Toshiba Qosmio G30

One of the main driving factors, in the development of PC products, with regards to the AV experience over the last couple of years, has been the emergence of HD. HD as most of our readers know is used to refer to the 720p and 1080p format, which promise an unparalleled audio/visual experience. While 720p is regarded as being an entry level HD format, it is 1080p which has emerged as the current gold standard. Virtually, all PC manufacturers have started making products that offer 1080p compatibility. These products are sold at a premium, as 1080p is quite stiff in its requirements. To meet these requirements, PC manufacturers have to equip their products with expensive high quality peripherals which drive up the overall cost.

For accommodating the increased A/V capacity of these new standards, the focus is now on the optical media industry. Currently the war for the next-generation media that supports True HD (1080p), has divided the optical disc manufacturers into two camps. On one side, we have Sony with its Blu-Ray format and on the other hand we have HD-DVD, which like Blu-Ray is an industry initiative and has found it own set of backers. Due to this division, products coming out from various manufacturers offer either only Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.

The product that we are reviewing here today is the Toshiba Qosmio G30, which comes equipped with a HD-DVD drive and is Toshiba’s current flagship desktop replacement/media center laptop.
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Toshiba like Sony is well known for designing slim and sexy laptops. However that seems to have been the last thing on their mind, when it comes to the G30. The G30 is without doubt the biggest bulkiest laptop we have ever reviewed. While it is a well-established fact, that desktop replacements compromise on size and weight to get more performance, the G30 takes this practice to a whole new level. Weighing in at an incredible 4.9 kg, its physical specifications of 406mm X 295mm X 44.7mm (WxHxD) makes it an imposing specimen. In fact we are willing to bet even money, that with such thickness and weight, this is probably the biggest consumer laptop that is currently available. Though physically the laptop maybe a monster, its finish and design are thankfully is of a more practical nature. The G30 comes in a typical silver and black finish, which contrasts well with the polished mirror look