New Razer Blade & Razer Blade Pro

In my case, I was provided with an RMA case number (from Razer), and Razer initiated the generation of a pre-paid 2-day shipment label through FedEx. So I got an email from Razer (with a heads up on the FedEx tracking number) and an email maybe 10 min later from FedEx with a link to a shipment label (the thing that goes into the plastic slot on the front of the package). There was no cost to me. Razer also asks you to include a note with the RMA number and the email chain related to the return/repair. I assume this is just for convenience, since the RMA is linked to your unit ID.

I did myself a huge favor by not getting rid of any of the original packaging material. Razer specifically asks you to ship the unit back as it was delivered (although I suppose they would understand if you didn't), which in this case means secured inside the Razer product box (that sweet black/green box that the laptop/power cord sits in), the Razer shipping box (the brown box with the black Razer logo that the product box comes in), and the generic shipping box (that the shipping box comes in - this is basically just a very slightly larger and plain version of the Razer shipping box). They specifically mention that you shouldn't just ship the shipping (brown logo box) straight up.

My assumption is that these measures are intended to ensure that you send it back in a well-protected, consistent way to avoid damage in transit. It's worth mentioning (if you don't have one / haven't seen an unboxing) that the product box is actually suspended/buffered within the shipping box using 1-2" thick foam 'shoulders' on each corner. Overall, the way it comes (and the way I sent it back) is quite secure. The only thing I would change from a packaging perspective is to better center the laptop in the product box by depth - it is stacked close to the top of the box (although there are additional foam spacers between the surface of the unit and the box lid), which is great from an unboxing perspective ("the reveal") but somewhat less protective. This is an exceedingly minor point.

When I went to FedEx, I literally handed them the box and the label and they took care of the rest (sealed up the box, attached the label) - very easy. FedEx also provides the option to let you schedule a pick up, so I could have also left the box with my doorman and had him do the hand-off.

I sent the unit Saturday afternoon (7/27) from Chicago, and it is scheduled to arrive this afternoon (7/30) in CA - counting the weekend, not bad at all. The next step is for Razer to assess the unit and decide if it will be a repair or a replacement. Razer Customer Service has told me that this generally happens within two weeks (not sure if this is inclusive of shipping time, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did) depending on the nature of the issue and parts availability.

Based on comparable experiences, I will say this has been quite well handled, but I'll of course reserve judgement for the final results : )

Tl;dr, keep your boxes, they would prefer you ship it back in the original materials. They provide a 2-day shipping pre-paid return label from FedEx, an internal RMA case number, and all of the details you need to get it back to them.

 

For people that received their RB 14" today or yesterday(I remember people saying their estimated delivery dates were today/yesterday), how are they? Any defects?

 

Almost got it right:
If you did discard the boxes, and need to ship it to be fixed, thats not a problem, they will just ask you to secure it properly.
If you did discard the boxes, and need to ship it to get a refund, they will not give you one since they consider the box part of the system.

What I am not sure about:
If you send it to get fixed without the original box, will they send it back to you in an original box if it just gets repaired?
If you send it to get replaced without the original box, will they send it back to you in an original box?

 

Wow, this thread looks like its turned into a troubleshooting and defective units thread. Anyone else concerned with the number of defective products? Sure, support is good for now, but what happens when the warranty runs out?

 

Hopefully it's an isolated case of says 10 people with faulty/returned RMAs out of say 500-1000 shipped units

 

Thanks for the correction. And ouch re: not getting a refund for not having the box; feels like it would make more sense to deduct a restocking/packaging fee from the refund.

In fairness, I think there is a bit more of an impetus to post when you specifically have issues or need help (see the owners thread for similar). I posted a few times on shipping updates before my unit came, then when it came I was too busy using it to post more than a brief update, then when I had an issue I started posting again to see if others had similar issues... that's how it tends to go, I suppose : )

UPDATE: unit arrived at Razer a few hours ago and they emailed me just now (really fast turnaround on the inspection). Unfortunately they had to replace the unit, but they've already created the replacement order and will be sending via 2nd Day Air. Don't see a wait time on the Razer site, so fingers crossed we'll be back in business this weekend...

 

Have not had time to open the box yet. Signed for the delivery guy, threw the box on my bed and ran out the door. I'll check it out in a few hours hopefully.

 

Just got my replacement in. No physical flaws this time. The only thing is, when I have the volume up past 50% and play this song, I get terrible ringing in the speakers. Anyone else getting this?
Blackmill - Friend (Full Version) - YouTube

Edit: Crap tested with the drivers at upwards of 50% and still I hear the ringing in the right speaker. I think its bad.

 

I get the same with my Pro, but the sound disappears after awhile. It's like an echo for making my volume levels too high. I think...

