New Razer Blade & Razer Blade Pro

Can someone with a Pro comment on the quality of the screen and on how hot it gets?

 

I ordered my Blade Pro 512 on 7.2.13 and today finally received a shipping notification. I paid for next day Fedex and it shipped from Ontario, Canada. I'm supposed to be getting in later today in Pennsylvania, US. I've been following this thread, and the other 250 page thread as well with great interest. I'd like to contribute, so if there's any questions or some tests/pictures anyone wishes me to run please let me know and I will. I'm really excited, this is my first laptop (33yds old) and all I've had up until now is a desktop and an iPad. I bought this for my vacation home to play World of Warcraft and Civ 5. Please post below if you have any questions.

 

I feel like the only reason I notice some negative stuff with the Pro screen is because reviews and comments from other users actually made me aware of these things. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had any complaints with it at all. I had no idea of viewing angles, color wash outs, or such before researching about the Pro/Blade.

The Pro can definitely get warm after long periods of gaming sessions, I usually only go about 3-4 hours maximum per gaming session, and towards the end of those sessions the touch areas of the Pro get warm, maybe bordering on uncomfortable, but not at all reaching untouchable or unbearable heat. The areas with these high temperatures are really areas that there's nothing to touch. This is all plugged in with the 'Gaming Mode' battery option from the Razer Game Booster.

Unplugged and on battery save mode, I haven't had a heat issue at all even while using it outside. I would say it's almost at 'neutral' temperature, it's not even warm, but it's not cool either, it just feels like a regular machine that's on. For context, my Galaxy S3 gets warmer than the Pro when I game on the S3 versus battery saving on the Pro.

Like almost any other laptop though, a hard or solid surface definitely helps with keeping the laptop cool, more so with the Pro with how important ventilation is.

 

Alright guys, So my Blade 14" 512gb came. First initial of the notebook - "SUPERB". I sold my Razer Blade R2 JUST so that I can get his small bad boy. Wasn't to fond of paying $325.88 for FedEx for the delivery since I am from Canada, Ontario. I paid $360 for delivery for the R2 last year but I can understand that it was heavier than the new blade. So far so good on the unboxing and everything was in place as I have watched tonz of unboxing videos on youtube. I love the way the laptop feels and looks! The 17" R2 version I had was good but it was kind of still too big. I found that I NEVER used the switchblade UI, only when showing off to my friends so that's why I chose in the end to go with the 14" version. First initial power up was FAST, but after that, powering the laptop was EVEN faster!!! (3 seconds). I preyed that the everything is perfect with this notebook as I have been on this forum reading peoples problem such as blacklit keyboard, to dead pixels. Trackpad is smooth!!!!! and I really like the keyboard. The SCREEN HOWEVER............is not that bad as everyone else says it is, personally I don't mind it. Still trying to get use to this Windows 8 OS. It is still too early to determine if this notebook will hold up to its design but for now, I will download steam and test out some games ;P

 

You've contradicted yourself!

It's my understanding that the Pro has a higher quality display than the 14, based only on the anecdotal comments seen here.

 

Nope different size, different gamut, different resolution, different screen manufacturer. The screen is pretty good on the Pro for a TN pannel. The only things they share are matte and TN type panels. The screen does not suffer the massive washout you get with the 14" at different angles.

 

Hey guys.

I was wondering if there is a way of disabling the swipe from left to bring the charms bar option?

I am getting rid of every windows 8 thing there is in windows 8 and the only thing left is this charms bar gesture.

Thanks!

 

Ah I see. I was under the impression that the Pro just had a bigger version of the 14 screen. My bad!

 

I had covered this a while back when I received my Pro - probably around page 45ish or so of this thread. Just like Ellyidol, I have no clue about screen quality; if it weren't because I read about other people's opinion or because there's things like "95% Gamut" (which I don't know what it actually means) I probably would never have been aware of the screen.

To be honest, I like it. And, since it's the first laptop that I've become aware of "viewing angles" and brighnets and all that, I'm okay with it. I have nothing to compare it to. Well, just my G73JH and the only thing these poor eyes of mine can detect is that the Pro is bright and matte. And that I like it very much.

