* Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000 (2.0GHz, 1066MHz, 6MB Cache)
* 4GB DDR3 memory PC3-8500 DDR3
* Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit, SP1)
* NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTX graphics (1GB GDDR3)
* 17” WSXGA+ Display 1680x1050 (Glossy)
* Intel Mobile PM45 Chipset
* DVDRW-SuperMulti with Labelflash
* 64GB SSD + 320GB hard drive (7200rpm)
* Intel 5100AGN WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
* Stereo speakers with subwoofer
* Webcam and microphone
* 180W (19V x 9.5A) Power Supply
* Battery:8-cell 14.4V 58Wh
* Weight: 9lbs 5oz
* Size: 16.2” x12.0” x 1.7” /2.5” with feet
* Warranty: 1-year parts/labor
* MSRP: $2,699.99
The Qosmio X305 is the flagship gaming notebook sold by Toshiba, with configurations including dual graphics cards, dual storage drives, and the latest Intel quad-core processors. With a stylish design and great surround sound speakers the Qosmio notebooks walk the fine line between consumer notebooks and super high-end custom gaming notebooks.
The Toshiba X305 gaming notebook is one of the larger models we've seen in the office, with the rear of the notebook peaking at 2.5” thick including the feet. Its wedge shape amplifies the height at the rear, making the notebook look twice as thick going from front to back. The X305 is designed to handle a quad-core processor and dual graphics cards which need extra room to get proper cooling ... not to mention fitting the components themselves. To put its size into context, the dual-screen Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds is only 2.1” thick. Overlooking the thickness, the design is stylish and gives you the impression that this is definitely not a standard notebook. The glossy trim, flame paint job, and translucent red plastics really help to get that point across. The paint job could have been more detailed with more realistic flames, but that might have been cost prohibitive with the production process.
The Toshiba Qosmio X305 gaming notebook proved to be very capable in our testing but its steep price does raise a few eyebrows now that notebooks like the Gateway P-7811 FX are on the market for a fraction of the price. The overall size of the X305 also comes into play when you realize it is almost twice as thick as other gaming notebooks (even thicker than the dual-screen Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds). If you can get past the price and size it does offer the best sound system I have heard on a notebook and dual graphics card support on certain configurations. Build quality could be improved in some areas but it held up well in our testing ... if not for a few plastic squeaks and pops. If you have the backpack or shoulders to carry around this gaming rig then you should check out the Qosmio X305-Q725.
