Razer Blade Owner's Lounge

Razer Blade Pro and 14-inch models hands-on

Engadget posted a hands on with the new 14 and 17 inch models.

 

Wow already? lol

I may go ahead and pick one of the little ones up. I am loving my R2, hardly ever use the SBUI but I still think it is cool. I am liking the direction this is going.

Edit: Oh how much better do you guys think that GTX 765 gonna be?

 

Oh chite. There's really a 14 inch?? I didn't even see that! Do want!

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Wow really liking that 14" it's very svelte

 

Me too sir, me too. I have never had a problem plugging in my R2 but if I don't have to with the 14 inch one, and it will last for 6 hours, that is pretty cool.

 

Very cool indeed.

Glad to see I'm just an idiot that can't read, totally missed that 14" announcement...'

BUT now I can say "HAH! I WAS RIGHT!" SBUI-less Blade!

It's almost as if I had insider information all a long and was playing coy with all of you....almost...

 

@hemotherapy

If you have more inside info please share!

Also very happy about the sb less 14". I don't like the sb at all, too gaudy. I want green keys though and usb ports, no problem

 

I will put hemotherapy information as a grain of salt. He did not feel a new revision of the Razer was coming out in June as I was suggesting. No offence chemotherapy.

 

Yeah...didn't want to ruin the surprise...duh.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

Man oh man. Reading some of the reviews on the 765m...It's a damn good mobile card. Twice as many shaders and texture mappers...That's awesome!

I was thinking it would be a small leap since they're both GTX cards and both x6_ cards...But damn that's an impressive shift in performance.

Anyone interested in buying my R2? lol...

 

I expected something like the 14" but not a rev of the 17".

It's a pity they didn't wait a bit longer to improve the 17"....the improvements on the pro are pretty incremental. Maybe they were driven by fear that the 14" would cannibalize the R2 17"?

My suggestions for improving the 17" would be less focused on processor or graphics hardware and more focused on usability:

- More durable keyboard with more usable, full sized arrow keys (these are frequently used by gamers) and more clickable keys (keypresses don't always register unless they're in the center "sweet spot" of the key). The Sony VAIOs have a good example layout for full-sized arrow keys.
- Larger and more embossed mouse buttons for the switchblade. The buttons should at least be flush in height with the keyboard well, and need to be a lot larger.
- Better screen with much better viewing angle. The matte screen is great, but the viewing angle and color dropoff is pretty horrendous (and i've had 3 different razer R2 blades to look at). Depending on what angle I'm looking at, the screen has a very noticable blue or red cast on it. Also, it needs more brightness.
- Thinner bezel for the screen (and therefore, smaller overall machine width/length). This would also reduce weight....less metal.
- Better HDD configuration....get rid of the complex and unreliable dataplex caching solution and instead offer plain 256G and 512G SSD options.
- Minor machining improvements to the chassis to round out the sharp edges around the bottom of the keyboard and the very sharp edge on the underbelly of the machine next to the display hinge.
- Move the Razer key from its current position (where it replaces the CTRL key in most other keyboards) to a different position. Gamers (or normal users) often need to use right-ctrl, and the razer key is used much less frequently (i.e. you don't do a lot of switchblade task switching during a game). It'd be better to move the razer key maybe on top of the custom key bank, because after pressing the razer key you need to press one of the custom keys anyway (to select the application)....so it'd be equally convenient to restore the right ctrl key and just have the razer key collocated with the custom keys.

A more ambitious design improvement would be to add a trackpad below the space bar with mouse button, which would free up the switchblade completely since I think lots of users are forced to use the switchblade as a trackpad because they don't want to carry around and plug in an extra mouse.

These are all pretty straightforward improvements which would not be costly to make and would improve the usability and marketability of the machine a LOT. I wish they had focused on fixing the usability instead of rushing to put out a very incremental update.

 

Your improvements aren't for me lol...I like the way its put together. Keyboard has never done me wrong and I don't use arrow keys for anything...I do wish the trackpad mice keys weren't as squishy and more clicky but not a big deal. I carry a mouse with me everywhere I go!

