Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

Hey guys,



I wanted to do a quick review of the Qosmio q8102X, but take a different spin on things. Ill post pictures and info, but Im not going to grade anything [as that is very subjective]. I know there are a lot of perspective buyers out there looking at the SB Qosmios, but there is a lack of first hand reviews. I hope this can at least give some the insight they need to make a decision.



I am also a former owner of a Qosmio q894 [traded the q894 for the q8102X]. So I will also compare (if applicable) the differences between the q89X series and q810XX series.



Other good reviews of the Qosmio q89X series [non-Sandy Bridge series].

Video Review:

YouTube - Toshiba Qosmio X505 Laptop Review

Review Toshiba Qosmio X500 Notebook (GeForce GTX 460M) - Notebookcheck.net Reviews









Qosmio x505 q8102X

Key features: i7-2630QM 2.0-2.9GHz, 1.5GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M Graphics, 18.4 945p LCD screen, 6GB 1333MHZ RAM, 640GB 7200rpm HDD, Harman/Kardon audio, Blu-ray Disc ROM and DVD SuperMulti Drive



















Basic System info:

Heres the Windows Experience Index (WEI):



To compare to the q89X series [CPU: 7.1 , RAM: 7.3, GPU: 7.1, Gaming: 7.1, HDD: 5.9] (taken from notebookcheck.net)





System Properties Screen:







CPU info taken from CPU-Z: Though it states B2 stepping, it also has revision 09 which is the fixed SB version. My understanding is that it still has B3 stepping; we just cant see B3 until a future BIOS update addresses the issue. IE nothing to worry about











GPU Information. Shows drivers of 265.77 [maybe the q89X series will see new drivers soon].











Computer Review:







CPU:

Wow! This thing is fast!

Is it noticeably faster than the i7-740QM? Yes. I would say 15%-20%, so not by much, but it is noticeable.



When burning Recovery Discs for this badboy, I was able to burn them in just over an hour (~1 hr and 5 mins). My q894 Qosmio w/ i7-740QM took over a 1hr and 30 minutes to burn. I was very surprised by this result [both the q894 and q8102X have the same DVD drive and speed].



Heres a photo showing an Intel SB sticker.









GPU:

Not much of a difference here between the q894 and q8102X [both have GTX 460m]. As we assumed, the GPU on this is very fast and can handle games such as: Counter-Strike Source, Starcraft II and Dead Space 1; all on ULTRA settings without a hiccup [however, I did notice it does run smoother on the q8102x. Maybe an FPS boost?]. Very impressed with the GTX 460m.







Keyboard:

As many of you know, I like the Qosmio keyboard over what SONY and ASUS offer (I really dislike the island keys with spacing in between the keys). The Qosmio keyboard is LED backlit which looks really nice. Also, keys on the Qosmio have a glossy feel to them, so they do accumulate finger prints easily.



Only thing I dont like are the media buttons located on the left side of the keyboard. These can get annoying especially when accidently hit when gaming [mute sound, etc..]. Good thing the media buttons can be disabled.



Here are photos showing the finger prints, location of media keys and other random views.

























Screen:

Big bonus here!!! 18.4 screen (you will not believe how big this is until you see it). Only downfall is that it is a 945p screen (1680x945 resolution). This is one screen resolution below 1080p; but it still looks crisp and great! However, the 1080p screens are available on the Qosmio q8104X and q930X.









Speakers:

Includes 2 large speakers (2.5 by 1). I cant believe a laptop could include such great speakers that can be heard many rooms away. No need to hookup external speakers to your Qosmio, these little things have power. These Harman/Kardon speakers are very nice and Im sure every Qosmio owner agrees.











Chassis:

I love the way the Qosmio looks. Its all black, glossy, has carbon-fiber pattern stitching, and is highlighted by red accents along the trim. Since it does have a glossy feel, it can be a finger-print magnet. Make sure you buy a micro-fiber towel [$3], and wipe them up every now and then. Chassis feels very sturdy; lots of quality here.



Here are random photos of the exterior.





















