Product Description

Toshiba F45-AV425 15.4 Inch Qosmio Notebook PC. The Qosmio F45 is your luxe mobile digital entertainment notebook with a 15.4 diagonal widescreen for your high definition movies, high fidelity audio and high impact gaming. Now with an HD DVD ROM, you have a variety of media at your fi ngertips. Intel Centrino Duo processor technology increases system responsiveness, makes multi tasking faster, and extends battery life. New wireless 802.11ag and draft n Wi-Fi provides reliable connections that will not slow you down. An integrated HD DVD ROM drive for watching HD DVDs9 makes it easier than ever to save large files from digital cameras, camcorders, or high definition videos with true HD audio support. Two high fidelity Harman Kardon speakers with one subwoofer maximize your audio experience in 5.1 surround sound using Dolby Home Theater digital audio. Intel Centrino Duo processor technology, including Core 2 Duo Processors, available support for wireless 802.11ag and draft n, delivers the optimal balance of mobility, performance, manageability and connectivity. In Cosmic Black with a white keyboard, including central placement of the Fingerprint Reader, the F45 navigates function with luxe design.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2270 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Toshiba
• Model: F45-AV425
• Dimensions: 6.30" h x 14.00" w x 17.40" l,
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 2 GHz
• Memory: 2000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 300GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 15.4

Features

• Portable multimedia powerhouse with 15.4-inch screen, Harmon Kardon stereo speakers with subwoofer
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, 300 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM (4 GB max), HD-DVD-ROM drive with dual-layer DVD burning
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 10/100 Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics (up to 1023 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 S-Video, ExpressCard 54/34, 5-in-1 memory card reader, headphone jack with SPDIF audio output
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Ultimate (with Premium and Business capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
Satisfy all your multimedia cravings wherever you roam with the Toshiba Qosmio F45-AV425 notebook PC, which features a widescreen 15.4-inch screen, crisp audio from the Harman Kardon speakers with subwoofer, and integrated media control buttons on either side of the keyboard. A 1.3 megapixel digital web camera built into the LCD's bezel lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. It also incorporates an HD DVD drive that's compatible with the new high-definition DVD disc format. Enjoy amazingly crisp and vibrantly colorful imagery from this new format. You'll also be able to burn a wide range of disc formats with the integrated DVD/CD burner.

This notebook is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, as well as excellent battery management. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a 300 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), 1 GB of Intel Turbo Memory, Intel GMA X3100 video card with up to 256 MB of shared video RAM, 5-in-1 memory card reader, and a biometric fingerprint scanner for added security. Additionally, this Toshiba notebook is RoHS-compatible, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

This PC also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The 300 GB Serial ATA hard drive is almost triple the average size for notebook PCs, however its 4200 RPM speed is a bit slower than current standard hard drives. It provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1 GB DDR2, PC5300) is an excellent start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a large 4 GB maximum RAM capacity. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This Qosmio notebook offers the next generation of DVD entertainment with the HD DVD ROM optical drive, which provides the superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound as well as backward compatibility with standard DVD movie discs and content burned onto DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM. It also incorporates a multi-format DVD/CD burner, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up to 8.5 GB of data. It features the following speeds: 2.4x DVD+R DL, 2x DVD-R DL, 4x for both single-layer DVD+R/-R, 4x DVD+RW, 4x DVD-RW, 3x DVD-RAM, and 24x/10x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad. It also offers CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.

Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook has a 15.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). It also provides TruBrite technology, which makes images brighter and more vivid thanks to its anti-glare feature. Video is powered by the NVidia GeForce 8600M graphics card, which provides up to 1023 MB of available RAM/video memory for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments. You'll enjoy booming sound from the built-in Harman Kardon speakers with integrated bass reflex subwoofer.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with this notebook's integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (though no standard PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. You get a good offering of connectivity options:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video out: 1 S-Video and 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34
• 1 headphone jack (1 with S/PDIF digital audio compatibility) and 1 microphone jack
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
The Windows Vista Ultimate operating system has it all--an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, and premium home digital entertainment features. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes Extras such as:

• Windows Hold'em, a poker game for players of all skill levels
• Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.
• Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection
• BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Microsoft Works 8.5, InterVideo WinDVD 8, Google Desktop and Picasa, Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5, McAfee Internet Security Suite (30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.9 x 11 x 1.77 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 6.6 pounds.

Power
It comes with a 4000 mAH lithium-ion battery pack for extra-long battery life.

What's in the Box
This package contains the F45-AV425 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

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Customer Reviews

Very good but some rough edges
Good quality built, great screen brightness and excellent sound (Harman Kardon speakers with subwoofer make a difference ).
Performance is very good with a fast CPU, 2 Gigs of RAM and 300 Gb HDD. It is good to have Vista Ultimate so you can log in to a domain in work and have media center as well at home.

I have not tried it in 3D intensive apps that push the graphic card.

In my opinion it has only a couple weak points: 1) short battery life (always less than 2 hours no matter how I tried to tweak it, and about one hour in full power mode), 2) a very big and heavy power adaptor (about the double of my previous Satellite) ,and the Qosmio is a bit big and heavy for a 15.4" notebook compared to the Satellites.


In summary : A powerful laptop that sacrifices some portability and battery life.