Some if the ideas sound good like the hdd configuration but they changed that...all dedicated ssd now on r3 or 14"..

The gpu isn't a very incremental update its a pretty big jump in power. The cpu idk much about but the gpu is a big change over all.

If the lid couldn't go so far I'd complain about the viewing angle stuff but its not like its set in stone. You can adjust the screen to where it needs to be! I've never been much of a color/screen schnob though so I guess I just don't see what others see

I hope they never move the trackpad. I love having it on the right side and.not below the keyboard feels way more natural. I didn't think I'd ever see anyone say they don't like it because its so much more like a real mouse experience that way.

If that's what you want though maybe the 14" is for you, with no sbui the trackpad is below the spacebar!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

I'm not suggesting moving the switchblade, just adding a trackpad below the spacebar.
You would still be able to use the switchblade as your mouse if you wanted to do that, but at least users who don't want to carry a mouse don't end up being forced to use the SB as a trackpad, which means we can't practically use the other apps.

On the other points I think it's hard to argue that smaller bezel, better keys and full-sized arrow keys aren't worth working on, given the earlier posts in this thread by users who have complained about both.
Each of these are almost strictly positive improvements with very little downside....i.e. they involve almost no downside to users. The trackpad might add some cost, so that's why I consider it a more radical move. But it's a pretty important one because it frees up the switchblade interface for its proper multifunctional use.

 

I can dig it. a 2nd trackpad would be interesting indeed

I'm not much one for keyboard comparing since I've always had externals for my "desktop replacement" laptops...but I've had no issues adpating to the blade's keyboard with missing keystrokes except for the a key. when I first started I couldn't strafe left in any game at all. Just the way my hands sat on the keyboard, I wasn't in that sweet spot you decribed, it's not there for all the keys but I do feel some of them are like that. I've sort of adapted to it rather well, haven't had any issues after the first month or so with missing strokes like I did.

Couldn't say the same for my previous laptop, it was missing keystroke monster if you typed to fast on it the keyboard wouldn't register anything at all...

Mechanical keys would be a cool thing to do but would require too much thickness to be add to the chasis I think?

I'd like to see multicolor led's, or atleast an option to make the backlit be blue on the blade. Stiffer mouse keys on the trackpad, and a more robust and sturdier SBUI platform. For something they specialize in it's been awfully buggy IMO. Some of the apps need to enable a cacheing effect, and that god forsaken youtube app needs to start playing videos at 24 or 30 fps, it's so damn choppy yet the media app plays all my shows I download just fine! Ugh!!

I think they've done will getting a x65 series card in this time but I'd still have like to see a x70 series...I wouldn't mind if it made it .10 thicker, but obviously when you're pushing the sleek/thin factor for 3 generations it would look weird to turn back...lol

then again the "Pro" could be the beefier thicker version while the non pro just stays the ultra thin one, who knows. All I know is I'd like to be able to just have something on par with my LAN buddies, I get teased for buying a blade because it's more money for less oomph, I have no problems paying more for something so sexy and sleek, but it would be nice if that was the ONLY thing they could poke fun of

 

I find it weird that Razer equipped both notebooks with a GTX 765m graphics card. They should have equipped the Razer Blade Pro with the GTX 770m instead. It would have made decision making a little more easy.

Now, no matter which model you choose, you end up with the same graphics horsepower. I believe that since the Razer Blade Pro is the bigger brother, with a bigger screen, higher resolution, SBUI, better thermal management, it should also have a better graphics card. If not, it does not differentiate the 2 Blades clearly enough. Though I understand that the GTX 765m is a beastly graphics card already.

