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60 out of 67 people found this review helpful
3.0 stars
"Does not Wow"
Pros: Good screen, speakers, etc., etc.
Cons: Many missed opportunities and annoyances
Summary: Listen up, this is the real deal. I actually own and use a G25 and I am not a shill or plant. Bottom line, after three weeks this computer does not wow me. I?ll focus here on the negatives that the specs don?t tell you about?what a perspective buyer wants to know. I even put up with the CNET registration crap to let you know. There are so many little things I?m sure I?ll forget some.
The LED indicator lights are too bright. I had to tape them over (can still clearly see them) since it was hard watching video with bright lights at the bottom of the screen. The screen is very bright, usually a good thing, but it might be too bright. Regardless, it cannot be dimmed very much so if you use your notebook in a situation where you need a dim screen, this machine is not for you. The touch sensitive buttons above the keyboard are often triggered inadvertently such as when I?m using the F keys causing a painful pause while the TV starts up.
I had been eyeing a wireless mouse so with this computer I also bought a bluetooth mouse so no adaptor would be required. I did get it to work BUT after every boot, restart, wake-up, 20 minutes, or just randomly I have to use the touchpad to make three separate selections, press a TINY recessed button on the bottom of the mouse and then make another mouse selection. It is such a bother I?m eyeing a wired mouse now. Speaking of adaptors, TV use requires one but to my surprise it is not an industry standard one. Good luck finding a replacement if it gets lost or when it wears out (no replacement listing on the Toshiba web site).
Toshiba really dropped the ball on this?while the computer has an IR port and the TV remote is IR (should have been bluetooth), you must plug in a separate USB IR receiver box to use the remote. So while unlike competing computers a separate tuner box is not required, doesn?t having a separate IR receiver box turn out to be the same annoyance?
On to Windows Media Center 2005. They say 2005 is a great improvement over 2003. In this case 2003 must have been a real pile of crap since WMC2005 is no prize. Just as MS Works is a watered down MS Word and Celeron is a watered down Pentium, WMC is a poor watered down version of TIVO marketed by Microsoft to people who don?t know any better. In typical MS fashion, the commercial skip feature seems to have been purposely made to make it hard to skip commercials. Select fast forward and the video speeds to maybe 3X, so six minutes of ads takes two minutes to skip through. Select fast forward again and its more like 40X, so in twelve seconds you?ve skipped the ads AND two minutes of show. Not having an overshoot backup feature like TIVO is inexcusable. The TV guide only displays seven stations by 1 and ½ hours using something like a 36 point font?why can?t I make the font 12 points and glance at 21 stations by 5 hours. Even the cheapest free five-year-old web browser lets me change the font size. And use of the very-space-inefficient DVR-MS video storage format (10X MPEG-4) seems just a way to get you to buy conversion software and most storage hardware. Given that it runs on a general-purpose computer, WMC should have a number of user configurable settings and an API as well.Updated
Oh, I forgot to mention that rather than a door flipper, the PCMCIA slot uses an annoying plastic filler piece. Certainly a disappointment on a high end $$$ machine. Also, there is some other slot above it so I have to fiddle with the ejection buttons to get to the PCMCIA one. Practice with the PCMCIA slot in the store and you will see what I mean.
On to other's comments. First, I did not see anything much factually wrong with any of them, just differences of opinion. This is the point, if you read my info and say, for example "so you think Media Center sucks, why should I care since I am not going to use it" that is fine. I just wanted to give a heads-up to those who, like me, would choose this model for that feature.
Screen too bright--yes, you can dim it but not very much compared to any other notebook I've used. If you, for example, were planning on watching movies on a night flight, be advised it will still be quite bright (or take notes in a dark lecture hall or ...). If this does not apply to you then of course ignore this info.
LEDs too bright--I doubt you would notice this in the store. However, when viewing the screen at a distance such as to watch video the 3 LEDs at the front of the unit appear at the bottom of the screen and their great brightness do distract greatly from viewing videos. I did put a piece of white cloth medical tape over them and this fixed the problem quite nicely as they can still be clearly seen but are no longer distractingly bright. Same with the volume light but I'm living with the power switch and TV+DVD lights as these are bright but in less prominent positions.