 

I got mine yesterday. No defects at all. No weird noises, no dead pixels, nothing. I'm in love. FWIW for me the screen is fine. I'm in the minority in the US as I prefer a glossy display but I can understand Razers choice although in my opinion their choice of Matte filter is the major cause of the complaints about the screen. I've seen the same limited viewing angle effect when privacy filters are added to laptops for security purposes. So if you've seen a laptop with one of these filters you will have a good idea of the Blade screen although the Blade screen is somewhat of a subdued version of the mentioned filters.

 

Seems to be getting better now after playing music at medium volume for a bit. Think it's ok after all.

 

For anyone interested in adding a new drive, I've done so succesfully, all that needs to be done is open up the case, msata port is right in the middle of the laptop, insert the drive (use provided screw) and set everything up. Quite easy, I don't think they'll notice at all for warranty purposes. Just an added note, there's a white strip that goes above the battery and is on the second msata port, it kind of pops up more than it should because of the new msata, not sure what this is or if it would affect anything. At the moment, everything is all good.

 

So I have been noticing a buzzing sound coming from the center of my blade 14. Has anyone else experienced this? I sit in a fairly quiet room when I am using it so I can't tell if it's just the processing sound or a defect. Its somewhat of an electrical buzzing sound, not really a clicking sound or anything. It gets worse when I load up a game as well. I notice it much less just browsing/not using the dedicated GPU.

I did already update to the beta video card drivers.

 

^ Ha, that's just what I was coming hear to post about. I just received mine today and I have the exact same symptoms, except I have not yet updated the video card driver (link please?). I'm wondering if it will "wear in" and it will eventually go away..... I'd prefer not to have to send it back to razer to get it fixed.

 

I'm glad it's ok Wapo, I'm getting mine Thurs and hope everything is fine.

 

@magicweasel @GBomb check the last page, I returned mine because it had that sound and there is another user who also had the problem and is getting a replacement unit.

 

I seem to be getting the W8 BSOD whenever I run GW2. It says something like VID_TRD, blah. I'm pretty sure it's the video card.

I'm downloading 320.49 from NVIDIA atm to try and fix this, since GeForce Experience only seems to give me 311.48 and says that's the most updated driver, while the NVIDIA site shows that the 320.49 is the most recent driver for the 765M. I should be following the site, right?

It only seems to be happening with GW2 as well...

 

The 320.49 don't support the Razer blade yet. Wait for the 326.xx. I'm not using beta drivers...

 

Oh, noted. I haven't installed it yet so I'll refrain from doing so. So 311.48 is the safest one to use?

Also, how would I go about updating my BIOS for the Pro? I've only updated my BIOS on another machine and they had a tool for that pretty much. Can't find one for Razer.

Edit:

I get a BSOD with the error: VIDEO_TDR_FAILTURE (nvkflt) when I run GW2 in full screen mode (it doesn't seem to get it in Windowed Fullscreen, but lower FPS).

I'll try reinstalling my NVIDIA drivers.

 

Anyone care to comment on the possiblility that, given the scarcity of devices, they are sending out the defective products (that have been returned via RMA) in the hope that the new recipients will be less finicky and might decide to live with the defect?

At the very least, they buy time as the RMA process starts afresh when the new recipient sends it back.

 

I highly doubt any business runs on such a basis, let alone Min & the guys at Razer. It's a quality control issue, not a "I know I'm sending defective laptops but I'll hope to god the customer doesn't return it".

 

Possible, but I highly doubt it. Mine (Pro) was RMA'd with a repair, and not a replacement. From what I gather as well, they replaced the motherboard to fix my issue. So if they went to the extent of replacing a motherboard, I think they'd as easily repair those units that they've decided to replace.

Edit:

Reinstalled 311.48 but still the same issue with GW2. I'm starting to think it's a GW2 problem... it only BSODs and black screens while I'm on GW2, so it's safe to assume it's the program and not the system right?

 

Not sure. I'll test GW2 when my blade comes. So in like 1-2 weeks.

 

Lol =P

I've found that it only BSODs/Black screens when in Fullscreen mode. So until I can find a solution, I guess Windowed Fullscreen will have to do =/

Other than that, no other physical problems with my Blade, thankfully!

In other news, when my sister bought her MB in a reseller yesterday, I found a cleaning kit that was effective on the MBs. The Blade and the MBs have the same aluminum body right? I'll probably go back and get that kit for my Pro, lol.

 

Well, gave up on amazon. Just bought an iPad mini with my gift card and resold it at a very slight loss. People love that stuff. Anyway, now I've got an order in. I wonder if the same business day shipping when ordered before 11AM CDT thing still applies to the blade 14, since it's now actually in stock.

Kojaku

 

How come the 128gb version says 3-4 weeks, and then the 256gb/500gb does not any time on it. Does it mean the 256/512gb versions are available now and ready for shipping?