Another weird thing I believed Razer has done is the storage space choices. Good thing is that now its all SSD, bad thing is that the standard is only 256GB though can be upgraded to 512GB. ( 128GB as an option is weird )

On that note, I believe the R2 was the most bang for my buck. A hybrid solution for storage space was great. Near SSD speed while getting great storage space. The GTX 660m is also a great card in my opinion, overclock it and you can get about 85% the performance of the GTX 765m. So, no regrets getting the Razer Blade R2. If I want to upgrade, I would wait for the R4. ^^

 

The trackpad on the right is the best part of the blade imo... I,m with Hemo on the arrow keys i dont think i have ever used them or rht ctrl and ive been a pc gamer since the spectrum 48k. Decent upgrade on the pro but not that bothered and will wait for the r4. Might get the 14" as they would look quality together, like thunderbirds 1 and 2 . Any idea when they are due out? and how much is the 14"? Is the msata on the new mobo or is it just 1 ssd slot? good to see the ssd options....

 

Yeah but 765m can OC too and turn thst 85% back yo 70% - I really want the Pro the extra ponies under the hood are awesome.

I thought it was weird they used the same card too but if the 765 is pushing the 17" chasis to the max thermal headroom almost then they might not be able to afford to do the 770

Its dedicated drive no msata. 14" starts at 1800, 2000, 2200 based on ssd size iirc

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The 14" will have a 2.5" ssd drive? I'm pretty sure it will be an msata sized ssd.

 

I mean I guess it could be but they have a 512gb option available for it. Closest thing in msata atm iirc is the atlas drive and its only 480

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The 14 inch Razer Blade will feature only one msata SSD slot. Well, at least based on what I see in the video.
( It also seems that the RAM module might be integrated into the motherboard too, seeing that it is too close to the heatpipes and msata slot. )

The 17 inch Razer Blade Pro on the other hand should feature one msata SSD slot and one 2.5" HDD bay.
( I wonder which slot would they use for storage space configuration. A standard 2.5" SSD would be my preference. )

One thing that I really want Razer to implement in their future Blades would be the inclusion of a mini display port. Mini display port is so much more flexible than HDMI.

 

there are actually 2 msata slots, one beneath the wires and the other dead center

 

does anyone have experience with the Razer Blade in a college/university environment? Originally I wanted a 15 inch laptop for college because of the portability factor. But I feel like with the Blades very slim design it wont be a big deal using around campus and in lecture halls, etc. even though its still a big 17 inch display. So if anyone could share their input on this, even if they do not use their Razer Blade for school, any input would be great. Thanks.

 

Albake, this isn't Razer Blade specific but I thought this might help...

I used a relatively slim 17" laptop in college, it was definitely doable and my biggest concern (after finding an appropriate backpack/case) was the weight. Granted, mine was not as light as a Blade Pro and the power supply was definitely a "brick", but I wouldn't hesitate at all, especially as the Razer Blade Pro is much, much lighter than a mainstream 17".

The only concern would be that you will always have to carry around the power supply, unlike, say, a 13" ultrabook. Sometimes it will be pretty convenient to throw your laptop in a sleeve and head off to class, but with the Pro that is slightly more difficult.

Good luck, and I hope this helped!

 

got my blade 14' preordered, probably will keep my blade 17" r2. wont need 2 brand new laptops this year.

 

Well, I carry my Blade R2 to school almost everyday. No problems with it at all.

Despite being 17.3 inches, it is relatively light weight at just under 3kg or 6.5lbs. I carry my Blade using the neoprene sleeve and I have to say that I can carry the Blade for an hour or so without feeling any strain on my arm.

I am only unable to place my Blade on those chairs with its own small table especially used in lecture halls. The blade is far too huge for that small little desk.

If you are looking at buying a new Blade, especially for school use, I would suggest going with the 14 inch Razer Blade. It is much more portable than the 17 inch but as powerful as the 17 inch since both feature the same GTX765m.
If I were you, I would definitely choose the 14 inch Blade. Its far much lighter, weighing in at just under 2kg or 4.5lbs while offering great graphics performance.

However, if you prefer the 17 inches, it is still very portable in my opinion.

