9. 3DMark06

3DMark06 uses a number of simulated gaming tests to establish scores for graphics processors and related components. We report only the 3DMark score, which gives a good indication how a graphics processor works in the particular mix of components in a particular computer.

Though both the HP Pavilion and the Toshiba Qosmio have identical graphics processors (Nvidia's GeForce Go 7600), the 3DMark06 scores for the HP and Toshiba computers are not directly comparable, because available screen resolutions for the two do not match. However, the results are more or less proportional to the number of pixels involved at any resolution.

Brightness And Contrast Charts

How should you read these diagrams? Each box in the diagram represents one of 64 measurement fields and contains related brightness or contrast values measured for that field. Measurements are as measured using a luminance meter and are in standard luminance units, candelas per square meter. The various colors on the diagrams indicate parts of the display surface for which measured values occur within specific value ranges, as indicated in the legend. Colors shown do not match colors captured directly from the monitor.

The upper edge of the diagram symbolizes the lower horizontal edge of the display. The opposite edge thus corresponds to its upper edge. The other two edges represent the left and right sides of the display, respectively.

The Toshiba's screen has a higher overall (average) brightness than that of the HP: 193 vs. 106 candelas per square meter. The Toshiba also wins on contrast ratio (average contrast): 342:1 as opposed to 127:1.

Looking at the diagrams and the numbers, the Toshiba clearly outdoes the HP. That's why we rate the Toshiba as the most viewable display of the two, with the best and most vibrant display of moving images from DVDs and TV feeds. Subjectively, the HP comes in second, and works well with an external monitor for those who want to see the HD-DVD material in its full 1080i glory. That said, the Toshiba definitely offers the best viewing experience for HD-DVD material on its built-in display.