Heres some comparison photos comparing a HP dv4 (14.1) laptop to the Qosmio (18.4) beast.













Warranty Upgrades:

This was a big selling point for me. The ASUS G73 only offers depot repairs, which requires you sending the laptop in and waiting a month. Toshiba standard warranty also works in this fashion, but you can also upgrade your warranty by purchasing service plans directly from Toshiba (something ASUS does NOT offer).



I wanted the ability to have On-Site repairs, which Toshiba offers for a nominal fee. [I will be purchasing 3 yrs of On-Site service for an extra $150]. I recommend people purchase at the minimum a 2nd yr of standard service for an extra $79 (pretty good deal).

Extended Service Plans







Thats my initial take on the great Qosmio x505 series. Let me know what you think!

Reply 1 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

Thanks Alex, appreciate your review. I'm interested in your thoughts on the Q8102X vs. Acer 8950G vs. Sager 8170.



They are similarly spec'd and priced and I'm really having a hard time making a decision. You obviously chose the Qosmio, just wondering what swayed you in that direction over the others. Much appreciated.

Reply 2 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

I bought Toshibas Systemgaurd for my last Toshiba X200. When I needed the warranty the s claimed I didnt purchase it. I spent hours digging thru my Visa statements to find proof I purchased the Systemgaurd. THey fixed my laptop, but made no appoligys for loosing my information. I was told by one CSR that a lot of people cannot find there original proof of purchase and dont get any warranty. They are a bunch of crooks.



Nice machine BTW. THese are real multimedia monsters. Watching a Bluray movie is simply stunning on this beast.

Reply 3 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlalleyz Thanks Alex, appreciate your review. I'm interested in your thoughts on the Q8102X vs. Acer 8950G vs. Sager 8170. They are similarly spec'd and priced and I'm really having a hard time making a decision. You obviously chose the Qosmio, just wondering what swayed you in that direction over the others. Much appreciated.

I picked the Qosmio q8102X for a couple reasons.



1. I previously owned the q894 for about 5 weeks and had absolutely ZERO problems with it; no BSOD no over heating (traded to buy the q8102X in January, but had to wait due to recall).



2. I prefer to buy my laptops from Costco. They give a 90 day return, free 2nd yr warranty and "Costco Concierge Service". The Concierge Service gives you priority customer service with Toshiba when needed and they go to bat for you via 3-way tele-conference. Also Costco doesn't sell SAGER nor the ACER 8950.



3. Toshiba offers "On-Site" repair for an extra fee [VERY reasonable, extra $150 for 3 full years of Onsite service]; ACER nor SAGER do not offer "On-Site". With my warranty, the repairer comes to my house in a few business days; little to no down time. With ACER or SAGER, you could have a month or more downtime when you send them the laptop. [see end of my review for Warranty Upgrade link].



4. People on this forum (notebookreview) praise SAGER as if it is a godly item. I seriously considered SAGER NP8170, as I was out a laptop due to the recall. However, if you dig hard enough, you'll find the SAME problems with SAGER that all the big names have. What this means (to me at least) is that SAGER is no better than Toshiba, Dell, HP, etc.... I wanted a laptop with more name recognition, easily available parts (for future repairs 4-5 yrs down the road), and SAGER doesn't offer the "On-Site" warranty.



5. I also looked at the ACER 8950. It does come with a 1080p screen, but has a subpar graphics card (RADEON 6850). I wanted a GPU that had more clout and power. It also has an inferior HDD (5400 rpm), slower RAM (1066 MHZ). The only advantage I see it having is that it has 1080p screen, but I have to admit the 945p screen on the Qosmio still looks darn good.



[I'm sure you know but the 1080p Qosmio q8104X is avail. @ newegg for $1799 + NO TAX].





Good luck with your decision. I'm sure your doing your homework and weighing your options.

Reply 4 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMOKE_SKULL I was told by one CSR that a lot of people cannot find there original proof of purchase and dont get any warranty. They are a bunch of crooks.