In summary:
14 inch Razer Blade - Pros: Lightweight, Compact, Slimmer, High Performance
- Cons: No RJ45 Ethernet Port, SBUI ( Up to Preference ), 1600 x 900 Screen ( Up to Preference )

17.3 inch Razer Blade Pro - Pros: Relatively lightweight, Slim, High Performance, 1920 x 1080 Screen, SBUI ( Up to Preference ), RJ45 Ethernet Port, HDD Bay
- Cons: Heavier compared to 14 inch Razer Blade, does not fit into most bags



P.S. Forgot to quote but this is to Albake

 

^ they don't have the same 675m, slightly less powerful version iirc from a review and it also has a lower watt haswelll chip so that will slow it down as well.

It wont be as much power as the blade pro BUT its also not playing at 1080. So it with the lower max reso it problem wont make that much of a difference.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

I have a sneaking suspicion they took out the HDD bay and put the extra batteries in it's place. That's why it's only Msata options this time around. I don't see why they would provide HDD connectors if they dont allow self servicing

 

I'm one of those weird people who was hoping for the next blade (17") to have a 256GB mSATA SSD and a 1 or 2 TB 7200 HDD.
I have no issue with the dataplex caching setup on my Blade R2 but with the above config it would be an ideal setup with the OS and core programs on the SSD and you other files on the HDD.

I am quite liking the CPU and GPU updates, and the 14" blade is great. Razer definitely seem to see that there is a gap in the market for truly mobile gaming laptops.

Can't wait to see the next version of the Razer Edge Pro. Though I think they need to watch their pricing on that product though, as it is very expensive especially once you add on something like the game controller.

 

would you mind posting the review for me?

 

I'd like to see this as well. I've looked at every article I could find and don't see any that say the 14" will be using a less powerful 765m

 

not that its possible, with nvidia cripple boost you can now shove the gpu without downclocking it, you just wont let it "boost" i.e. reach its true clocks in certain hardware at the discretion of the OEM and its shoddy cooling

 

huh? Are you saying that GPU boost will be disabled on the 14"? Was there a review reporting that?

 

im not saying anything, I was explaining how cripple boost works fo oems

 

Considering a Razer Blade or Razer Blade Pro purchase. I am leaning towards the Pro just because my 47-year-old eyes appreciate the larger screens, and portability doesn't seem too bad.

However, this is for a mixed work/play environment, primarily web design (Photoshop and Illustrator). I've yet to hear anything good about the screen, even though they are pitching the Pro for creative professionals.

Can anyone who used the previous iterations of the Blade speak to the screen quality for not-to-demanding graphic work? I don't do photo or video editing, so I'm not worried about incredible color accuracy, but I need at least a decent baseline without having to tilt the screen "just so".

 

I'll try to find it again

Found it, misread on my part, author was talking about the difference in the two cpu's between the two models and it goes on to discuss the gpu and goes in to talk about it being a 765 with a higher clock and I read it as comparing blade with blade pro and I guess I read it as 765 with higher clock speed but its really 760

My bad!

That said I will be impressed if they made zero changes to the 765m in the non pro, sacrifices were made on the cpu and its already such a thin chassis...its either going to burn your lap or they did something like karma was talking about


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Samsung has an msata 512gb buts its been out of stock everywhere and is an oem part iirc.

 

Oh nice. So, what you're saying is a 512 msata exists but it probably isn't in the blade?

So what would we be getting? Just a raid setup? That would be sorta cool. Could set them up later for different raid setup and get a lot more speed if you don't mind losing some hdd space!

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Im confused by your, but the 765m is a higher clocked 760m

yeah, its quite impossible to get the PM841 at 512gb, however I hope soon we will have the m500 at 480gb, last month they launched the 256gb m500, so we can get 960gb of pure SSD storage

 

Im not sure what is in the blade. the only system ive seen where people mentioned it is a samsung ultrabook...however there are a few places that have it as backordered the part number is MZMTD512HAGL-00000. the way i understand it is that its for system builder's only and thats why its backordered everywhere. so im not sure if we will ever see it. I would love for it to be in the new blade however.

what i would like to know is for sure, that the blade pro has both mini pci for msata and sata3 internally. well to be truthfull....what i would REALLY like to see, is the blade and blade pro coming with samsung msata in 512gb, and having not only a sata 3 port internally but raid functions in the bios with trim support to give me a 1tb raid 0 array.

