Toshiba's New "Sandy Bridge" Qosmios

http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=52...5042-toshibas-new-sandy-bridge-qosmios-5.html

That one. Only Toshiba sells it right now.

Has the NEW Intel Sandy Bridge i7, with all the bells and whistles of the higher end qosmios + it has a 2nd Harddrive installed (7200 rpm) for a total of 1 TB ROM. ALL for $1900

SSD is great I've heard. Its much faster than any mechanical harddrive. I believe the 898 has the SSD, but does not include the new generation of intels sandy bridge cpu (I bet Toshiba will make a sandy bridge qosmio model that DOES have a SSD, I just haven't seen it yet)

 

You just want me to spend more $$! That one looks good.

I will be buying a new rig soon. I will keep this one at the top of the list.

Thx!

 

Whoops sorry I edited my post a bit

 

Toshiba has cheaper Qosmios, that is just their top model at this moment. You can get a Q892 at Walmart.com for $1080 (i5, NO led keyboard, no bluetooth, no bluray)

 

I just won a used ASUS 18" w90vp (2 X HD4870 Crossfire, 8GB RAM) on Fleabay,

haven't received it yet. I will play with that until I figure

what new rig to get....too many choices....

 

Don't be to impressed with the ssd that Toshiba has in the 898 model. The ssd in the 898 Qosmio is only 64GB!!. While windows starts up fast (great) the drive fills up fast. The drive has two almost identical folders, one for the 64 bit system, and the other one for the 32 bit version of the system. So, it does not take a lot to fill it up. I put a few programs, quicken and my anti virus on the ssd and I have just over 8gb left!!! So, when I get a chance I will put a larger ssd in it.

Quick note: Just in case anyone does not know, IMHO, before putting anything on the second drive create a folder named Program files x86, and put all your programs into it.

 

Program Files in a 64-bit OS is for installing 64-bit apps, Program Files (x86) is for installing 32-bit apps. Most apps will install into the appropriate folder. You don't need to specifically create a Program Files on your hard drive.

You can clean things up a bit, turn off hibernate if you don't use it because it consumes as much space as RAM that you have, and dial back the page file to about 1GB or even 256MB should suffice. Not even really needed if you have decent amount of RAM and run newer programs that don't need it.

A fresh Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit should consume less than 20GB with page file. Only install apps on the SSD that benefit from the fast access times. Games do not usually benefit other than loading them more quickly which usually has no real benefit.

 

Have you ever noticed any difference doing this? It seems like a band aid for a sub par system, no?

 

No. Many people are buying 60-64GB SSD's for their OS and basic apps and using a hard drive for the rest of their stuff. Check out the hardware forums here. There is one post that is pretty good about describing windows 7 setup for use with your SSD. If I find it I'll post it.

The only reason you have a page file is when your memory gets full it starts to utilize the hard drive. Older programs would put stuff there anyways, but newer apps just let the OS handle it, and Windows 7 makes best use of your RAM. So if you are a heavy multitasker (like dozens of browser windows open simultaneously, lots of apps, etc) might not be a bad idea to invest in 6 or 8GB RAM. Just check your RAM useage and if it's over 70% of total (i.e. 3GB of 4GB) in use on a regular basis, it wouldn't hurt to add more RAM.

The other thing is to move your Documents and Photos and Video folders to your hard drive as well if you make heavy use of those, otherwise you'll wonder why your drive is filling up.

 

Satellite E305 looks like a great machine. Too bad it's a Best Buy exclusive... (I avoid that place).

 

Wow! Walmart is already sold out of the SB Qosmios. They had them for sale (and in stock) earlier this week.

Walmart.com: Toshiba Omega Black 18.4" Qosmio X505-Q8104 Laptop PC with Intel Core i7-2630QM Processor and Windows 7 Home Premium: Computers

 

The specs from that one look just like the (Toshiba only) Q930s.

What is the difference?

 

Q930 from Toshibadirect has Windows Professional

 

I've read that i5 SB will be avaiable after 20th of Feb.

