Toshiba Qosmio PX30t, we've tested it

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t

All-in-one computers are a very interesting solution to annoying cable clutter and dust that accumulates when we use traditional desktop computers. Its portable format allows it to be used on almost any desktop, and the inclusion of wireless accessories allows us to even only have to use the power cable to work. Within this segment, one of Toshiba's most interesting bets is the Qosmio PX30t model , an all-in-one computer with a 23-inch touch screen, latest-generation Intel Core processors and a speaker system that throws a sound of great quality. In addition, it also includes a DTT tuner to watch television from our room and advanced functions such as gesture recognition to handle Windows 8 . Of course, to get this complete team we will have to pay the not inconsiderable amount of 1,500 euros. We have had the opportunity to test the Toshiba Qosmio PX30t. We tell you our impressions.

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t

Design, display and gesture recognition

If you have to start talking about this type of equipment for something, it is by design. The first impression that the Toshiba Qosmio PX30t generates is that this is a premium model. Its design has elegant lines that combine the black of the frame with silver in a lower strip of the panel and the back . This same material extends to the base , which has a rectangular design with rounded corners. The design of this stand is quite compact, so it is easy to install the Qosmio on any desktop without losing stability. Specifically, the dimensions of this equipment are at 55.2 x 39.1 x 17 centimeters and it has a weight of8.8 kilos.

In the field of the screen, it incorporates an LED panel with a size of 23 inches and a Full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Despite what it might seem at first due to its 200 nits of brightness, the truth is that this screen produces quite bright images and generally achieves good performance thanks to its response time of 8 milliseconds . Toshiba has also wanted to squeeze the possibilities of the Windows 8 system including touch capability (with up to ten pressure points). As always, it is a matter of taste and custom, but we have not finished seeing the usefulness of a touch screen of such size, since in the end it endsusing the mouse almost exclusively . Yes, we find this functionality more useful in more compact size equipment (such as an ultrabook) or even in some hybrid bets such as the Sony Vaio Tab 20 (an all-in-one that becomes a 20-inch tablet).

Another different thing is the gesture recognition tool that is included with the Qosmio PX30t . Through the webcam, the computer is able to perform different actions within the Windows 8 interfacethrough hand movements. To do this, you have to stand at a minimum distance of between thirty centimeters and a maximum of seventy centimeters, normally the position in which we will be when we use the computer at the desk. The level of fineness of this system is not very high, so clicking on a certain part of the screen can be a bit heavy (especially if we can reach out and press with the finger on the screen). But this handling brings other advantages that we really liked. For example, with a simple gesture of the arm we will move between the different open applications. This movement is fast and very comfortable. Making the same gesture of moving the arm to the other side will open the configuration options windowand search the front panel on the right. The last of the functions that we find very useful and easy to use is to drag an area of ​​the screen. By making a fist and moving your hand, we can, for example, move through a text that we are reading in the PDF reader . Without a doubt, a very interesting addition to carry out some of the most typical actions of Windows 8 without having to touch the screen or the keyboard.

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t

First-class sound

But where we really break a spear for the Toshiba Qosmio PX30t is in its audio system. Thanks to four speakers designed by Harman Kardon (each with a power of 5W ), a high quality surround sound experience is achieved with which we will enjoy movies and games to the fullest. Without a doubt, this is one of the highlights of this Toshiba computer .

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t

Memory and power

The Toshiba QosmioPX30t uses a quad- core Intel Core i7-4700MQ processor with a power of 2.4 GHz . Thanks to Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, we can increase power to 3.4 GHz at times when we need more power. This chip joins an 8 GB RAM memory that will allow us to run numerous applications at the same time and deal with complex processes. For the multimedia use of the Qosmio PX30t an NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M graphics card with 2 GB of memory has also been introduced dedicated, which offers acceptable performance in most modern games. Without a doubt, this is a feature that enhances the use of this all-in-one computer.

Regarding internal memory, the Toshiba Qosmio PX30t includes a traditional hard drive with a capacity of 3 TB and a speed of 7200 revolutions per minute. Thanks to this, we can store a large number of files and applications on the computer. Of course, the difference in speed with respect to SSD memories is very noticeable , especially when booting the system.

