Toshiba Qosmio X770 17.3in 3D gaming notebook
Fully loaded
Review When Toshiba UK announced the launch of the Qosmio X770 3D – a new gaming laptop with stereoscopic 3D graphics and a 17.3in HD screen, I immediately thought: could this be an Alienware killer? Toshiba has been said to lag behind other manufacturers when it comes to high-end gaming laptops, but after spending time with the X770 I would suggest that's no longer the case.
Taking the heat: Toshiba's Qosmio X770
The sample Qosmio X770-10J came in a huge leather case and I did wonder if it was going to unluggable. Indeed, portability isn’t the X770’s forte, but being 3.4kg doesn’t render it immobile. It’s still not comfortable to carry around for significant periods, even in my Crumpler backpack.
I really liked the texture imprinted into the plastic housing, which I am guessing is supposed to reference a Matrix-like data stream but reminded me not unpleasantly of retro 1970s wood feel.
Harman-Kardon stereo speakers and sub-woofer on-board
Red gradient highlights on the sturdy chassis and across the speaker grilles – this machine’s one design fault: these grilles look cheap and nasty – work well with the tiled keyboard’s red backlighting. I hate to say it but this is a goth’s laptop – all red backlighting and black chrome. Indeed, the amount of red light leaking out reminded me of a certain area in Amsterdam.
I love the tiled keyboard - it oozed quality. The keys were nicely spaced and delivered excellent response to touch. Along the top is the Toshiba’s EasyControl bar, a glowing array of multimedia function keys that, at the touch of a red button, can be extinguished if it's too gimmicky for you.
The styling of gaming laptops will always evoke mixed opinions – this one should appeal to goths
I was immediately impressed with the 17.3in 1920 x 1080 screen – it’s gorgeous. Viewing from any angle is clear, both horizontally and vertically. Fancy watching movies with that special someone? It’s only the weight of this notebook that will stop you moving in for a smooch and perhaps, your nearest and dearest's attention will be on the HD display, anyway.
Next page: Visual impact
COMMENTS
Keyboard controls - cursors? how about c64 style?
I used O, P, A and Z back in the day :)
Laptop/desktop
One reason why a lot of people want laptops is multiple location usage - not necessarily usage on the move.
Fail
Someone needs to tell the design teams at all these companies making Laptops that can game - STOP making the goddamn cursor keys small. These keys need to be viably big and chunky on a gaming rig.
Indeed, a lot of people seem to make this assumption.
When people buy gaming laptops such as this one its to be a desktop replacement.
You can move from place to place easily, no separate tower, no big monitor, everything just there.
If you want a light laptop to look at websites for hours your not going to be buying a £1700 gaming laptop. I don't see why people put its size as a valid down side in these reviews.
