Toshiba Qosmio X505 Reviewed: Affordable Gaming Dynamo Delivers

We've just posted our full review of the Toshiba Qosmio X505 and, wow, were we impressed. The $1,899 system isn't cheap, but it is a bargain compared to high-end gaming rigs like the Alienware M17x, which costs well over $4,000. For under $2k, you get a 2.8-GHz Intel Core i7-720QM CPU, a vivid 18.4-inch 1920x1080 screen, a Blu-ray player, and two storage drives, one of which is a blazing-fast 64GB Toshiba SSD that transferred files at light speed and booted Windows 7 in a respectable 48 seconds.

Mediaplayback was impressive and high-end games like Call of Duty: World at War and Far Cry 2 looked great. The only real chink in the system's armor is its Nvidia GeForce GTS 250M graphics chip, which delivered impressive frame rates at lower resolutions, but came back down to earth at full HD.

We were also impressed with the snazzy, adult-friendly design: subtle red metal accents dot a piano black chassis that even a gamer over 30 can be proud to bring to a gaming party. For more detailed analysis, including benchmarks and photos, check out our full review.

2.8-GHz Intel Core i7-720QM

Avram Piltch
Online Editorial Director
The official Geeks Geek, as his weekly column is titled, Avram Piltch has guided the editorial and production of Laptopmag.com since 2007. With his technical knowledge and passion for testing, Avram programmed several of LAPTOP's real-world benchmarks, including the LAPTOP Battery Test. He holds a master's degree in English from NYU.