Since Razer came out with a bang with it’s new Razer Edge gaming PC Tablet, a lot of people have been talking great things about it. The only negativity that comes from it seems to be it’s price, and some complaints of features that are either missing, or not done well. Lets take a look into the Razer Edge.
With a starting price tag of $999, you’re getting the only gaming tablet out on the market. Others may say “Oh well our tablet is a gaming tablet”…this is completely untrue. No other tablet has comparable hardware, or comparable features like a game pad. With the hardware put into the Razer Edge, you’re getting a different, new, and unique experience. You’re getting an Intel Core i7 processor which allows a fast machine, you’re getting a GTX 640M graphics card…most laptops with this are at least $1000, 4GB DDR3 of RAM starting out, which can be upgraded to 8GB. Above everything else you’re getting a tablet that was designed for PC gaming, designed to be a home use tablet, just the ultimate entertainment machine. So far that sounds like $1500 to me easily. Oh and the Razer Edge Pro model…is only $1300 for some major upgrades. Double the RAM, better CPU, and a product to label you as a beast.
Lets get in deeper with this though, lets look at the specs in a little more detail. Thanks to Engadget.com they’ve made it very easy to compare the Razer Edge to it’s competitors.
| Razer Edge | Microsoft Surface Pro | Acer Iconia W700 | Toshiba Satellite U925T | Dell XPS 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $999+ | $899-999 | $800+ | $1,150 | $1199+ |
| CPU | Base Model:1.7GHz Core i5 (2.6Ghz with Turbo Boost)Pro: 1.9GHz Core i7 (3.0GHz with Turbo Boost) | 3rd Gen Intel Core i5 | 1.7GHz Intel Core i5 3317U | 1.7GHz Core i5-3317U | 1.7Ghz Core i5-3317U / i7-3517U (up to 3.0GHz with Turbo Boost) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GT640M LE | Intel HD 4000 | Intel HD 4000 | Intel HD 4000 | Intel HD 4000 |
| Internal storage | 64 / 128 / 256GB | 64 /128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128 / 256GB |
| RAM | 4-8GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB | 4-8GB |
| Screen size | 10.1 inches | 10.6 inches | 11.6 inches | 12.5 inches | 12.5 inches |
| Screen resolution | 1,366 x 768 pixels | 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | 1,366 x 768 pixels | 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Screen type | IPS | ClearType Full HD | CineCrystal IPS | TruBrite IPS with Gorilla Glass | 400-nit display with Gorilla Glass |
| Weight | 2 lbs | 2 lbs | 2.09 lbs | 3.35 lbs | 3.35 lbs |
| Battery | 40Wh; Reported 8 hours of tablet use and 2-4 hours gaming**while using additional 40Wh extended battery pack |
42 Wh (estimated 4 hours) | 4850 mAh, 54 Wh (7 hourstested) | 38 Wh (5 hourstested) | 47Wh (5:30 hourstested) |
| Rear camera | None | 720p | 5MP | 3MP | none |
| Front-facing cam | 2MP | 720p | 1.3MP | HD webcam | 1.3MP |
| Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.0 | v4.0 | v4.0 | none |
| Ports | USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio, docking port | USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio, MicroSDXC, Mini DisplayPort | USB 3.0, Micro HDMI, 3.5mm audio | USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio | USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio |
| Keyboard | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | Built in | Built in |
| Operating system | Windows 8 64-bit | Windows 8 64-bit | Windows 8 64-bit | Windows 8 | Windows 8 64-bit |
| Availability | Q1 2013 | Q1 2013 | Available now | Available now | Available now |
As you can see it’s biggest advantage is the GT640 (This may be the same as a GTX 640M I do not know for sure). Aside from that it uses a better CPU compared to it’s competition, the closest being the MFST Surface Pro which has its exact CPU specs unlisted currently. The rest of the competition has almost nothing on it other than cameras and the resolution. Is having not as good as a camera going to keep you from getting this though? It shouldn’t. You might be asking why isn’t it 1080p? Well being a geek I can only give my input on experience and knowledge..and I would say it’s probably because running games like Battlefield 3, Far Cry 3, and other high end video games on a device can cause some stress on the hardware at 1080p…but going with 720p can dramatically reduce the stress on these parts and give better performance. This machine can probably run 1080p no problem for these games, but with small devices like this one, you’re looking at heating issues if you’re going to max everything out often.
So for the $1000 version you’re basically getting the MFST Surface Pro but with a better CPU, GPU and battery. You are missing out on a 720p rear facing camera, and 1080p screen resolution…and that’s really about it…so from what is presented here, it is easy to say that the Razer Edge is your best choice. Only 1 tablet currently compares, and even then you’re looking at the same prices, with some major and minor differences.
Sources: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/razer-edge-vs-the-competition/
If you’re looking to get a mobile gaming device, get a lenovo y500. It’s under 900 and has much better specs. It’s only around 2 lbs heavier, and you get a much bigger screen to boot, along with true 1080p definition
Don’t forget that the biggest selling point is the controller accessory. That comes at a 250 dollar price. So in reality, The Edge is about 1250usd. At that price, you might aswell pick up a laptop with better specs.
Deff trying to save up for a edge people dont understand that your paying for how small it is and the power it has to go with it rather go big or go home
So if I don’t have a desktop this is defiantly the thing to buy?
If your looking to get a computer in general and would like mobility, get The Razer Edge.
i have a console do i need this
I would say if you’re willing to give PC gaming a chance, and you like the overall idea of having a tablet as your gaming machine as well (aside from consoles) and you have the money for a $1000+ tablet/gaming machine…then I would say yes. If you already have a tablet, and you don’t see yourself playing much of PC games, then I would not get it.
Personally I am a PC gamer, (console once in a while), but I do not have a tablet yet but am in the market for one soon, and this will be my choice until something similar or better comes along for me to consider. I would choose this over any other tablet shown at CES this year, and any other tablet out now including the newest iPad and the Galaxy 10.1 from Samsung.
I personally do not plan on buying this device at the time of release. This is because I have some financial stuff going on right now, and paying my rent is a little more important than getting this. I plan on getting it by Q3 of 2013 though. Hoping to have a hands on review when it comes out so stay tuned for that! Follow me on Twitter guys @zookkz !