 

The x505-q8104 page is not even accessible through the walmart's main site, only from google. Same for bestbuy, btw. and i purchased through bestbuy when it was available.

 

i can confirm, there are no usb 3.0 in x505-q8104 i got from bestbuy. along with the dead pixel, that's a reason why i'll be returning it. too bad it's no longer available to request a replacement

 

I compared the STALKER Call of Pripyat benchmarks with the results of one guy with G73SW doing the same on ASUS' forums and the same settings produced about 3-5% difference in Toshiba's favor (give or take)

 

MAN! That sounds disappointing! That really sucks on the dead pixel and I was hoping for a USB 3.0 (though the USB is not a deal breaker for me).

Ya, everywhere is sold out. Sorry you got a defective one. Waiting for Costco to get in some SB Qosmios.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

I returned my Q896. There was a ghosting line at the bottom of the screen which irritated me. Also to be upset that I purchased that q896 on Jan 3. and afterwards found out about the Sandy Bridge Models. soooooo. I am gonna grab a sandy bridge laptop at some time. I would prefer the i7 2720QM instead of the i7 2630QM so I am gonna wait for a nice laptop of that processor.

 

Do you know when and if the i7 2720qm will be available? Or, if it will be available. IF I remember correctly (please correct me) wasn't it a while before the the original i7s went from i7 620, i7 720, i7 740, skipped i7 840, up to extreme 920, 940. I think I only heard of the i7 840 in Red Mayors lappy, and he is in Austrialia (spelling bad)


It seems Toshiba releases different chips for different regions.

 

You are correct.. I wouldnt expect to see a i7 2720QM in a Toshiba/Asus etc until middle of this year at the earliest.. I am going to purchase a Dell Alienware m17 with the i7 2720qm, 4gb dd3 1333mh, 17inch 1920x1080, 750gb 7200rpm hdd, gtx 460m at for the same price as the toshiba q930s and asus g73sw.

 

I am going to purchase a Dell Alienware m17 with the i7 2720qm, 4gb dd3 1333mh, 17inch 1920x1080, 750gb 7200rpm hdd, gtx 460m at for the same price as the toshiba q930s and asus g73sw



Would that be the Dell R3 version of the m17x?? Why not wait to see if the the Dell m18x becomes a reality (if you have the time). Or, if your looking for power why not grab a clevo/sager with the new gtx 485 in it.

Tell you the truth, the gpu is the very reason I didn't return my x505-898. Sandy Bridge CPU lappys maybe faster, but the card gtx 460 will throttle it (its what I've read) . I don't think Toshiba will ever throw the gtx 485 in the Qosimo line (or any other line). IF THEY DID I'D BE IN THE STORE THE NEXT DAY Everyone is all ga-ga over SB, but the laptop is exactly the same no new video card, or even usb 3.0. So, I figured what would be the point of returning the laptop that I've had for a month. Except for "king of the hill" bragging rights why bother? Who knows, probably six months down the line there will be something new and shiney to drool over. So, until my games no longer work, or I accidental kill my lappy by taking it apart (gee, wheres that screw go ) I will probably stay pat.

 

Absolutely, the variance in models is significant depending on the market.

Down here the Sandy Bridge Versions will be a while coming in the larger manufacturers though specialist small computer stores will have parts available I'm sure.

So close but just a small but significant (down here anyway) distinction I'm a New Zealander not and Australian. Though in one sense you are right the Market for PC equipment is pretty much the same.

Dell here (NZ) are still selling discounted R2 M17x with Crossfire 5870's so it will be a while before we get stock Sandy Bridge and upgraded VGA's I should think.

 

Whoops, my apologies Red Mayor.


I have always wondered if Toshiba is a world wide company (meaning big), why can't it have a set up like Dell. If the qosmsio is a set lappy (nothing can be changed), is it that much of a big deal to have the customer go through Toshiba direct (like dell) and choose what processor they want.


