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Toshiba Qosmio G20 Media Center notebook

Cinema on the move?

If you want to use a set-top box you can provide a picture via the composite and S-Video inputs. The supplied USB dongle receiver comes with IR extenders so MCE can change channel on your Sky or Cable box. The USB dongle for the remote is smaller and slightly smarter than the standard OEM one but it's seems like a missed opportunity not to have integrated it into the notebook. The remote itself has been smartened up a little and adds direct buttons to the 'My' folders, such as My Videos.

Toshiba Qosmio G20

The keyboard is quite good but I would have liked a firmer feel to the keys and I sometimes caught the edges while typing. The size of the machine means that there's room for arrow keys but the Windows key has been moved to the top right, which takes some getting used to. A function key provides quick access to the usual features such as screen brightness and TV output but above this are actual hardware buttons for direct access to Media Center. You don't even have to have the MCE shell running - all you have to do is press the music button and it will launch automatically.

The Qosmio G20 has Harmon Kardon speakers located in each corner. Instead of a mesh, the driver is clearly visible through the spoked cover. The integrated speakers go very loud and sound is very impressive for a notebook. Of course you'll get an improvement with higher quality external speakers but this should do for watching a movie. The volume control is a dial integrated into the chassis on the right hand side with blue lights to indicate the level. Very cool.

Software-wise Toshiba has provided Microsoft Works along with Norton Internet Security. Recovery CDs are also included.

Toshiba Qosmio G20

Verdict

There's no doubt that the Qosmio G20 is very impressive machine, both in girth and specification. It's nicely put together and is a great advert for Microsoft's Media Center. However, it's not quite the outstanding notebook that it could have been. A higher resolution screen would have been desirable, but the lack of a digital TV tuner as standard and the poor quality TV Out are major black marks.

Despite these flaws it could still do very well as a desktop PC, DVD and TV replacement. This is still a very good Media Center machine and well worth auditioning.

Review by
TrustedReviews.com

Toshiba Qosmio G20
 
Rating 80%
 
Price £1699
 
More info The Toshiba Qosmio site

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