Toshiba Qosmio G30 series - Inherent design 'flaw' causes premature failure. (Toshiba Qosmio G30-163)

Member Name: Richard

Product:	Toshiba Qosmio G30-163
Date:	05/10/09 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Powerful and feature rich in compact size compared to 'desktop' size PC.

Disadvantages: Integrated functions on main bpard allow 'overheating' leading to total failure.

In January 2007, my wife and I had the opportunity to buy a 'Desktop replacement' type computer for occasional and light home use, using money given to us a Wedding gift.
I had no hesitation in spending more than absolutely necessary with the main consderation being an investment in the latest technology with equipment of a specification and quality (both components and build) that would mean best overall value for money.
I have previously, over the last 15 years, used and owned several Toshiba Notebook computers and have come to expect high quality and reliability.
So, we bought a Qosmio G30-163 from John Lewis with an inclusive 2 year 'Guarantee' and had until recently been very pleased with it, particularly the high resolution 17" display, although it has been the least used of our 4 computers (2 other Notebooks for 'business' and one 4 year old 'DELL' branded 'Desktop 'Tower' for personal use).

However, after what I consider to be an unusually short time (30 months) of very light use (average of once a week for 1 hour), it has failed completely (will not boot and no display) with a need for the main board to be replaced at significant cost.
I understand, from widespread reports found on the internet, including at Toshiba's own support discussion forums, that this type of failure is both common and widespread for the Qosmio G series.
Apparenty the GPU (Nvidia graphics processor) is vulnerable to 'overheating' leading to a failure of the complete motherboard unit into which it is permanently integrated.
In fact Toshiba have issued a Bios Update version 3.9, which "optimizes thermal control parameters by modifying the fan rotation speed" as a potential preventative measure.
("Toshiba Qosmio G30 BIOS Update and GPU Repair Program" TSB001469 refers)
Also, it seems possible that the fault may relate to an accpted 'problem' with the GPU itself as manufactured and supplied to Toshiba by Invidia.
(" Nvidia reports problem with laptop chips" http://www.computerworld.com/comments/comment/view /9106398/533699 )

We are now consdering our options as to what to do because we will either have to pay around half the price of a suitable new replacement Notebook for the G30 to be repaired, or buy a complete new machine (maybe a Dell, Asus or Acer) and put this down to experience, e.g. Perhaps Toshiba have compromised quality and reliability since 2007 and it's best to avoid them?

Summary: May be best to buy a Desktop style (e.g. Tower) PC instead for reliability.

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