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Razer Edge Pro - A Tablet That Could Play The Role Of A Gaming PC (Part 5)

7/4/2013 9:14:39 AM

Software

Although Razer is still a new name in PC industry, it knows a lot about installing any bloatware. There is not built-in software in Razer’s PC, no anti-virus trials and no undesirable garbage that could slow the system down. In fact, that is a good thing, and we will be very pleased to see Razer keep up with that trend. That said, there exists a new model hiding on the SSD disk of the tablet: the aforementioned Razer Launcher. Although giving the Edge a console outlook is the main purpose of program, it also offers a small collection of capture tools, which allows users to film videos, to print screen and to monitor the current frame rate by pressing one hotkey. A “game boost” processes manager is also given and plays a promising role of disabling unnecessarily select Windows options to enhance the game performances. Just like what we mentioned above, it is not flawless, but with some updates, it can become a very useful launcher.

The launcher

The launcher

Configuration options and rivals

There are two basic configuration models of the Razer Edge, Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz Razer Edge and Intel Core i7-3317U 1.9 GHz Razer Edge Pro. Those who prefer the junior model will find one single version of this model only: 4GB DDR3 RAM and 64GB SSD with the price of $999. Not noisy not messy, not optional. On the other hand, there are more options for the Razer Pro model, 128GB or 256 GB capacity, with the prices are $1,300 and $1450 respectively. The rest of the specifications are almost similar: same display, same 5600mAh battery and same terrible webcam. However, those with keen eyes will recognize a notable difference: while the roles of both GT 640M LE units of Nvidia are graphical powerhouse, model Pro’s GPU owns the double video RAM. Gamers who pay much attention in performances should take everything into a particular consideration.

Judging other competitors is more challenging. If you were about to find a Windows 8 tablet and it also turns out to be a powerful gaming machine, your journey would start any end at the destination named Edge, at least for now. If you are on the way to find the top tablet with a strong processor, you will have many choices. Those who are fond of determined power and desiring for the Core i7 CPU will find the same chipset in Dell XPS 12 and Sony VAIO Duo 11, although we will not recommend you the latter. The Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro or Microsoft’s Surface would be more sound choices, both are comparable with the Edge i5 in terms of specs (except for the GPU), while having advantages by offering better productivity. Lenovo’s ThinkPad Helix also attracts us with the promising i7 components and quite good battery life compared to the Razer – up to 10 hours. Of course, if you have been charmed by Razer’s gaming bait, these hooks will not strong enough to hold you.

Dell XPS 12

Dell XPS 12

Sony VAIO Duo 11

Sony VAIO Duo 11

Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro

Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro

Lenovo’s ThinkPad Helix

Lenovo’s ThinkPad Helix

Conclusion

In short, the Razer can manage to deserve its claim of the most powerful tablet, at least for now. However, the claim to be a “mobile and home gaming console” just failed. Enduring for only 2 hours in the best scenario, the Edge just cannot satisfy the needs of a mobile gaming console, and old story about problems in using Windows 8 on TC screen continues to hinder it in the race for the console crown. Gamers who long to have a perfect Steambox will likely to wait for some smoother things, like PC enthusiasts, who desire for an appealing and well-manufactured toy, will consider the Edge as an interesting distraction, despite its high price. How about us? We hope that this tablet will be developed in the same way as the Bladeline of laptops: regular updates with considerable improvement in price and specifications. This is the next generation of the Windows 8 gaming tablets.

In short, the Razer can manage to deserve its claim of the most powerful tablet, at least for now.

In short, the Razer can manage to deserve its claim of the most powerful tablet, at least for now.

Info

·         Price: $999

Advantages

·         Excellent built quality

·         Fast and strong

·         Wonderful modular accessories

Disadvantages

·         Expensive

·         Bad battery life

·         Failed console experience

Verdicts

·         Modular accessories and dedicated GPU turns the Razer Edge into an attractive gaming tablet, but the bad battery life and inconvenience problems makes us wait for the second generation to be launched.

Specifications

General

·         System type: Slate Tablet PC

·         Mechanical design: No keyboard

·         OS: Microsoft Windows 8

·         Notebook type: HD display, gaming

Processor/ chipset

·         CPU: Intel 3rd Generation Core i7, 3 i7-3517U / 1.9 GHz

·         Max Turbo Speed: 3 GHz

·         Number of Cores: dual-core

·         Cache: 4 MB

·         Features: Hyper-Threading Technology

Memory

·         RAM: 8GB (2 x 4GB)

·         Technology: DDR3 SDRAM

·         Speed: 1,600 MHZ .PC3-12800

Storage

·         Hard drive: 256 GB SSD

·         Interface: Serial ATA-600

Display

·         Type: 10.1 in Yes-IPS

·         Max Resolution: 1,366 x 768 (HD)

·         Widescreen: yes

·         Features: 10-point multi-touch

Audio and video

·         Graphics Processor: Nvidia GeForce GT 640M LE / Intel HD Graphics 4000 – 2 DB DDR3 SDRAM

·         Memory Allocation Technology: Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0

·         Video system features: Nvidia Optimus

·         Camera: Yes

·         Resolution: 2 MP

·         Sound: Stereo speakers, Stereo microphone

·         Compliant standards: Dolby Home Theater v4

Input

·         Type: Touch-screen

·         Communications

·         Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth: 4.0

Battery

·         Technology: Lithium polymer

·         Capacity: 5,600 mAh

·         Connections and Expansion

·         Interface: USB 3.0; Headphone/ microphone combo jack; dock

Dimension and Weight

·         Dimension: 17.78 x 27.67 x 2.03 cm

·         Weight: 950g

 

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