Toshiba Qosmio X775 Review

Our Toshiba Qosmio X775-Q7272 has the following specifications:

• 17.3-inch glossy 900p display (1600x900 resolution)
• Intel Core i7-2630QM quad-core processor (2.0GHz, up to 2.9GHz Turbo Boost, 6MB cache, 45W TDP)
• Intel HM65 chipset
• Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M graphics card w/ 1GB GDDR5 dedicated video memory
• Graphics automatically switchable to integrated Intel graphics (Nvidia Optimus)
• 6GB DDR3-1333 RAM (1x 4GB + 1x 2GB; supports up to 8GB - 2x 4GB)
• Dual 500GB 7200RPM Seagate hard drives (ST9500423AS)
• Atheros AR9002WB-1NG wireless network adapter
• No internal Bluetooth
• Integrated webcam
• Tray-load Blu-ray ROM/DVD burner (MATSHITA BD-CMB UJ141EL)
• 1-year limited warranty
• 8-cell Li-ion battery (47Wh)
• Weight: 6.6 lbs.
• Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.8 x 1.1~2.4 inches
• Price: $1,499.99

The processor and graphics listed above are enthusiast-level specifications; this notebook is clearly designed for gaming and high-end multimedia use. The 500GB hard drives are relatively small considering 640GB, 750GB, and 1TB drives are becoming mainstream. The biggest issue with these specifications is the low 1600x900 screen resolution; a multimedia notebook, especially one with a Blu-ray drive, should have 1920x1080 (1080p) native resolution. As it stands, this notebook can't properly display Blu-rays as they are intended to be played.

Build and Design
The most objective way to describe the Qosmio X775's design is "controversial." I'm certain some potential buyers will love the non-traditional appearance of this notebook. That said, it's hard to imagine a majority of people would find such a look "attractive."

The X775's shape is not as extreme as the previous-generation Qosmio X305, but what it lacks in curves it makes up for in bizarre colors. The palm rest and lid surface have a wood grain-like texture with metal silver paint which is almost blinding in direct light; needless to say, I am not a fan. The colors fade between black and red, which adds to the extreme look (for better or worse).

The build quality is disappointing. The X775's plastic construction does little to differentiate it from most budget notebooks; more upscale materials are required on a notebook this expensive. The chassis has significant flex when twisted by the corners, meaning this notebook needs a stronger internal frame. The lid is flimsy and can be twisted with almost no effort; ripples appear on the screen when pressed from behind, indicating the display panel itself has little protection.

Overall the gaudy design is tough to like and the build quality is substandard compared to other multimedia and gaming laptops in the same price range.

Ports and Features
I expected the X775 to sport a better variety of ports - as it stands the notebook has the basics plus USB 3.0 but lacks an ExpressCard slot, DisplayPort, and eSATA. The optical drive also had an annoying rattle while reading DVDs. All picture descriptions below are listed from left to right.

Front: Media card reader

Rear: Battery pack

Left: AC power, cooling exhaust vent, VGA, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0

Right: Kensington Lock slot, optical drive, 2x USB 2.0, microphone and headphone jacks