Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q725 Gaming Notebook

As mentioned, the Qosmio X305-Q725 isn’t the first notebook in this series. The X305-Q725 sports the same black and red Fusion Finish with Rogue pattern as other X305 models. With its bold finish and attractive curves, the X305 is sure to catch people’s eyes at LAN parties or wherever you choose to haul this nearly nine pound beast.

The outer lid has a metallic, fiery red design that calls attention to the fact that this is a notebook designed for gaming and performance. The edges of the lid are curved slightly, which gives the notebook more of a rounded appearance when closed.

Upon opening the lid, you’ll notice the Qosmio X305-Q725’s glossy keyboard and four Harman Kardon Base Reflex speakers. The system also has a subwoofer which is located on the underside of the machine. Because it has a high-gloss finish, the keyboard and full numeric keypad tend to attract fingerprints.

The Qosmio X305-Q725 is a large machine, with the rear of the notebook measuring a full 2.5 inches thick. The notebook has a wedge shape, which amplifies its height at the rear and makes the notebook look twice as thick in the back as it does from the front.

Build quality for the notebook is average. As a result of the empty space between the lid and the screen panel, the back cover of the display will flex if pressure is applied. The notebook opens and closes smoothly, though the hinges offer enough resistance that the notebook often lifted slightly from the desk when opened with one hand.

Above the keyboard, you’ll notice the control panel, which is backlit with a red light and houses media controls including Play/Pause, Stop, Previous Track, Next Track, and Mute. The control panel also has brightness controls, access to the Web cam, and Dolby Settings buttons. You’ll notice that volume controls are absent from this control panel; that’s because there’s a dedicated volume wheel on the right side of the machine near the microphone and headphone jacks.

When the laptop’s lid is shut, a small edge of the notebook’s base is still viewable. This edge houses system indicator lights for AC power, On/Off, battery, HDD activity, and the Bridge Media Adapter.

The notebook’s 17-inch display was bright and easy to view. Viewing angles were average. The biggest complaint we have with the Qosmio X305-Q725’s display is that it uses a 1,680 x 1,050 WSXGA+ screen instead of the higher resolution WUXGA 1,920 x 1,200 resolution screen offered with some gaming notebooks.  Above the display, you’ll find the system’s webcam and microphone. This camera is fixed and cannot be rotated independently of the laptop lid.

Ports and controls surround the Qosmio X305-Q725’s sides. On the front spine, you’ll find a switch to turn on and off the wireless communication devices (namely Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). To the right of the wireless control switch, you’ll find the DVD SuperMulti double layer drive with Labelflash. The left side of the notebook contains an eSATA/USB combo port, USB 2.0 port, and ExpressCard slot. As mentioned, the right side of the notebook has a volume control dial along with audio in and out ports. There are also two USB 2.0 ports on this side of the laptop. Behind a red cover near the rear of the right side, you’ll find a V.92 modem port as well as a 5-in-1 bridge media adapter. The back side of the notebook has a security lock slot, i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port, power in jack, HDMI out port, USB 2.0 port, RGB monitor port, and LAN port.

Many gaming notebooks incorporate LEDs around the chassis. The Qosmio X305-Q725 has some LEDs though not many: There are red LEDs on either side of the speakers near the hinge of the notebook as well as a red bar above the touchpad. Bedsides the red-illuminated control panel mentioned earlier, that’s it in terms of LEDs. You certainly won’t light up a room with this notebook. That’s not a bad thing, as it’s mostly a matter of preference, but it’s worth noting nonetheless. The Qosmio X305-Q725’s keyboard is not backlit.