AND, who thought of the design for this model??? Basically you have to take it apart to get to the processor. Sager is light years ahead in this regard. SIMPLY TAKE OFF THE BACK AND EVERYTHING IS RIGHT THERE-GPU/CPU etc.

 

Ya Toshiba is a BIG multi-national corporation.

I think the Qosmio is the only laptop they sell that isn't customizable. I know it sucks.

 

No Problem Scanner, I was actually feeling rather amused about it.

I agree on the customisation, though I guess it might have something to do with economy of scale and the focus of the company's core business perhaps?

I'd love to get access to a Sager to see what they're like but I've only found them available from international retailers. eventually when I've paid of my X500 perhaps I'll save up enough to order one.

 

For those of you with the Toshiba Qosmio laptops. How reliable are they? I used to have an Asus N50VN and had the screen flicker problem so many others with the same laptop had. I don't want this problem again and will probably not go with Asus for a while. I gave it away to my sister and plan to get another laptop. This time I want bigger so I was looking at 17-18" laptops and Toshiba are about the only ones that offer 18". I will be buying in a few months, waiting for GTX 560M with the new Sandy CPUS. I also looked at the Asus forums for the G series, they have many problems from restarting, keyboards, screen problems. Does any of these happen with the Toshiba Qosmio?

 

Just wanted to let everyone know:

I returned my 894 Qosmio at Costco (Excellent store! Full refund), and just bought the Qosmio Q8102 (Sandy Bridge model) for only $100 more at Costco.com. (the 8102 [$1499] is the SB equivalent of the 894 [$1399]).

The 8102 has 3 major improvements over the 894 equivalent:

1. Sandy Bridge Processor. Has a base chip clock of 2.0 GHZ vs 1.7 GHZ (894). Most sites give the SB chips a 30% CPU increase over the Generation-1 i7 chips.

2. 8102 has a 640 GB HDD vs 500 GB HDD (894). That's a 28% increase in ROM storage.

3. 8102 has 6 GB RAM @ 1333 MHZ vs 4 GB RAM @ 1033 MHZ. That's 33% more RAM, and about 30% faster RAM. PLUS, I was planning on upgrading my RAM for the 894 to 8 GB 1333, which I no longer need to (THAT ALONE makes up for the $100 price difference right there).

Also, the 8102 has Bluetooth 3.0 (894 had 2.0).



I'll let you guys know my review of it once it arrives (Friday or Monday).

 

Neat sounding machine, will be good to hear about it.

Should tear-up the old scores.

Congratulations!

Roll on Friday or Monday...

 

Hey is the new screen 1080P? On Newegg and Amazon they state its 1680 x 945. Whats weird is on Amazon it states it has a 1080P resolution and then shows the pixels as 1680 x 945. Why would Toshiba give a $1500 laptop a 900P screen?

 

The 894 and 8102 have a 1680x945 screen (ya I saw on newegg where THEY screwed up, NOT Toshiba, Everywhere else has it as 1680x945). I'm perfectly fine with the 945p screen, as I already have about a month use with the 894 and loved the screen on it.

Toshiba does make the 896/898/8104 that have the 1080p screen. The 896 is the cheapest route ($1399 @ newegg). The 898 has RAM upgrades and a SSD drive. The 8104 has RAM, HDD, and the new SB processor.

Good luck

 

LOL, is it possible to have pc envy? Congrats!!! let us know the answers to the usual questions.

 

TigerDirect says they have the 8100 (i5-SB) Qosmio in stock @ $1279.

Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q8100 PQX34U-01L00V Notebook PC - Intel core i5-2410M 2.3GHz, 4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, 18.4 Display, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, Black at TigerDirect.com

 

is it fhd or hd+?

 

It's the Lowest end SB Qosmio, so my guess would be 1600x900
Thus NOT full HD.

However, TigerDirect says 1900x1080, BUT I doubt it would be that. Toshiba only puts 1080 on the higher end models.

