We haven't seen many tablets at CES 2013 but Razer has introduced the Edge which it calls the world's first tablet designed for PC gamers. We took a look at the powerhouse tablet at CES so here's our Razer Edge hands-on review.
Since the Razer Edge is designed for PC gaming, it has a PC-like specifications. And since it has a PC-like specifications, the Windows 8 tablet is somewhat on the chunky size. It has a 10.1in screen size but weights almost 1kg, and that’s without the accessories which are available.
Accessories include a keyboard dock so you can use it like a laptop, a case with controls on either side turning it into 'mobile console mode' and a simple docking station to make it a console connected to a larger display.
We're impressed with the spec of the Razer Edge which is powered by an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5 or Core i7 processor. The regular model comes with 4GB of DDR3 RAM and a 64GB SSD while the Razer Edge Pro has 8GB of RAM and either a 128GB or 256GB SSD. Providing graphics on both models is an nVidia GeForce GT 640M LE with 1GB or 2GB of RAM respectively. Razer calls it the most powerful tablet in the world.
If those storage capacities don't sound like enough then you can utilise the USB 3.0 port to attach an external drive, in the same way you can with the Microsoft Surface. Other ports include HDMI and a headphone jack. There's also a front facing 2Mp HD webcam.
The problem is that you have to pay a lot of money to get what is effectively a gaming laptop without the keyboard and trackpad. The starting price for the Razer Edge is $999 so you'll have to have deep pockets for the luxury of carrying around your gaming PC. And no, the price doesn't include any accessories.
Considering the high price tag, it's a shame that the Razer Edge's 10.1in touchscreen has a resolution of 1366 x 768. Viewing angles are good though because it's an IPS screen. Since the tablet is designed for gamers who are most likely accustomed to a Full HD 1080p experience, this probably isn’t good enough.
We found performance around Windows 8 to be smooth, which is unsurprising considering the components. Gaming performance was pretty good but not flawless, we experienced a few signs of lag. We’re looking forward to putting the Razer Edge through its paces in our lab when we can.
It's impossible to test out battery life at a show like CES but we were told that if you take the Razer Edge out and about it will last for two hours if you’re gaming the entire time. If you're just going to flick around Windows 8 and run the odd application, the tablet should last between five and six hours, according to Razer.
Comments
Aleks said: I mean you get a full flavored PC in a body of a tablet I think the price is ok Notebook with these specs would probably cost a way more
James Dawkins said: Great A Gaming Tablet I would not run out tobuy onethough just yet The first of any dedicated gaming device any for that device for that matter will besuperseded with in weeks Great idea though discountucouk
Wellknell said: I dont understand the authors issue with the price point Its very comparable to similar choices out there and well worth it for someone who wants a portable tablet AND a machine capable of gaming It might be a niche market but its a niche Im in so Razer can take my money as soon as the Edge releases
Fattynerdy said: can this play battletoads
Ross Bishop said: The reason this screen is only 768p is because it needs to be able to actually run games The 640m LE isnt that powerful 1080p would be an absurd consideration in this system 768p is fine anything under 116 inches I have a laptop with a 768p screen at 11 inches and its great As long as youre not doing productivity work only gaming surding the web watching films chatting etc its fine Its still IPS which is the technology you want your screen to be1080p at 101 inches for Windows is stupid anyway unless they fixed scaling in Windows 8 Not sure if they did