First HD-DVD laptops from Toshiba

Toshiba will be first to market with a laptop capable of playing HD-DVDs, followed closely by Acer. The launch of Toshiba's Qosmio G30 computer in May will put the company ahead of other firms backing the HD-DVD format, having already released the first HD-DVD player last week. The Qosmio G30 will take advantage of its HD capability by including TV tuners for digital and analogue programmes and a high-definition multimedia interface to connect to other devices such as HD televisions. It will cost around $ 2,000. Acer's Aspire 9800 also includes a built-in TV tuner, as well as a DVI port to connect it to an HDTV. Acer will launch its laptop at the end of May. Toshiba had originally planned an April release for its first laptop fitted with a HD-DVD drive.