Toshiba delivers the first laptop to feature an HD-DVD ROM drive with an updated version of the Qosmio G35-AV600 we honored with an Editors' Choice in March. The new model, called the Qosmio G35-AV650, also has a faster processor (the 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo T2500), greater hard drive capacity (2 x 100GB, 5,400rpm), and a higher-end graphics card (the Nvidia GeForce Go 7600). The move to the midrange GeForce Go 7600 could prove to be a key upgrade, as the original Qosmio G35-AV600, which included the entry-level GeForce Go 7300, embarrassed itself in our gaming tests.

Of course, to hear Toshiba tell it, the big story here is the Qosmio G35-A650's next-generation optical drive, which can play HD-DVDs, as well as play and burn all types of CDs and DVDs. To go along with the drive, Toshiba has included an HDMI output capable of delivering 1080i resolution, and a 1,920x1,200 (WUXGA) display that supports 1080p. Frankly, this is another critical improvement; I loved the Qosmio G35-AV600's superbright display but found the 1,440x900 resolution too low.

(Not sure what any of this means to you? Head over to CNET's HDTV World and learn the basics.)

Impulse shoppers, take note: there are currently only 8 HD-DVD titles available for purchase, though 5 more will be announced later today, with roughly 2 to 5 debuting per week from here on out. The goal is to reach 200 available titles by the end of 2006.

Priced at $2,999, the Qosmio G35-AV650 is available for preorder (right here) and is expected to hit retail shelves next week.

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