Computer Classes are BACK!

nospam@example.com (Joseph Schoen) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:17:32 -0400

The Franklin Public Library is once again filling up the computer lab with classes. These classes will be taught by Joseph Schoen, The Computer Guy. We will be offering classes like, Digital Camera Basics, Digital Computer vs Digital Camera, Social Networking, Surfing the Internet, Photoscape Image Manipulation, CD/ DVD Burning Basics, The Digital Age—Are You Backing Up? For more information, time and dates, please contact the Franklin Public Library at (414) 425-8214.

The Service Review of the Qosmioi X505

nospam@example.com (Joseph Schoen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:58:07 -0500

Are you looking for a large gaming machine and a fraction of the normal price? Then look no further - or should you?

Let us first look at the quick specs: (price as shown is $1699)

Processor Intel® Core™ i7-720QM processor - newest Intel processor. It is the first Toshiba to have one and I will say, it does pack a punch.

Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)

Memory 4GB DDR3 1066MHz memory - for this type of machine, I would like to see more RAM. You can add more, going up to 6gb with add an extra $200 to the price making this machine $1899.

Display Size 18.4" widescreen
Display Type HD+ TruBrite® TFT LCD display
Display Resolution Supports 720p content, 16:9 aspect ratio, 1680x945 (HD+)
Graphics Engine NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 250M
Graphics Memory 1GB GDDR5 discrete graphics memory

Hard Drive 704GB: 64GB SSD (Serial ATA) + 640GB (5400rpm, Serial ATA)
Secondary Hard Drive Size 640GB 2nd HDD

Optical Drive Blu-ray Disc™ ROM and DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash®

Other Specs:
Webcam Webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel
Wireless Wi-Fi® Wireless networking (802.11b/g/n)
Bluetooth® V2.1 + EDR

Inputs and Controls CD/DVD Buttons (Play/Pause, Stop, Prev Track, Next Track),
Premium US LED backlit keyboard (Black),
TouchPad™ pointing device with multi touch control,
TOSHIBA eco utility™ (Energy-saving mode), Mute button, Media button

Battery High Capacity Li-Ion (8000mAh, 12-Cell)
Battery Life Up to 3.3 hours

Weight Starting at 9.70 lbs. - A little on the hefty side, but then again, this is more of a desktop replacement than a portable laptop.

Standard Limited Warranty 1-Yr Parts and Labor, 1-Year Battery

Now, looking at this laptop, it packs a wallop. This could replace most desktops. However, I have been slightly disappointed. Why?

Well, in the past 1.5 years, I have seen maybe 3 Qosmios. All with different issues. In the past month, I have already seen 3, and 2 of them had the same issue. All users have had their laptops for about 1 - 2 months. One of them had a bad display, 2 of them had a bad graphics card. Could this be a huge issue? At this point it is hard to say. The laptop is too new for us to tell. But, if I were to purchase one today, I would get the extended warranty. More on that in a bit.

From the service side of this machine, I like it. Specs on the machine are great, especially for the price. If you compare it out to some of the other name brand machines, you will find this beats almost all of them.

I like the style of the machine (how it is put together). The fact that under neath the keyboard, most of the circuitry is covered by metal and plastic to prevent accidental spills from damaging the system board. The light up keyboard is a nice feature for use in dimmly lit areas. The fact that the hard drives are well secured with additional screws mounted to the chassis of the machine, not just the cover to protect it. Also the fact that it uses a solid state drive which reduces the chance of data failure due to movign the laptop while you are working on it. This laptop also has two heat sinks with 2 fans for cooling but I would not recommend using the laptop on your lap for long periods of time. IT WILL OVER HEAT. The more powerful the laptop, the more heating has a potential issue. Recommend using at like a desktop (on a flat surface) or with a cooling pad.

Even though I like this unit, I would still be careful. If you are going to get this unit, I recommend purchasing the extended warranty (through Toshiba - not the store) for the duration of the investment (3 years).

For a more detailed review please check this out.

The Computer Guy - General

Computer Classes are BACK!

The Service Review of the Qosmioi X505