 

Yeah, I believe that is the case. I asked them about this over an e-mail and that's what they told me.

I ordered my 256 GB 14" on the 26th and it shipped on the 30th.

 

Very nice yhyoon. But I won't be able to order one until someone that physically has a razer 14 test this one important thing for me


Got a question for razer 14 current owners regarding your Razer 14, Does it have keyboard ghosting, can you tell me if these 3 key combo works when you get a chance? All three combo should light up green when all pressed simultaneously. Mucho Gracias!!!


Q+W+D or Q+W+Spacebar and W+E+Spacebar

Microsoft Applied Sciences Group

 

I'll test it, assuming that mine gets shipped today and comes in tomorrow (this is assuming that all is true in regard to the stock and the shipping on the same business day thing, since I got priority)

Kojaku

 

I'm in the same boat. I placed my order very early yesterday morning. I had been holding off for a while on making the purchase. The site clearly indicated they were in stock. I ordered with priority shipping so I would have it today.

I never received any sort of email... confirmation of the order or otherwise. As of this morning, the status is "Order in Process". I called earlier today. They don't exactly make it easy to find a number to call. I ended up calling the tech support number for the Blade. The tech told me they would be shipping in one to two weeks. When I said to him "So you don't actually have any in stock then?", he replied "Not that I know of". He never looked up my actual order, so who knows.

I'm a little concerned since I never even got a confirmation email. Of course they immediately authorized the charge against my credit card. Their ordering process has a bit to be desired with respect to making the status clear.

They clearly say that if you order before 11:00 AM for priority shipping, the order will ship same day for items in stock. I guess the issue is if it is really in stock or not and if they are keeping up with their shipping commitments.

I also sent an email via their site asking if it had shipped and if not, when it will... but I have yet to hear anything from them yet.

 

my lenovo t410 works fine with those combinations, i really doubt the Blade would have problems.

 

Just a quick update... I actually just called support back and had them look up my order. I was informed that I should be getting an email shortly and it should ship out today (for delivery tomorrow). I guess we'll see what happens. I had placed my order hours before the 11:00 deadline yesterday for same day shipping. I have seen postings from a few people indicating that they had gotten their shipment notice after speaking to a Rep. I guess they could be coincidences. I guess it's also possible they might be bumping up shipments for people that call in order to avoid cancellations.

I'll post back when/if I get the shipment notification.

 

Works for me no problems. I was able to push down about half the keyboard and they all lit up.

 

This may or may not put your mind at ease.When I received my shipping notice it was actually hours after my order had shipped. It was actually already at the UPS intake facility by the time the email arrived. The emails seem to be sent out in bulk at scheduled times. So if support indicated that you will get an email soon the chances are that your order has already shipped.

 

Thanks Wapo! So those 3 key combinations I mentioned all lit up green?

 

Thanks 3klips3... I'm kinda-sorta anal about this kinda stuff. I hate waiting. I have no need for the Blade (and it's debatable whether or not I should even get it). Once I get it in my head, I just go back and forth endlessly in order to justify it. I had been reading every review and constantly monitoring the site to check their inventory. I'm not big on pre-ordering as that generally leaves the availability up in the air. I would have been pulling my hair out (what's left of it) if I had been waiting as long as many here did. I'm not big on patience... but then again, I'm in NYC... most of us here are short on patience!

 

I'm on day 23 of waiting and I have 5-7 more days to wait until my Razer Blade Pro 256GB makes it to me. It has been the longest I've ever waited for a product from the internet. I'm typically patient with thinks from the Internet, but it's different for this laptop. Probably because I'm so excited for it.

 

Just got my 14" 512gb blade today and so far it's been pretty good. I don't have any dead pixels nor do I hear any strange noises so I guess I am lucky on that front. My opinions on the screen is as follows: the blacks ARE weak, I toned down the brightness to help it out but it's still a little faded. However, I think the colors appear fine for normal everyday use and of course gaming. The blacks are definitely the worst part about this screen, but for me it isn't really a game breaker.

EDIT: The viewing angles can also get a little annoying. For example if you are using your laptop sitting in an upright position then suddenly decide to lean back to watch a movie or something, you will more than like have to readjust the screen position to "hit that sweet spot" again. Also a little more details after using the laptop for a couple hours. The keyboard feels great, one of the best I've tried on a laptop. I had some mouse pad issues, but I believe they were software side more than the actual hardware. The actual mouse pad is responsive and very similar to the mac book's. My mouse buttons seemed just right, they were not hard to press nor were they loose. If anything, the mouse buttons were a little small at first, but you can easily get used to it.