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t

TV tuner

One of the most interesting additional functions of the Toshiba all-in-one equipment is the ability to function as a television , thanks to its built-in DTT tuner. To carry out this function, we use the ArcSoft TV 5.0 program, a fairly simple tool with an intuitive interface that allows us to tune in to the channels and configure the recording of programs. In addition, a remote control is also included to use the television without having to move with the mouse or touch operation through the channels. We really liked the definition with which the channels are seen on the Qosmio screen , to which thegood audio system to achieve a very remarkable television experience and that will make this computer perfectly serve as a second television in the room.

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t

Operating system and applications

The operating system that makes up this computer is Windows 8 . The Microsoft platform has just received an update that Toshiba's team users can download for free, and that improves some crucial aspects such as the appearance of the official app store. In addition, the home button has also been brought back, but it is just a more visual way to get to the main interface of the system with the cells. Users will be able to take advantage of this environment for the tactile field, but above all we have found the way to switch between applications through the gesture recognition tool useful. Also, Toshibahas included several dedicated applications to enhance the experience of using the computer. For example, we have the dedicated Toshiba Media Player. Interestingly, this player is designed by sMedio TrueLink + , a solution of which we were still talking when Windows 8 was in beta and we thought at the time a good player. This program reflects the same spirit and stands out for the ease with which we can reproduce the contents of other teams that are part of the group at home.

Another of the applications that have been incorporated is Toshiba Places, a tool to access various services of the company, such as the extension of the guarantee. Finally, we would like to highlight SkyScanner , that although it does not belong to the company, it does come pre-installed with the equipment, and it is a simple tool to find information about our next flight.

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t, we tested it 1

Connectivity and peripherals

In the field of connections, we start with four USB 3.0 ports. Two of them have a special functionality to charge mobile equipment such as smartphones or tablets even when the computer goes into sleep mode. We also have two traditional USB 2.0 ports , although their use is less necessary if we use the keyboard and wireless mouse that incorporates the all-in-one. These accessories are quite useful. The keyboard is smaller than what we are used to seeing on desktops, but the keys have been raised enoughso that it is comfortable to type and we do not make the wrong keys. On the other hand, the wireless mouse has a rather strange shape (almost forms a triangle) but once the initial impression is overcome it is quite ergonomic (although this twist in the design could have been avoided with more rounded shapes).

Returning to the connections, the Qosmio PX30t also incorporates an HDMI port, an Ethernet port and a card reader. Wireless connections include WiFi, Bluetooth version 4.0 and Miracast . This last connection has begun to take off in the market and it is an alternative to other protocols such as DLNA that allows us to transmit the contents of a compatible smartphone or tablet to the computer screen in real time.

In addition to the integrated webcam, the Toshiba computer also has a DVD player that is located on the right side of the panel. In this case, the inclusion of a Blu-Ray reader is missing , taking into account that we are facing a device very oriented to multimedia playback.

Toshiba Qosmio PX30t

Price and reviews

The price of the Toshiba Qosmio PX30t amounts to 1,500 euros , and it can already be found in shops and specialized stores. We found this computer a very complete all-in-one computer that Toshiba has provided with numerous options and additional features to complete the multimedia experience. This computer is based on one of the fourth generation Intel Core processors and a dedicated graphics card to run games and applications smoothly. One of the most advanced features of the Qosmmio PX30t is found in its audio system. Thanks to its four speakers, we can have a superior audio experience.The gesture recognition tool that this computer incorporates has also caught our attention , and that uses the webcam to carry out some basic functions of Windows 8. All this with the obvious advantages of having a compact computer and without the Annoying mess of cables that always ends up littering the room.

Data sheet

Weight and measurements55.2 x 39.1 x 17 cm

8.8 kilos

Memory3 TB in 7,200 RPM hard drive format
screen

23 ″ Full HD IPS with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution

Touch panel

8 millisecond response

Operating systemWindows 8
Processor and graphics

2.4GHz Quad Core Intel Core i7-4700MQ (3.4GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0)

Intel Iris 5200 Integrated Graphics

8GB RAM

NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M with 2GB of dedicated memory

Controls and connectionsHDMI

Mini DisplayPort

6-in-1 card reader

3.5mm headphone output

Bluetooth 4.0WiFi

Miracast

4 x USB 3.0 (two of them with the functionality of charging smartphones and tablets when the computer is in sleep mode)

2 x USB 2.0

Peripherals and applications0.9 megapixel webcam and gesture recognition

CD / DVD recorder

Built-in DTT TV tuner

Sound4 x Harman Kardon Speakers with a power of 5W (20W in total)
Price1,500 euros
+ infoToshiba