Written by Matt Swider  on September 10, 2008

Tech Special: Toshiba's Qosmio brand of notebooks is doing more than meeting the needs of the typical desktop user. They're meeting the needs of power-hungry gamers, too.

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Toshiba recently showed us a bunch of high-end notebooks that aren't just your usual desktop replacements, but also enviable gaming-rig substitutes. Part of the company's Qosmio line, the X305 and G55 models we demoed at E3 felt ideal for multimedia enthusiasts and avid gamers; they don't skimp on the all-important processing power or hold back when it comes to an attractive high-definition display. Just a few short months ago, these specs in a mobile platform seemed like a pipe-dream for gamers. But, given the hardware arms race between manufacturers, the consumer push for laptops and the always-increasing popularity of gaming, the Qosmio line has officially caught up to Crysis-worth desktops.

Qosmio G55

The most striking thing about the Qosmio G55 is it boasts a Quad Core HD Processor based on the Cell Processor, the very same technology powering your PlayStation 3. To go along with the high-definition microprocessor, the laptop sports a monstrous 18.4Ф TruBrite display, a convenient HDMI Port with 1080p support (goodbye VGA port) and intriguing gesture technology.

The gesture technology allows you to control a limited number of applications without a mouse, keyboard or remote. Instead, hand gestures in front of the laptop's built-in webcam controls the function of DVDs, CDs and PowerPoint. It's not unlike having Sony's ground-breaking EyeToy on your laptop, and while gesture technology is very new, it may be a precursor to innovative motion-controlled functionality we will see more and more of in the future.

In order to handle the likes of Crysis, the G55 comes through with an Nvidia graphics card, specifically the GeForce 9600M GT, and an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P7350. There's also 4GB of DDR RAM and a Dual 250GB hard drives (a total of 500GB), which both spin at 5400 RPM.

While G55's Quad Core HD Processor is based on the same technology that's under the hood of PS3, the laptop outperforms Sony's console with its four sleep-and-charge USB ports. Unlike PS3's USB ports, which don't charge your controllers when the system's powered down, G55's ports continues to dull out the juice anytime.

The Toshiba Qosmio G55, with its hefty weight and even heftier feature-set, costs $1,549.99.


Qosmio X305

Touted as the ultimate portable gaming machine for speed fanatics, the X305 bumps up the hard drive and RAM specs considerably for a laptop. Its dual 200GB hard drives (a total of 400GB) spin at a faster 7200 RPM and its 4GB RAM is of the DDR3 variety.

Like the G55, the X305 also uses the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P7350, has an HDMI port for 1080p video, sleep-and-charge USB ports and stereo speakers with a built-in subwoofer. Additionally, it also costs the same amount at 1,549.99. But it replaces the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with a 9800M GTX chip and boasts a slightly more compact 17Ф display.

In addition to the increased in speed, the X305 has a stylish body that'll get you noticed. Eye-catching red flames adorn the lid and the inside borders. The X305 and G55 aren't fit for everyday mobility, but both are perfect for LAN parties; they're mobile enough and definitely powerful enough and the X305's red flames will surely stand out at your next LAN party.