 

Screen is good(my first matte experience)comes set to a slight blue, pretty easily changed using windows col calibration or if you want to get it bang on, hire a pro calibration kit. I see they have just uploaded apps for gimp, premier and photoshop so razer are certainly aiming in that direction. Not enough is said of how useful the sbui/tactile keys are especially using pro software as you can assign 10x10 tactile keys to 100 keyboard shortcuts per each programme. I have pages of shortcuts set up for programmes so say if i hit the Reason tactile key it boots Reason software and automatically changes the sbui to my Reason profile from then which i can set up 10x10 tactile keys exclusively for Reason software . I just scoured the internet for the png icons for the tactile buttons all you need is a 256x256 png which you can find virtually everything you need for free, you can change the trackpad background for every profile you set up as well so say i have the Reason logo on the trackpad when i,m in that profile. I would get the pro dude...

 

so the all new razer blade pro have only msata slot ??? there's no 2,5 HDD bay ???

 

Does anyone know the the max output res and refresh rate supported by the hdmi output on the new 14" blade?

 

its 1.4 the usual is 1080p

 

Now way to do 2560x1440? Also what about refresh rate? Can it do 120htz?

 

Hi, my name is Edward and I plan on buying soon a razer blade but I can't decide one wether to choose the new 14 inch model or the blade pro.

The thing is that I enjoy playing Battlefield 3 alot so that's why I prefer the razer blades over other laptops, but also I'm going to college soon so I might be needing more portability. I know that both laptops are very portable but I'm concernd about the difference between a17 inch screen and a14 inch screen, I feel that if I get the 14 one then it will be to small to really enjoy the game.

Can some one tell me if it worth to get the 14 model over the 17 model? Someone who experienced hard gaming on a 14 inch laptop? An opinion about the thickness of the second generation razer blade "pro" would be very appreciated as I'm very curious.

Thank you everyone for any replies

 

HDMI - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

it can do, however you want a 30hz refresh? thats the reason people only go as high as 1080p on hdmi

 

Hi Edward, if you are concerned about screen size, I would say it should not be much of a problem.
Prior to owning a Razer Blade R2, I was using a 13.3 inches Asus notebook. Playing FPS games on it was quite an enjoyable experience.

I believe a 14 inch screen gives you the best of both worlds. Its is very portable but still provides one with an awesome gaming experience.

I have a friend who owns an Alienware M14xR2 and I have tried gaming on it before. Playing Battlefield 3 on it was great. A 14 inch 1600 x 900 screen is quite good actually.

About thickness, I do not really understand what you want to know but the Razer Blade Pro is thin but it feels solid and durable thanks to its aluminium shell. It feels great typing on the Razer Blade Pro and gaming sure is awesome!

All in all, my recommendation is that you should opt for the 14 inch Razer Blade with at least the 256GB SSD. Because you are going to college soon, the lightness of the very light Razer Blade compared to the quite light Razer Blade Pro is something you have to take note. 4lbs compared to 6.5lbs. ( It really does make a difference. ) Not to mention, the 14 inch Razer Blade would fit into most bags and notebook sleeves you use whereas the Razer Blade Pro would be a little bit more troublesome. ^^

 

Thank you so much for you opinion KaiCrucifyer, the reason I asked these questions were because I never got to see up close a 14-13 inch laptop in action so as a thin one like the blade. Again thank you very much, you really helped me with my hard decision.

 

After seeing my friends m14x 1600x900 reso I definitely think the razer blade is the way to go. Games will still look really awesome and you get a thinner chasis and less weight.

Plus it will get better performance in games provided the lower watt cpu doesn't hamstring it, same gpu at lower reso = winning

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

Agreed, man does it sting to purchase an R2 only 2 months ago..... Oh well wait until next year and get the R2 of the 14''