Razer Announces 2nd-Gen Blade: More Power, Lower Price
The next Blade is coming, and it's sharper.
Razer surprised the tech industry when it unveiled its first full computer, the 17-inch Blade. At the time, the form was the true standout, as the internals were comparatively mid-range. Today at PAX Prime in Seattle, Razer has unveiled its second revision to the Blade laptop. The form and design on the outside is as good as before, but the insides are all-new.
The graphics have been upgraded from an Nvidia GT-class to a GTX 660M. The CPU powering the next Blade hasn't even been officially announced by Intel yet, so we're calling it "future platform with 3rd Generation Intel Core Processor."
Other specs include:
- 2GB Dedicated GDDR5 Video Memory
- 8GB 1600 MHz DDR3 Memory
- 17.3-in. LED Backlit Display (1920x1080)
- Three USB 3.0 ports with charging capabilities even when the system is switched off
- Built-in HD Webcam
- Integrated 60Wh Battery
- 500GB 7200RPM HDD (Primary Storage)
- 64GB SATA III SSD with NVELO Dataplex Software (Cache Acceleration)
- Wireless Network 802.11 A/G/N + BT4.0
- 16.81" (Width) x 10.9" (Depth) x 0.88" (Height); 6.6lbs (Weight)
Razer says that the new Blade's thermal system was completely re-engineered and built from custom-crafted parts with larger vents and specially designed heat pipes that allow more airflow. Thermal design is especially important when considering the machine is only 0.88 inches thick.
The most striking and innovative feature of the Razer Blade remains its multi-award-winning Switchblade User Interface (UI). The unique integrated LCD display/multi-touch panel and 10 dynamic adaptive tactile keys put commands and control functions within fingertip reach. The Switchblade UI features a growing list of applications designed specifically for gaming by Razer’s in-house software engineers as well as by the Razer community of users. These apps allow users to browse the web for in-game guides, watch online videos, stay connected within their social networks, and take advantage of an expanding list of dedicated gaming apps without ever having to leave a game.
While the previous Blade broke the bank at $2,800, the new one is a little more affordable at $2,499. Pre-orders start on Sept. 2 and begin shipping to consumers in North America on Sept. 30, 2012.
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idroid Nah... the digital storm laptop that was announced a few days ago should destroy this crap for a lot lessReply -
el33t Still too costly.... MSI MSI GT70 (GTX 680M 4GB with optimus, 12GB DDR3 RAM, 17" Full HD, 128GB SSD etc.) is only 2299$ from XoticPC... I'd prefer that monster over this over-priced skunk....Reply -
boiler1990 I was wondering when the Blade was going to be refreshed. Although it is pricey compared to other gaming laptops out there, the design and chassis are the most intriguing.Reply -
edogawa It's nice I will give them that, but that is way to much money; it should at least come with a 128gb SSD too. For 1600-1800$ I would start considering it. They should just remove the LCD display, I can't imagine that being useful; especially when your hand would cover it to press the buttons above the screen.Reply
Anyone who buys this thing is throwing their money away. -
icepick314 you are NOT paying for the components...Reply
you are paying for the FORM...
notice this laptop less than 1" tall while having GTX660M graphics and 17" screen and probably mid range i7 processor...
to all those people say you're wasting money, remember people buy Apple laptops.... -
yobobjm icepick314you are NOT paying for the components...you are paying for the FORM...notice this laptop less than 1" tall while having GTX660M graphics and 17" screen and probably mid range i7 processor...to all those people say you're wasting money, remember people buy Apple laptops....You can get a Vizio (new laptop company) with an i7 2.3 ghz, 8gb ram, gt 640m, ssd boot drive, tb hdd, and it is well under an inch for 1100 dollars. This tells me that maybe smaller form factor pcs don't need to be expensive.Reply -
fudoka711 yobobjmYou can get a Vizio (new laptop company) with an i7 2.3 ghz, 8gb ram, gt 640m, ssd boot drive, tb hdd, and it is well under an inch for 1100 dollars. This tells me that maybe smaller form factor pcs don't need to be expensive.Reply
You make a good point. However, I would just like to note that the big difference is the graphics card and that would make or break it if the buyer is actually interested in playing games. Otherwise - just buy a small ultrabook for your non-gaming needs if you still want an mba but not a mba. -
DRosencraft The price is high, yes, but not completely unreasonable considering the stuff in it. You are paying a fairly high premium for that special UI on the side, and for the thin form factor. Of course if you don't care about either of these you can get a laptop with the same general specs for less than half the price. But they are unique to the industry in these two regards, and have no one to compete with over it. And, as someone else noted earlier, it's not that far off price wise from what you would have to pay for a 17" MacBook, minus the interface. Anyone who has the money would probably find it a reasonable price for a unique item. But I do agree with most here, it's too much money right now to spend on a laptop.Reply