV Out (S-Video & Component Y/Pb/Pr), TV In (S-Video & Composite), Composite Monitor In, Antenna In, & S/PDIF Optical Audio Out with Dolby Digital 1 PCMCIA PC Card Slot - Supports 1 Type II PC Card

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #1862 in Personal Computers

Brand: Toshiba

Model: PQF10U-00K00H

Dimensions: 15.00" h x 2.00" w x 17.00" l, 15.00 pounds

CPU: Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor 1.8 GHz

Memory: 512MB DDR SDRAM

Hard Disk: 80GB

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce FX GO 5700 VRAM 128MB

Processors: 1

Networking: Intel. Pro/Wireless LAN 2200 BG Mini PCI Adapter, Bluetooth version 1.2 with TOSHIBA Bluetooth Stack software

Battery type: Lithium Ion

Native resolution: 1280-by-800

Display size: 15.4

Features

Intel Pentium M Processor 745 (1.8 GHz)

2MB L2 Cache

400MHz FSB

Built-in 802.11g Wireless LAN Adapter

Bluetooth Enabled

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
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.

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.

Video 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.

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.

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.

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Customer Reviews

Almost 3 years, and still going strong.
> I have had the Qosmio F15 for two years and getting ready to start my thrid year. Overall I haven't had too many problems, but I have had problems that everyone else has had it sounds like. Mainly with the cooling system, the fan is extremely loud, and I have had to send it back twice due to the cooling system. I would get a error message saying I needed my cooling system repaired and then it would shut off. Apprently it was an easy fix, because it was only gone a couple of weeks but it was just a huge hassle trying to get it sent off.

> Really about the only other complaint I have is the battery life, which I knew would be terrible when I bought it, but the other features that came with it mainly the WMC has come in very handy. I keep cable hooked up to my machine and it acts as my own DVR system, even though the built in TV tuner isn't that great it still gets the job done. And the S-Video in's and out's have come in handy when traveling. I upgraded the ram to 1 gig when I bought it and overall the machine runs and loads relatively quick even after two years.

Buyer beware
Purchased one of these American Qosmio's, and imported it to New Zealand. The Qosmio lasted just one month longer than its one year international warranty and then the motherboard died. I have always liked Toshiba but after wasting so much money on one I will never get another.
Pro's- Very nice looking machine loaded with features, nice sound (for a laptop), and very clear and bright screen.
Cons- noisy fan, runs hot which probably contributed to the short lifespan .Power supply also gets very hot.
Toshiba mobile services NZ wanted to charge me $1500.00 for a replacement motherboard and provide just a three month warranty on the repair. Toshiba eventually repaired the laptop free of charge, but by this time I had replaced it with another laptop (not as flashy but hopefully much more reliable). As much as I loved the Toshiba following the "system enhancement", I decided to sell it on because of my negative experience.

Solid with Some Good - Some bad
Had this for several months now and overall I am happy with the product from Toshiba.

Biggest letdowns
Fan is REALLY noisy - It's truely awful because you "Should" be able to use this as an Uber-Media hub for your house considering the WMC capabilities of the product. But no one would want to hear this beast of a fan through an entier movie... unless it's a movie about loud wind like Twister or something.. then I suppose it wouldn't matter.

Windows Start button - Huh top right? Who puts it top right?? Every other Windows keepboard has it lower left between CTRL and ALT. IT DRIVES ME NUTS!!!!! If the fan wasn't so darn loud this would be my biggest gripe.

Internal Speakers - I think they come with rocks inside. They sound good except for with the bass and they crackle even at low volumes. Ok it's laptop speakers, but it a MEDIA CENTER Laptop! Hello. Anyway, headphone it and enjoy.

Hot - Very Hot. The fan runs constantly(see above) and the undercarrage cooks your lap - or table - or probably your grilled cheeze if you put one under there.

Toshiba Software for H*ll! - to quote C.Bing - "Could they load ANY more useless Toshiba software at start-up?"

Software Extras - all crud... Enjoy deleting for the first day you own.

Now some positives.
Stable - No shutdowns for me. It recovers from hibernate fast and with little problem. In fact I keep mine in hibernate most of the time re-boot sometimes only every couple of days.

Display - Great, REALLY great display screen. I love it. I had a friend comment that they thought it was Plasma not LCD. Yeah they're not so smart, but the screen is pretty sweet for a LCD. As soon as I saw it I knew I should have upped for the 17".

Battery life. - Short battery life is a problem out of the box. If you want to extend you battery life learn your laptop and how to set up a Roaming profile to turn off all the extra's your not using when you travel like the wireless or bluetooth. Although it's not great Toshiba does provide a utility to help you tweak your laptop for battery. Test some different configs or buy the extra battery.

Overall a solid laptop. Hey as laptops go, even with the letdowns, it's a good one and I am happy with it. I would recogmend this for a laptop user who wants reliable yet with the extras. BUT! If you thought it would double as a media player for the TV. Ummm.. No. If you thought it was good for LOTS of travel. Ummm.. Why would you think that? It's big, it's heavy and with all the extras of COURSE the battery won't last hours and hours. To close if you want a good entertainment laptop to take with you now and then... baby you gots it.

Cau

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