In regard to how hot it gets, it does get warm while gaming; you will notice it on you WASD palm - at least, I assume you're gaming with a mouse, so. Nevertheless, the area where the exhaust are - if you're seeing the front of the machine, top left is the CPU and top right is the GPU - do get very hot. Like "uncomfortable-after-5-seconds-if-I-touch-it" hot. Then again, there is no actual reason for you to be touching those areas, heh. After the gaming session, the heat dissipates quickly.

I'm even already used to have the touchpad thingy on the right; I've started to look for it there on my work laptop, heh.

 

Quote Originally Posted by Ellyidol View Post
I mean the physical screen, minus the 17 inch difference or the 1080p =P

Same expected washouts, viewing angles, etc, with the 14?

What arronjb said

Yeh folks don't get confused with the pro and 14.. Two different beast when it comes to comparing those displays. I mean if you watch the announcements videos and final reviews, when you see the side by side it's obvious the 17 has a better or more forgiving panel.

 

I've done that accidently, lets see if I can recreate that situation.

 

It wont let me create a custom resolution - i.e. the option isnt available on the nvidia control panel. Thoughts?

 

Hi Guys, what would you say is the most effective way to remove the fingerprint smudges from the blade? Hate for the beautiful design of this laptop to be ruined by those smudges!

 

Glasses cleaner/windex. Use a nice cloth too, spray the cloth and wipe where the smudges are that way you don't over apply the cleaning agent to the keys where it will seep in under the them.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

According to Min himself on Twitter: microfiber cloth.

 

Officially at the one week waiting mark on Razer (one month on Amazon lol).

I am guessing from recent responses a number of customers are waiting for the next set of shipments of product probably still a week or two away.

 

Is the cloth that comes with the Blade good enough for this?

 

Hey guys, I just received my blade yesterday and I'm loving it so far.

There is minor imperfection which is located on my Switch Blade UI touch pad. Looks to be 1 dead pixel that's allowing 1 spec of light to shine through if you look directly above it, but it's not visible from where you're seated. the macro keys above the SB UI also seem tailored to be viewed at a seated position.

The screen is perfectly fine in my opinion.

I'm an average gamer, I like good graphics and display, the 17" screen has pleased me.

I've not found any issues with viewing angles, I've not felt constrained in anyway.

I had maybe 4 hours without so far and that's my feed back on my purchase.

 

The one that comes with it is too small.

You will want a bigger one to apply the cleaning and be able to grab any particles that might scratch the surface.

 

I found that a 3M/ScotchBrite camera lens microfiber cloth worked well. The big thick kind. Not the thin felt like stuff that comes with the blade.

 

Good point with this one. Noticed this too, it almost had a protruding 3D look from some angles on these keys. I almost always had to be upright and have a high angle to see the keys properly. I won't deny, slouching while gaming is a bad habit of mine, lol.

Got it, thanks! Indeed, found it a tad too small for a 17' laptop. The cloth for my glasses are bigger, lol.

 

Yeah in a pinch the one with the blade will work, but I'd prefer a larger thicker cloth. You can wipe it down without using a cleaning agent of course as others suggested but its been my experience it takes more swipes with the cloth to get it 100% clean where as with some winded it comes right off.

I could just have military grade finger grease though!


Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

So it looks as though the Razer Store has decided to go with the concept of not dynamically updating the website with product availability for the Blade and Blade Pro. I placed my order for a Blade 14" 512Gb on Tuesday hoping for shipping before weeks end. Well it doesn't look like that is going to happen. Any one who placed a recent order receive their system? If so when ordered, when received?

 

It's not just you - I've had to check my hands a few times to make sure I wasn't hemorrhaging oil : ) I picked up a RadTech cloth on Amazon and it's been very useful keeping everything pretty clean. Agree with folks that the pocket square that comes with the unit is not up to the task (although it's a nice touch). Anyone have success finding a good case? I'm using the Samsung 15" ultrabook sleeve John Nobts suggested and it's surprisingly good but not perfect.