Separate remote control box--I bought this specific model because I wanted a unit that was complete and self-contained even if that meant a large heavy unit. I wanted a change from my prior system where I could set it up and move it around without all the recabling and separate loose pieces to keep track of. I wanted just the power cord if I could find such a machine. I specifically searched for such a unit so a separate plug in box and cable is annoying to me in general but in this context it is curseable. I still say the remote should have been Bluetooth away.
Bluetooth--I have gotten the mouse to work a little less bothersomely so it is not as bad. Still, in fact just today, Bluetooth turned itself off internally on its own and good luck figuring out and correcting the problem. I am now also using Bluetooth stereo headphones (the Toshiba ones which are cool) but these are too a bother. For example, mute the TV viewer and in short order they disconnect and I have to go through the gyrations I used to have to do with the mouse to get them running again. Unfortunately, the fixes I did with the mouse will not work with the headphones.
Touch keys--sure they are cool but do this in the store--hold your right hand out and place the pointer finger over F1. Look at your middle finger and see that it is over the TV button. Pointer finger on F2 and middle over the DVD button. Trouble is, these buttons activate without being pressed down, only touched, and their activation locks up the computer for at least 10 seconds. Note that only the LAST five buttons, not the first six can be reprogrammed/turned off.
Window MCE--stills sucks but the more I have used it the more work arounds I have found to make it better while finding more things that suck. For example, the TV guide displays a TIP rather than the program so I have to move to another program to get rid of the tip and then back to the first program to see what it is--what a pain and it cannot be turned off. Also, leave it in the background for a while and 2/3 the listings go blank so I have to exit and restart (don't you love troubleshooting Bill's sucky software for the world's richest man). I discovered on the remote only, there is a 30sec. skip which was my salvation given how truely sucky the fast forward does not work. So how come I can't have a 30/60/120/240 selection (with 240 being the most needed)? Oh well, TV sucks and I imagine as with TIVO as well, the new TV season brought with it several anti-TIVO/MCE schemes so enjoy TIVO/MCE while you can. For example, more and more programs that used to give episode info no longer do so duplicate show recording prevention cannot work. Also, some change lineups the day before so the guides are off and record the show you don't want but they tricked you into recording.
After five more months of use I have warmed up to the machine--a little. Compared to one other computer I used, the WiFi seemed to have better range, FWIW, though of course I wish it were more. At 2Ghz it does not seem that fast, more like 2X my old system than 5X but this has not been a big deal for me. I have been using the bundled SW to convert saved TV shows into MPEG2 (and then on to 1/10 sized MPEG4) but get this--it ties up the entire screen and if you don't let this happen it looks like it is still working but when it is done hours latter you find out it stopped converting. So I run one conversion at a time overnight. A big pain but it does work.
- 13 replies to this review
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Im glad you took the time to point out all the kinks you found working with this machine. It's been given a great deal of attention by cnet in the past(winning a place in my want it list), and your review has shed some light, or rather; darkness, onto this laptop.
I just wanted to know what you liked about it that made it stand out from what youve worked with before? -
I have a Toshiba Qosmio G20, which is the same machine but with a single layer DVD burner and 80 GB drives.
The blue LED's are not a problem if you look at the screen, not the case. LOL They are not bright enough to distract from what's on the screen.
The touch screen controls can be stopped from loading at startup with SysInternals' AutoRuns program, as can the touch pad. (Shortcuts can be made to start both at any time if you need them and both can be "turned off" using Task Manager.)
Screen brightness can be controlled with the Fn F6/F7 keys. I turn the brightness down one notch, (out of a range of 8), for normal use, but up to max for DVD's and TV.
The graphic quality is something you have to see to believe; the sound is the best I have ever heard on a computer.
It is a far better than machine than dontspammecnet's review implies, but I do agree that Microsoft's Media Centre software is crap. Admittedly it is probably designed for use with the remote control rather than a mouse, but it really is a BIG disappointment. Such a high quality computer deserves better software. -
I have a Toshiba G20 Qosmio.
