Razer Reveals Refreshed Blade Pro Running Haswell

By Kevin Parrish
published

Razer's mystery reveal is a refreshed Blade Pro laptop with a Haswell CPU and GeForce GTX 765M graphics.

Well ok, Razer's big reveal wasn't the Switchblade as previously believed, but a Haswell-based, slimmed down Blade Pro laptop instead. Work hard and play hard, the company states, and expect to pay a starting price of $2,299 for the portable monster gaming machine when it becomes available for pre-order on June 3.

"The Blade Pro, the third iteration of Razer’s ground-breaking, ultra-portable laptop, features a 47 watt Intel chip, 10 watts more than the last 17 inch Razer Blade and the most powerful CPU ever fitted into a Razer system for increased professional performance," the company said. "The latest Nvidia GeForce GTX 765M GPU is also included. All of this is packed into the thinnest and lightest form factor in the 17-inch laptop class."

The base model sports a fourth-generation Intel Core processor, 8 GB of dual channel DDR3L 1600 MHz memory, and a GeForce GTX 765M GPU with 2 GB of GDDR5 VRAM, all powered by a 74Wh Battery and Windows 8. It also sports a 17.3-inch Full HD LED-backlit screen with a 16:9 ratio, a 1920 x 1080 resolution, and a built-in HD webcam.

According to the specs, the laptop is only 0.88 inches thin, weighs a 6.5 pounds, and measures 16.8 x 10.9 x 6.58 inches. Other details include the Razer Switchblade User Interface, Razer Synapse 2.0 which is a fully programmable anti-ghosting keyboard with adjustable backlight and an ultra-sensitive track pad, built-in speakers supporting Dolby Home Theatre v4, three USB 3.0 ports, a 3.5 mm microphone/headphone combo jack, a Kingston Lock, Gigabit Ethernet, and Killer Wireless-N 1202 which features Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.

"Driven by 10 dynamic adaptive tactile keys, a revolutionary LCD track pad and professional-grade and game apps, users can work harder and play harder," the company said. "Razer’s SBUI now includes several new, professional-grade apps and a wide array of new tools available at no charge, including programs like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro, Maya, GIMP and more."

The $2,299.99 model sports a 128 GB SSD whereas the $2,499.99 model has a 256 GB SSD and the $2,799.99 model has a 512 GB SSD. More details on Razer Blade Pro pricing and orders here.

Kevin Parrish
7 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Vegasun
    "Well ok, Razer's big reveal wasn't the Switchblade as previously believed, but a Haswell-based, slimmed down Blade Pro laptop instead."

    Not really the big reveal was the Razer Blade 14" 0.66-inches ultra-thin profile gaming laptop, the blade pro was just a refresh.

    The interesting thing about the system is inside of that .66 inch chassis they have the same hardware as the 17', (Haswell processor and a Nvidia 765m).
    Reply
  • vmem
    I agree with Vegasun, don't forget the 14" portable gaming beast! it's just the right size for a nice all purpose laptop for the busy gamer
    all in all, I'm very interested in seeing benchmarks, particularly battery life (gaming and regular tasks), noise, and temps on both laptops. it would be also nice if someone can open on up, and let us know how upgradable it is (namely if I can get a SATA SSD in the 14", or even a second mSATA)
    Reply
  • halcyon
    I have to admit, I wouldn't mind having either the 256GB or 512GB SSD'd models. Heck, I'd even be willing to be seen in public using them.
    Reply
  • allan_hm
    It features a Kingston lock? lol... Wouldn't be a Kensington one instead?
    I don't believe one of the biggest RAM makers would offer such kind of accessory...
    Reply
  • lockhrt999
    "Razer’s SBUI now includes several new, professional-grade apps and a wide array of new tools available at no charge, including programs like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro, Maya, GIMP and more."
    Are you sure? because Maya itself costs almost double of that laptop.
    Reply
  • somebodyspecial
    Why spend this when you can add a little weight and save a grand? These will sell as well as the rest of the ULTRA expensive laptops. Niche markets at best.
    I can build a loaded ultra gamer pc, and still have cash for a loaded 17in regular laptop for this price. IF you actually want one of these, buy your own 512 SSD and install it yourself, taking the 128GB as a boot drive for your regular PC :) Saves $200 and you get a 128GB boot drive for your PC free. This change likely only take one or two screws.
    Reply
  • cobra5000
    I love this thing but I could never justify spending that much money, given the price/performance ratio. It's nice to be stylish but better to be practical.
    Reply