Overall the laptop is very snappy and very fast. I am very satisfied with my purchase. This opinion may be biased due to the fact that I have never tried had an SSD on a computer before, but I am still happy with this laptop. I am most likely going to purchase an external monitor because I watch a lot of movies and readjusting the screen can be a hassle. Plus 14 inches is kinda small

 

I pushed down a box of keys from q-r, r-v, v-z, and z-q. So I pushed a total of 12 keys and the spacebar all at once and they all lit up. =)
Also those key combinations specifically did light up as expected! I'm pretty sure each key has its own code - no overlapping.

 

Just received my RB 14" 512GB. Everything looks good so far, no dead pixels, clicking noises, or backlit keyboard problems, however I noticed that sometimes my trackpad is not responding. I'm using it in the center and not the designated areas. Anyone advice?

EDIT : Nevermind I fixed the designated areas, seems fine now! I'll update after I install games and lemme know if you want some temps I can download HWMonitor.

 

Update: replacement unit is en route - interestingly, it is being shipped by UPS this time (vs. FedEx last time and for the return).

For the morbidly curious:
- 11 June: pre-ordered on Amazon.
- 10 July: gave up on Amazon, cancelled Amazon order, and re-ordered through Razer's site (Priority 1-2 day).
- 11 July: unit shipped (FedEx).
- 12 July: unit delivered.
- 22 July: submitted support ticket related to fan noise (details above).
- 23 July: initial response from techs/CSAs, more information requested. I respond with an audio recording of the fan 'clicking' noise.
- 24 July: Razer confirms the issue is non-trivial and issues RMA details.
- 25 July: I confirm details and ask them to go ahead with the RMA. Razer issues a pre-paid FedEx shipping label.
- 28 July: I send the unit back via FedEx (took me a couple days to get back into town from work).
- 30 July: Unit received by Razer (2 day shipping over the weekend), issue diagnosed, and a replacement unit ordered on my behalf.
- 31 July (today): Shipping notification from UPS received. Should be delivered in 2 days, but can confirm when the tracking number activates.

My experience overall - I'm of course bummed that my first unit had an issue, but both my order and customer service experience so far (when working directly with Razer) has been pretty exceptional. Once I reported my issue, I generally had responses within 24 hours, and upon returning my unit they took less than a day to receive the defective unit, confirm it wasn't repairable, and send me a replacement.

One thought on the following:

This is of course possible, although there are limited cases in which it would work (for instance, if someone sent in a unit with a dead pixel it would be silly to try to pass off a unit with a broken backlit keyboard), and there have been 1-2 posts on this forum so far about people having issues with replacement units, but I will say that it seems pretty unlikely. In my particular case it would have actually been easier for them to tell me it was unusual but not unexpected, that it would eventually go away, etc. They went through a good amount of trouble to make this particular situation right, and I would like to believe that is their operating policy. Time, I suppose, will tell.

 

I disabled the enhanced accuracy setting. I was having a slightly different issue. The trackpad was so sensitive that I was constantly accidentally adjusting the zoom level of my web browser.

 

NJ Joey So am I. I placed and canceled 3 orders before settling on the 4th because I was a little flustered about the shipping and logistics issues. Once I decided to settle in things went pretty true to the estimates that I was given by Razer and in the end that is all I could ask for. Honesty and transparency in the process.

 

I read somewhere earlier in this thread that you could change the battery charge threshold to 80% for optimal battery longevity. Where can I find the settings for this on my RB 14"?

 

Yeah the same day shipping advertised on the site is a lie. It takes at least one business day. I told them to be more accurate. They ignored me again. I guess they just don't like me at this point, for making fun of their logistics so much... Which is funny when you think about the situation a lot of us are/have been in xD

Kojaku

 

I've ordered products from Razer (mice, mousepads) and had them shipped same day. Their shipping guide specifically says, "If there is an unexpected demand for a product, the shipment could be delayed. While we will make all reasonable efforts to meet our "same day" shipping commitment, we cannot always guarantee to do so."

So I wouldn't call their same day shipping "a lie"; also not sure what kind of response you expected by criticizing their projected shipping accuracy or "making fun of their logistics so much"? I don't know that anyone on this site (or really anyone outside of Razer) has enough data to support an informed position about their logistics.

 

This.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

So I'm back in Sydney, Australia. The Pro made it through a 7-8 hour flight. There's no maximum altitude for this unit, right? I remember seeing that listed on Macs for some reason.

All is great, except my filtered dorm internet. Can't play GW2 anymore, which I thought I could, which I just bought. Lol.

 

Darn, hearing a fan clicking noise from my Blade Looks like it's time to request an RMA.

EDIT: Just out of curiosity, does anyone know why exactly this happens and why it's non-trivial?

 

I tried video calling with the webcam but the video on Skype has a flash of blue-ish green every few seconds, anyone else have this problem?