I just went through the same thing with an HP Pro-grade printer. They said my warranty was expired, but I had proof it wasn't. Took a couple days to sort it out, but once I had faxed a copy of my receipt to every HP fax number in India, they finally accepted my claim.



Lesson is, keep your receipt locked in a safe place. Never know when you'll need it.

Reply 5 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

Costco is a good place to buy stuff. I bought a 32" Viewsonic LCD 4 years ago there. Didnt ever really use it other than for PS3 once in a blu moon. One day smoke stasrted pouring out the top. I found the receipt and Costco gave me a full refund. They no longer have a 4 year return policy, but I think its still 2 years anyways. I paid almost a grand for the TV and when I returned it I could have bought 2 32" with better specs for the same price. I was very disappointed with the overall poor quality of the TV as I have never owned a TV that ever gave a bit of trouble.

Reply 6 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

Alright, think I'm going to grab the 8104 from Newegg. It's not obvious to me from looking around but does anybody know if it's possible to upgrade the video card to ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD6970?

Reply 7 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlalleyz Alright, think I'm going to grab the 8104 from Newegg. It's not obvious to me from looking around but does anybody know if it's possible to upgrade the video card to ATI Mobility Radeon HD6970?

Congrats! Make sure to do a review on here as I'm sure there are many people who are interested in the q8104x.





I doubt the Qosmios will have an ATI card (they never had any ATI cards in their 4-5 yr history, only used Nvidia). If the Qosmio get a beefier card on a newer x505, it may be possible to upgrade to that card as long as the power requirements don't change (current Qosmios are 180W. I've heard the early x500s were only 120W). ALSO, buying the new card will probably cost you a bunch; at least $300+.



Good luck

Reply 8 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

dont you guys think its abt time for toshiba to bring down their traditional prices?



i mean i5+gtx460m for usd 1199 is ridiculous and for q8102x they charge 1499 minimum from amazon with only 2630qm+gtx 460m and no 1080p screen they only increase 2gb ram and hdd which are very cheap. i mean q8102x should be 1199 the i5 model should be 999 and the full hd model should 1399 not 1799/1899 i mean they charge 300 usd xtra just for full hd screen thats nonsense



i know toshibas main concern is not to earn from laptops as they have other products. but if they do a bit market research and give competitive prices then it will be proftable for them

Reply 9 : Qosmio q8102X Review and Initial Impression

I think they are fairly priced. Remember your paying for an 18.4" screen, the others are 17.3" screens. 18.4" screens look A LOT bigger than 17.3".



I wish the q8102X was only $1200, but that would be insanely cheap IMO. As for competitor laptops, if you customize them out to the same specs as the Qosmio q8102X, they end up costing more [only difference is the 17.3" 1080p, vs Qosmio 18.4" 945p screen; I'll count them as equal].





1. SAGER NP8170 @ $1644

Sager NP8170 (Built on Clevo P170HM) Custom Gaming Laptop

XoticPC is cheap! Look around, I did not pick them to boost up prices.



2. ASUS G73SW-A1 @ $1704

ASUS G73SW-A1 - XOTIC PC - ASUS Gaming Laptop ROG



3. Alienware m17x.R3 @ $2034

The Dell Online Store: Build Your System





The only other comparable I know of that is cheaper is the Best Buy version of the G73SW @ $1299.

ASUS - Laptop / Intel Core™ i7 Processor / 17.3" Display / 8GB Memory / 750GB Hard Drive - Black - G73SW-BST6

There are noticable differences though.

It has:

--1.0 GB GTX 460m [Qosmio has 1.5 GB]

--17.3" 900p screen [Qosmio has 945p 18.4"]

--750GB 7200 rpm HDD [Qosmio has 640GB 7200 HDD]

--8 GB RAM [Qosmio has 6 GB RAM]

--DVD Burner [Qosmio has BluRay + DVD Bunrer]





As for the 18.4" screens. The ACER 8950 is $1500 [1080p] and the ASUS NX90 is $1900.

http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-nx90jqb2-p-2861.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...pk=acer%208950



So, I think if you compare the Qosmio q8102X to other leading manufacturers, you'll see it's fairly priced.