The Laptop high-def lovers unashamed of loving HD-DVD
First of all Amazon sent me this laptop priority overnight (arrived the next morning, two hours after the e-mail notifying me it had been shipped) after I signed with a free trial of Prime. They also gave me a $100 discount toward the Qosmio purchase because I purchased two HD-DVD players from them back in late 2007 (when HD-DVD and Blu-ray were battling it out). What can I say? Amazon rocks! :-)

When my five-year old Medeon laptop died a few weeks ago I agonized whether to get a new laptop with HD-DVD or Blu-ray for under $1,000 as a replacement. I love high-def movies and own more HD-DVD's than Blu-ray now, but plan to get more Blu movies in the future. The Toshiba Qosmio F45-AV423 is the ideal laptop for my high-def viewing needs right now. If you value CPU horsepower, hard drive space, speedy performance, 3D-intensive computer gaming or anything not involving HD-DVD viewing (or prefer Blu-ray) there are better deals/laptops elsewhere. For road warriors that want some HD-DVD love on the go this Qosmio delivers the goods.

When hooked to my HDTV with an HDMI cable the F45-AV423 recognized it as a 1920x1080 LCD and filled the screen properly (at 1080p/60Hz). I had to turn off the laptop display on the Qosmio to see HD-DVD movies on my HDTV (regular computing applications can have both screens on). Except for some sparkles (visible only when I was really close to my HDTV) my HD-DVD movies looked as good on my TV set as my XBox 360 HD-DVD add-on (component) or Toshiba HD-A20 player (HDMI). I changed the laptop's sound output from 5.1 to 2.0 stereo and 2.1 surround, and that was reflected in the HDTV's speakers. Don't have a surround system but SPDIF is supported for surround systems without HDMI inputs). If you want to use a laptop as a primary or back-up HD-DVD player connected to an HDTV (surround system notwithstanding) the F45-AV423 passes muster.

Using the default Toshiba HD-DVD player software 18 of 20 HD-DVD's I tried on this laptop (including notoriously unreliable Universal combos like "Children of Men" and "Hollywoodland") played without a hitch. Downloading the newest/latest WinVideo program (which also supports Blu-ray) might do the trick for the few HD-DVD movies (like "American Gangster") that won't play. Even at 1280x800 on a 15.4" screen (which isn't true widescreen and has black bars) HD-DVD movies were much sharper than regular DVD's. My "Hot Fuzz" HD-DVD looked incredible (slight glare from a brightly lit room notwithstanding) and the sound was no slouch either. The Harman Kardon speakers and small subwoofer in this Qosmio are a step above the crap-for-sound audio from most laptops. The drive loads, plays and ejects discs (DVD or HD-DVD) silently, an improvement over the vacuum cleaner sound of my old laptop's drive spinning furiously when playing a disc. Other regular computer applications (computer games, web surfing, webcam, etc.) worked fine while an HD-DVD disc played, neither blazingly fast or agonizingly slow. And from a stylish point of view the black & white colors, combined with the button interface (love the wheel volume control) give this Qosmio an attractive look.

Its not all roses though. A battery that lasted 75 minutes after turning off all unnecessary applications (and a full recharge) hinders the F45-AV423's ability to function as a truly portable HD-DVD player. Even when not in use this laptop's battery loses power when the unit's unplugged. I knew when I bought this model that Qosmio laptops in general have poor battery life but this is ridiculous. Also having to settle for the 1280x800 rez of the F45-AV423 screen might not be easier for perfectionists used to the ultra-sharpness of 1080p. The amount of bloatware Toshiba shoves into the hard drive is a nuisance to get rid off. I don't use bluetooth but its exclusion in this supposedly advanced multimedia Toshiba model is puzzling (especially since its included in lesser brands/models). The laptop/keyboard looks great but the ergonomics feel a little bit flimsy and made of cheap plastic, like an expensive toy that you don't want to abuse for fear its going to break. The all-white keyboard and black exterior are just begging to get dirty and/or fingerprint ravaged. Depending on extensive usage you might also want to note that the F45-AV423 overheats a little around the portion that connects the screen to the keyboard (the plasticky construction material doesn't help). Did I mention the battery charge lasts less than the length of an average Disney feature-length movie?

In conclusion, if you're reading this you're either bargain shopping or want an HD-DVD laptop because you've invested (or were burned, take your pick) in HD-DVD movies. Everything else the F45-AV423 can do besides HD-DVD a lot of other computer brands/models can do just as good or better for less money. What the F45-AV423 offers is the most affordable path to portable HD-DVD entertainment from the company that created the now-defunct format. You're expecting reliability you're not sure you'll get from the few Acer or HP HD-DVD laptops still floating around. Whether HD-DVD is important enough for you to invest on this Qosmio model depends entirely on your portable computing needs and how many high-def movies you own (or plan to keep). Me? I love HD-DVD, plan to keep it (and buy cheap HD-DVD movies whenever I can find them) and want a laptop I can take with me to play some of that high-def goodness. For my particular needs (which might or might not mirror yours) the Qosmio F45-AV423 delivers the goods at an attractive price. Highly recommended, and will update is something happens (good or bad) over the next few weeks/months.

Excellent performance...
I have had mine about six months, and am impressed. I owned a Toshiba before this one, so I like the brand and return to it.

First of all thank you Toshiba for still including an actual HD DVD recovery disk. Most computers expect the consumer to make their own. The fit and finish on my unit are perfect. Very solid feel with stylish looks. The screen is beautiful. It is bright and clear and mine has no dead pixels. Keyboard seems great to me, though some express concerns, mine seems very solid and responds perfect. I had never used a fingerprint reader before, but am a believer now. It works great, and helps with security.

Everything i want for this little guy so powerful and i can bring it where i want...trust me

Good Product, Excellent!!!