 

They aren't planning on updating any more accurately than they already are (which is not very). I have emailed and spoken to both Razer and Amazon at least a dozen times. Razer insists that their estimates are correct. I insist they are exaggerating how well they can handle logistics. While they have 5 business days up, people still wait on backorders that were placed more than a month ago.

Also, for everyone's information. Razer has no estimates on distributor availability of any kind. The chinese reseller jd.com apparently acquired those blades "illegitimately" according to Razer, who chastised them heavily by...not offering warranty coverage to their buyers. WOW. I pushed Razer and Min to give us a date or even a POLICY on distributor availability (i.e Distributors will receive stock when the shipping on Razer store is finally down to 1 business day [aka not backordered]), but they absolutely refuse to tell me or even point me to someone who knows. Apparently NO ONE knows. So they're just gonna wake up one day and some mid-level logistics manager is gonna say, "hm, let's give distributors the blade today"? I don't believe that for a SECOND (SOMEONE knows), but alas, Razer maintains that no one knows. Min doesn't know, Amazon doesn't know, so no one knows. Looks like it's gonna be at least a month or two more before we hear from any official distributors.

I know no one else is pissed about it, which is why Razer isn't doing anything, but even all of you who bought directly from them must see how ridiculous this lack of communication and info is...

Kojaku

 

I hate it when people say things like oh well not enough people are mad about it to make them do anything. If you get that kind of feeling from Razer then you don't know Razer very well. That may be the way some companies operate but not all..

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

Yeah, Razer is doing a really terrible job. At some point last week I decided to give up on Amazon and place an order with Razer directly. Unfortunately I am currently staying in one state, my card's billing address is in another state, and the address I'm shipping to is my girlfriend's house in a third state. Well, their billing system decided that that meant I was committing fraud, cancelled my order, and apparently blacklisted not just my card but also all my other cards, my bank account, AND THE ADDRESS I'M SHIPPING TO. So whenever I try to place an order I get a "Payment Authorization Failed" message with zero explanation. (My girlfriend tried to use her card, where the billing address is the same as the shipping, and she got the same message, even though they're totally separate accounts and she's never ordered from Razer before.)

Worse, when I complained about this to Razer's absolutely awful customer support people (who take 24 hours to respond to any message, which is totally unacceptable), they implied that it was my fault for putting in "incorrect billing information" (which wasn't true), and then added that "The card's billing information must also be from the region you are making the purchase to. All billing information that is outside of the region will be blocked." What's a region? Why do they have this restriction? Why didn't they say so in the first place? NOBODY KNOWS.

At this point I don't want to give these people my money on principle. It's ridiculous.

 

That's what I told Razer, man. I grew up using Razer products and I expect better than this from them. It amazes me that no one else thinks this is more unprofessional than Razer ever has been. I hold them to a standard because I remember when Razer handled the demand with aplomb. It's really because people want the product so badly that they accept subpar logistics and communication. Razer is better than this. That's why I feel like there isn't enough frustration. We deserve better than what Razer is communicating. Not because there's some arbitrary standard to live up to, but because Razer has to stand up to the standards they themselves set.

Kojaku

 

They're taking the right route. Their suppliers/manufacturers probably aren't sure when the next shipment will come in due to internal problems on their end and can't set a firm date and instead of giving us maybes they aren't saying anything at all. You can't please everyone but this is the best thing to do to "save face" because then you become ridiculed as the company that lies and sets false dates. Society today...have to have everything now...you'll get your blade when you get it chill out! Lol


Min isn't the type to sit on info, if he had good concrete stuff he'd tell is. He usually posts it on FB or twitter. This isn't their first rodeo with backordered blades. Mine was backordered for awhile to and they wouldn't give dates until they were sure they'd meet them. And I'll tell you I appreciated that coming out the other end of it now. Because when he said it, it happend just as he promised. Min doesn't deal with "maybes" he tells you yes or no.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

something like that, aside there is no dimension on the pent up demand of those units, and there is really no reason to give anyone any estimates about distributors. Given that you dont know how much more your current markets can take and you dont even have stock of any units, how can you say a date to a distributor like that?


