Qosmios are a series of high end desktop replacements. The F45 isn't the most cutting edge of the line, but it does offer a choice of Intel core 2 duo microprocessors, a 15.4" widescreen display, a HDMI port and a HD-DVD ROM drive.

High-definition DVDs in laptops are the next logical stepin HD technology's conquest of the world. I haven't quite figuredout yet if the HD technology people have good intentions, orsinister ones, with their takeover of our TVs, our movies andnow, yes, our portable computers. HD technology is coming at usso fast and furious it gives us little time to think beyond theprimal urge to hunt and gather and buy.

The latestassault comes in the form of these new Toshiba Qosmio F45 Serieslaptops complete with HD DVD drives, priced especially low toguarantee that knee-jerk "I must have that" thought. Those slychaps! The two new models are the AV425, starting at $1649, andthe AV423, starting at $1299. The difference between the twomodels is primarily that the more expensive model comes with aT7250 Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (2GHz) versus a T5450 (1.66GHz); a 300 GB hard drive versus 250; and an NVIDIA GeForce 8600MGT graphics chip versus an Intel Graphics Media AcceleratorX3100.

But back to the conspiracy. These Qosmios are HD in a couple ofways, which makes them all the more alluring. First, you can popan HD DVD into the laptop itself and watch the stunning clarityin your favorite films-six times clearer than standard DVDs-onthe notebook's 15.4-inch display. If you don't care what otherswill think of your HD obsession in the library, plane, or yourother quiet location, then turn up the HD sound on the HarmanKardon speaks and the built-in subwoofer.

Or, my friends, truly succumb to the HD experience and plug theQosmio into your home's entertainment center via the HDMI port.The result is that the laptop's Windows Vista Ultimate OScapabilities will power the resolution of your HDTV up to 1080i ,as well as bump up the sound system. But beware. Once you walkdown the HD path, it's an exquisitely detailed yet slipperyslope.

You buy one of these new, lower priced Qosmios, and you couldsoon find yourself dropping the $2,999.99 for the high-end QosmioG45-AV680, with its 17-inch display and its HD DVD recordabledrive. I must have that. For more detailed specs and the latestpricing visit ToshibaDirect.com.