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
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
Sony
VAIO Duo 11
Samsung
ATIV Smart PC Pro
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.
Info
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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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