I dont see people complaining about the delays that the launch units of the macs usually take after the first units that take seconds to hours after the launch to disappear and them you are in the long queue. however this is a much larger company.


BTW Im not defending razer, just giving you the reasonable explanation. The main flaw was to not anticipate this much demand for the 14, simple as that. and to really not have any decent stock when it was launched

 

I ordered the blade thinking it would serve as my personal and work computer. I've been working on a crappy HP Probook the past few weeks and honestly I'm fine with waiting a few weeks more. As you may have noticed, I never said that I was mad at how long it was taking to ship. I'm angry at how awful and sparse the communication has been. I don't want it to happen faster, I want it to happen more clearly, more transparently. I didn't even ask for a date the last 3 or four times. I asked for a POLICY. They MUST have a game plan. No date? Sure I get it. But someone knows the game plan (give the blade to distributors when we're not on backorder, or whatever). That's what I'm frustrated with. Someone knows the plan. They think the illusion of not knowing ANYTHING is going to hold, but cmon. Someone has a plan. Not a date, but a plan.

Kojaku

 

And why should they tell you the plan? Chill out and wait, you obviously have no need for it now and just be glad something like the Blade 14 even exists

 

Because I told them on several occasions that I am not asking simply for myself but for all their loyal customers who either are international or can't afford the laptop through their site. They should tell me because I'm just one of many loyal fans (and a long-term one who's disappointed in Razer and their handling of the situation).. They should tell me because telling me is like telling their community. It's a sign of caring, a sign of concern for their constituency. It's a matter of principle.

Kojaku

 

Might as well start wearing cotton gloves.:rolleyes2:

 

Razer grossly underestimated the demand for the 14. I'm of the opinion that they had no idea of the magnitude of how their product would revolutionize the industry. Because of this it was impossible for them to predict demand. But that is still no excuse to keep your customers in the dark about products which they have perceptively purchased.

 

So is the ETA of 5 business days on the RB 14" 512gb reliable?

 

I'd take it with a bag of salt.

Kojaku

 

Last contact which I've had with Razer this is an estimate.

 

Meh bummer. But since it went from 1-2 weeks to 5 business days can I assume that my Blade is coming sooner rather than later?

 

Yes, I'd like to believe so. When I ordered the Pro, it was originally at 2-4 weeks. When it dropped to a 1-2 week timeframe, I knew that was the sign to get it =P I still got the backorder email, but it still shipped relatively soon afterwards. It took about 2 weeks total time for my Pro to go from Razer to my US address.

As much as I love and support Razer as a brand and lifestyle, I personally despise the lack of transparency and clarity. I'm hoping that this is due to the number of parties involved when it comes to a distributor, from the supplying end, to Razer, to the distributor. It might make it difficult to provide an exact time frame. I have complete trust in Razer and Min as well, that when definite dates are available, you'll hear it first from them.

That's one of the best things about this firm, I don't exactly have to go to outside sources just to get info on them or have the need to quadruple check anything they say for credibility.

 

I ordered my 512G Razer Blade 14 on July 6th and received it the morning of July 18th.

Wow.

I've owned Asus, Alienware (three of them), and Sager -- and I can easily say this is the best build quality of any laptop I have ever used.

And maybe I lucked out, but my screen is honestly completely OK (i.e. no dead pixels, weird wash outs, light spots, brightness problems) and I'd give it an 8/10. Maybe its just my model, but it's very bright and legitimately looks great. Its not IPS or Retina, but there's no doubt it's a solid all-around screen. Not really understanding all the hate, from that perspective. The heat is honestly not that bad either, and overall I have to say this is the laptop to buy if you're looking for something in this price range/form factor. Obviously these are initial impressions.