Newegg also has the 8100 and has the same screen resolution (1080p).
Newegg.com - TOSHIBA Qosmio X505-Q8100 NoteBook Intel Core i5 2410M(2.30GHz) 18.4" 4GB Memory DDR3 1333 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M

I don't know, even Sears has it as FULL-HD. Maybe Toshiba wised up and included it on the lower end Qosmios. But don't be surprised if it's wrong.

Good luck

 

I'd like to see 945p. I've saw these two diplay and hate white - yellow of 1080p.
BTW I don't think this SB (i5) will be much better than i5 460m. Look at clocks. SB is faster but comparing these models it'll be almost the same.
The best config is i7 + 945p imo.
I hope there will be some sleak deals for q893.

 

WOW!!!!!

The new Sandy Bridge Chipset (the chipset not the CPU) has been recalled!!!
Intel reveals design flaw in Sandy Bridge chipset | Business Tech - CNET News

MAN! I get my new laptop today too!!!! If you goto Toshibadirect.com , they pulled all the Qosmios form their site.

A fix is expected to be released in February. I'm not going to allow my computer to be fixed. I'm going to return it and wait for the fixed Qosmio model to come out. WHAT A BUMMER!

 

MAN, isn't this always the way. New shiney object is introduced, many people run out and must have it, and spend their hard earned money on it. THEN, BOOM the company annouces that there is a problem with the shiney new object-IT DOESN'T WORK (or something similar). Leaving all the earlier adapters, feeling like crash test dummies.

 

Hello,
The Actual Chip that has the problem is called (codenamed) the "Cougar Point" chip - commonly called/referred to as the "South Bridge" (I/O) chip -

Sandy Bridge was the codename of the new i7 Core CPUs -

In Peace and Agape,
Trav...

 

I just returned my Qosmio 8102. Didn't even get the chance to open the box.

 

Bummer, I hope the replacement will give you twice as much joy!

 

Thanks for the kind words Red. I was really looking forward to the new SB refresh of the Qosmio.

Also, Amazon.com pulled the SB Qosmios from their site. I think more resellers will follow.

 

Newegg.com also pulled all their SB Qosmios.

However, Amazon still sales SB ASUS G73s. I'm guessing it must be a Toshiba decision and not a resllers decision (as ToshibaDirect.com has also pulled all their Qosmios from their site).

In fact, I just did a search. Every SB Toshiba (Satellite included) has been pulled from Amazon.com

 

I also just got mine from Costco today! I am going to use it until they fix the problem then return it to Costco and get a new unit! I would of returned mine but I can't be without a laptop and my old one is dead! I will tell you on a positive note that this thing is very very fast!!! I love it so far!

 

Damn. I wish I could do that, but Costco would probably think I was abusing the return policy (as I already returned the Qosmio 894 four weeks after ownership to buy and upgrade to the 8102).

When I returned it, one of the gals working there already heard of the recall. Made the return process that much easier.

Keep us updated with the progress of the laptop; maybe even do a review.

The only downsides to the recall is that SATA ports 2,3,4,5 are affected. SATA ports 0 and 1 (usually HD and DVD) are not affected. However, once you start using USB or add another HD, then you'll be affected.

Intel's Sandy Bridge chipset flaw: The fallout | Nanotech - The Circuits Blog - CNET News

 

Costco.com just pulled the 8102 Qosmio

 

I just installed a second HD in it tonight to recover everything off my old system! It is working great so far. I wonder how long it actually takes for a problem to surface? I will use this thing as much as I can until I get a new unit! I am betting I never have a problem with this one. I am thinking of buying WOW and checking it out. I quit using a PC for gaming ever since I bought an XBOX and PS3. This WOW game looks like it could be fun! I miss MMORPG's. The last one I played was Ultima Online. I also am looking forward to Diablo 3! Will keep you guys posted on how this thing runs!

 

This is official name of SB Qosmio.
Do you know what Omega Black means?

 

Omega Black is the design of the laptop (red and black with carbon fiber stitching).

The SB Qosmios are the 810X series: 8100, 8102 and 8104

 

Toshiba released a statement on their support Bulletin site:

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...05-Q8102&selCategory=2756709&selFamily=804517