The touch screen controls can be "turned off". Just stop them from loading at startup with Sysinternals' Autoruns program.
Yes, the blue LED's are`different; but I look at the screen, not the front of the computer so they aren't a problem.
Screen brightness can be controlled using the Fn & F6/F7 keys. (I turn it down a notch for normal use, up to max for TV & DVD's.)
The graphics are just GREAT!!!
Yes, Windows Media Centre is very "clunky/junky", but it is designed for use with a remote, not a mouse.
(The poor quality of Microsoft's Media Centre is THE most disappointing feature of the machine.)
Overall I think this review is not an accurate reflection of the machine; as dontspammecnet spends more time on the computer, and becomes more skilled in using it, I think his (?) attitude will mellow. -
Great comments from a knowledgable user.
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I don't know how YOU press keys on a keyboard, but for us normal people, we have no problems with hitting the media buttons a long way above the keyboard. Put my pointer on the f2 key and my midddle fing is on the tv button? You probably have freakishly large fingers that is all.
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I don't know how YOU press keys on a keyboard, but for us normal people, we have no problems with hitting the media buttons a long way above the keyboard. Put my pointer on the f2 key and my midddle fing is on the tv button? You probably have freakishly large fingers that is all.
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I've read through this review and all of the comments.
The thing I appreciate about reviews that nitpick is they give me ideas about things to check out before I purchase a product - things I might have forgotten in all of the excitement of a "shiny new toy," but which might have disappointed or irritated me later.
The main thing about seeing everyone's perspectives on items is that it helps me walk into a purchase knowing as much about what I'm getting as I can.
This way, I can't be upset with some issue like the LED lights or screen brightness after purchase because I knowingly chose to accept them in advance of my purchase.
Ratings are subjective, so they're only a rough guideline.
Any rating without substantive review is worthless... so I appreciate this main review and all of the comments.
I don't think anyone's comments are unfair - they are simply someone's personal opinion and experiences presented for others.
I've used laptops in many settings from the military to medicine to education to air travel, and I know there are some cases where a dim screen/lights is preferred.
I attempted to try out the 15.1 inch Qosmio when I was in Sam's Club the other day. For some reason, it went into hibernation while I was trying to use it and woudl not come out... just remained unresponsive.
Odd, but it did not deter my desire to research and consider this laptop as an excellent option for my next computer. -
I think the review was a bit unfair. How can a screen possibly be too bright? If you have blue tooth issues, maybe you bought a crappy mouse. I got the Microsoft intellimouse explore for bluetooth. Works like a charm. The wake up time is only about 5 seconds. Don't expect any less if you get a blue tooth. The LED lights are just lights, if the screen is too bright, how can you notice the small LED lights? Bottom line: If you spend this much for a laptop to watch tv, you are an idiot. This lappy is a desktop replacement! You can watch tv, you can watch dvd movies, but most importantly it is a powerful computer with a big screen and it is some what mobile. If you can afford to buy this lappy, you can afford a nice TV to watch your movies or TV.
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I've been looking at the media center laptops offered by Alienware and wonder if they're worth the rather hefty price tag?
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I appreciate the extra information. I'm eyeing this one and will probably get one come tax refund time. Your review helps ease the let down of the minor stuff that would tend to disappoint me AFTER sinking that kinda cash. Remote doesnt use built in ir. That's just stupid, Especially with a built in IR port, lol. Commercial skip sounds a pretty aggravating, at least to me (no reverse?). Even the large font tv guide is annoying. My comcast cable does that to, and it takes forever to scan down the list, usually losing first 5 minutes of the show i finally found. I was even thinking of buying a bluetooth mouse until I read your re-linking prob. I have a usb MX700 mouse that never has to sync, even when power off and reciever disconnected (10 out of 10 on this mouse, by the way), so I'll just use it instead. You saved me 80 bucks right there. These and other small things do make for lots of little disppointments, or one big one. I still think that so far its the best comp for my needs but I'll now expect these annoyances, especially the absent num-pad (argghhh!!!), helping me be happy with it or better at comparing it to the other models that will be out in 4 months. Other commenters whined about individual annoyances, but when you add them up, it is something that affects overall happiness with an expensive purchase. Thank you again, very much.