Anyway. My real reason for posting is related to software on the Blade. Could anybody help point me in the right direction regarding driver updates? Is there a newer one for the 765m other than the 9.18.13.1154 driver? Are any other new drivers must-haves for other components?

 

Seriously?? cancel your order than........

Yea exactly that's what I thought, calm the nerd rage and chill for a few weeks the laptop will come when it comes.....

Jeez, I never understand why people act like children regarding this stuff. If you followed any of the other blade releases the delays would not surprise you.

 

well no need to keep people in the dark, they just can say that they are producing more.

if you start telling people like they did that the shipment was stuck in customs, people get their hopes up and crushed time and time again. Its not like they have 3 different products, just 2 different drives, i.e. 128gb and 256g, they just put 2 of 256gb to make 512gb.

in the end I tried to give the reasonable explanation, not to pet their heads and say its ok, you should fire your logistics guys because they dont know how to do their jobs, you should also fire the economists that tried to determine the demand, because they were way off, or to fire the guys who actually didnt heard the economists that said that there would be more demand than what the decision making people thought was reasonable. And if they have poor stock of the 256gb SSDs, best fire the economists again.

You see the problem that I described are from bad perception, except the logistics one, and they have made a gamble on this model and the gamble didnt pay off, probably expecting something along the lines of the demand for the blade 17 r1, that was low, but still it took them a lot of time to deliver, basically they are not competent at producing machines and delivering them

in the end its a mess that they created and dont seem to entangle themselves out, FIFO should be used here and clearly isnt being used

 

512GB Blade has one PM841 Samsung mSATA drive.

Believe it or not, your bad perception (or this whole community's perception, which is similar to that of children crying about NOT waiting but instead of the lack of communication..?) will not pertain to whether a Razer employee is fired.

And using FIFO or LIFO would not impact the delivery time because taking inventory from the bottom stack or top stack is irrelevant to the time it takes to be delivered, and is only a mere accounting tool when not dealing with perishable goods. They don't have inventory currently so they can only be dealing with a first in first out situation...

 

Anybody have this problem?

 

Min did post recently that we could try out the new beta drivers from NVIDIA, one sec looking for post.

Taken from his Twitter:

"For Blade/Blade Pro users, you can download/try the 326.19 beta drivers from @nvidia that was uploaded today."

No link or anything though, so probably directly from NVIDIA. Good luck!

 

I'm not sure when holding to a standard became child-like. I suppose my boss at work is quite the child then. Either way, the logistics are all wrong and so is the communication. That's something that's undeniable.

Also, I think the "Yea exactly that's what I thought" is cute. I imagine you cocking your head back like you really sent me fumbling for my dignity as you said that, just like tough guys in elementary...haha xD

Anyway, it's not nerd rage. If I were raging, it'd be about an issue that wasn't legitimate, something that would constitute unjustified anger. I won't cancel my order because I want the product, but that doesn't justify Razer's handling of the situation. I have gripes with the way certain things are handled in our government here in the U.S, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go anarchist. I'm going to hold people in power responsible because, surprise, they're adults too. Accountability, my friend, is not something I've seen many children hold steadfast to.

Kojaku

 

This is actually something I've thought about. Yes, on a professional level this is poor customer service. The notion of keeping pre-orders around for third-parties like Amazon, Fry etc, is ludicrous when they are essentially phantom resellers at this point. I bet none of the third-parties get product for MONTHS. And the lack of communication or coordination by Razer is not helpful. Min joked recently he would have to roll up his sleeves and start working on the manufacturing line himself. It would have been nice to know my order at Amazon was not going to be placed before waiting two weeks on it or I would have received my Blade by now. Oh well.

But really when you think about it what Razer is doing is pretty remarkable being able to put a product like this out there with quality that arguably rivals a Mac Book (other than the screen). So I think we just have to be patient. The alternative is not to buy of course, but I've looked around and cannot find anything else that really either catches my eye or does what I want it to do.

 

At least Razer now knows that majority of its planned improvements should be focused on internal operations =P seeing as how the product is great.

 

Oh god, don't jinx it xD

Kojaku