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Not sure I follow this review at all. I can agree (I guess) about some of the things that the reviewer says about Windows Media Center (I don't always find it as easy to use as I would like either), but that is just the operating system and not the computer itself. Furthermore, I got along just fine for years without Media Center, and with the G25, I still do. I use it when it suits me, and when it doesn't I don't. After all, this computer is pretty much a dream to use anyway.
As for the LED lights? Personally, I think it's just about the coolest design I've ever seen in a notebook computer, period. And as for them being too bright, they don't even allow me to find my car keys in the dark when they're sitting on the same table as the computer! How can they get in the way of your movie viewing enjoyment. If this reviewer taped over them and they're still too bright, it must've been clear scotch-tape that he or she used. Hey, just check out the CNET video if you don't believe it.
Also, the the function keys beneath the screen are wicked. I don't care what anyone says. They are not even close to being jammed up against the keys at the top of the keyboard, so I can't understand how the reviewer keeps inadvertantly pushing them. It doesn't make any sense. Not only that, but these buttons (at least the first 5) are able to be configured, which is awesome. I use them as hotkeys to launch Firefox, Outlook, Onenote, etc.
Oh yeah, also, maybe the problem with the mouse is just that- a problem with the mouse. If I had to go through that much trouble to use a peripheral device on a machine like this, I would first question the device itself or the compatability of the two. As for me, I have found the Bluetooth to work great, and have been extremely satisfied with the wireless features of this computer. Not to mention that I've used a wide variety of peripherals with the G25, and it just picks them all up with ease.
AND!!! As far as the USB box you have to plug in to use the remote.........Come on, I think it's extremely unfair to say that having to plug in this peripheral that's roughly the size of a baby's hand is just as anoying as having to use an external tuner box (like on many of the G25's competitors) when most of the external tuners I've seen that come with these other computers are nearly as large as the computers themselves!
There will always be somebody out there who will have a bad experience with even the greatest of products. Toshiba's Qosmio G25 is a truly great product. If anyone out there is thinking of getting one, just check out as many sources as you can before you buy. I compared every computer I could find to this one, and read reviews from every source I could get my hands on. I haven't seen a bad review of the G25 yet, and I for one have been wonderfully satisfied with this notebook computer. -
Hmm looks like the reason why it does not wow is because of the LED lights being too bright? Okay to you it may seem bright, but I have been using this laptop and it hasnt bothered me at all. I dont think it is bright at all, but then again thats my opinion. But to same something negative for something small like a LED light being too bright for a great laptop isnt worth mentioning. Just because the LED is bright in your opinion doesnt make the laptop slower or less efficeint than what it was meant to be. Also about the screen being too bright, you do know there are those touch buttons on the top which allow you to dim the brightness. And yes the screen is bright, very bright but also it can be dimmed. Speaking about the buttons, Im sure you know the buttons up there since you mentioned you have problem with it because you hit it when you try to hit "F keys".
Anyways what I am trying to say is I can be like you and say the same exact thing or add even more like, why did they put these stickers on top of it, I am not sure if its gonna come out right, or the top area gets smudged easily and it doest look great anymore, I always have to wipe it down. You know what I mean? WXPMC is not by Toshiba, it is just the OS that was used. It doesnt make this laptop any worse or better. I can see if you complained about the battery life, then that would be okay because it is about the laptop and its more important unlike the LEDs light being too bright or the screen being too brignt, the wireless mouse(try setting your laptop so it doesnt go on standby too soon.) I am sorry but I know everyone here is entitled to their opinion but your complaints about this laptop doesnt justify a rating to be given. -
I realiezzzzzzzz that you do not know how to use your G25.you can dim your screen.it,s very simple.with that being the first con of your post i think it would be wise to learn how to use a g25.Im not trying to come off as downer to your post yet it has no fact to it what so ever.you spent 3000 grand on the g25 .........learn how to use it.you have so much power in this notebook that kicks the HP,s/sony,s to the curve.all most forgot it kicked my dell xps2 to the curve also.good luck dontspamcnet...cool name i like it
