Wednesday, January 6th 2016

Razer Launches the Ultimate Ultrabook

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the ultimate Ultrabook, the Razer Blade Stealth. Featuring an incredibly sleek form factor, the latest Intel Core i7 processor and a stunning 4K display, the ultra-thin notebook also gives gamers the option of unprecedented desktop-level gaming performance with the help of the Razer Core via Thunderbolt 3.

Razer is also planning on disrupting the entire PC industry with an innovative new direct-to-consumer model that allows the new Razer Blade Stealth to be sold with premium configurations, but at a lower price point relative to the competition. The Razer Blade Stealth measures 0.52 inches thin and weighs just 2.75 pounds. Razer's latest chassis is CNC-milled out of aircraft grade aluminum, providing a sleek yet solid design. Its 12.5-in. touch display comes in two resolutions: an Ultra HD variant with an eye-dazzling 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution and 100 percent coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, and a Quad HD (2560 x 1440) resolution version. Both displays are touch-enabled and feature wide viewing angles and high-color saturation to display content with striking clarity and accuracy.
To power both models, Razer's award-winning design team equipped the Razer Blade Stealth with the latest 6th generation Intel Core i7 processor. PCIe SSD technology offers up to three times faster speeds than traditional solid-state drives. All models will feature 8 GB of dual-channel system memory, providing a combination of components that offer high performance in an extremely portable form factor. Additionally, Thunderbolt 3 provides remarkable connectivity via the Blade Stealth's compact USB-C port at speeds of up to 40 Gbps, the fastest, most versatile link to any dock, display or data device.

The Razer Blade Stealth base model will start at $999, while the highest-end version will sell for $1,599. By way of its direct-to-consumer program, the Razer Blade Stealth is priced significantly less than comparable systems from other manufacturers. Available through Razer's physical and online stores, pre-orders are open now and units will ship in January. In February, the Razer Blade Stealth availability will be expanded to Microsoft Stores.

The Razer Blade Stealth's hardcore gaming chops are unlocked via the plug-and-play external desktop graphics enclosure, the Razer Core. A single Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable supplies both data and power and is all it takes to connect Razer's Ultrabook with the Razer Core. The device can accommodate virtually every popular desktop graphics card from both AMD and NVIDIA. Physical installation of GPUs takes seconds with the Razer Core -- its durable aluminum housing slides open effortlessly and a single screw can secure the graphics card in place. Razer's solution helps future-proof systems, as graphics cards are easily swappable as new components become available.

Bringing desktop-level graphics and 4K external display output to an Ultrabook is only part of the latest systems solution from Razer. The Razer Core contains four additional USB 3.0 ports and Ethernet connectivity. Plug-and-play support with validated graphics cards allows for quick connections without the need to reboot the PC. It is now easier than ever to transform a thin and light notebook into a desktop experience.

"Before today, gamers needed a portable system for everyday work and a separate desktop computer to power their PC games at the highest level possible," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "For the first time ever, there is no need for two separate systems. The Razer Blade Stealth offers the portability of an Ultrabook with the scalability to play hardcore games with desktop graphics performance thanks to the Razer Core. Furthermore, the Razer Blade Stealth starts at just $999, which is significantly lower than any other comparable laptop in its class."

In addition, the Razer Blade Stealth will be the first laptop in the world equipped with individually backlit RGB keys. Millions of color options for the keyboard are available thanks to Razer's Chroma technology. All Razer Chroma products -- which include mice, keyboards, headsets and a mouse mat - feature 16.8 million customizable colors and a range of effects such as spectrum cycling, breathing, reactive and more, enabled through Razer's Synapse software. Synapse allows synchronizing lighting colors and patterns between Chroma devices with the click of a button. An SDK is available for developers to integrate effects in-game, and it is already supported by AAA game titles including Call of Duty and Overwatch.

The Razer Blade Stealth joins the Company's storied line of systems products. The 14-inch Razer Blade and 17-inch Razer Blade Pro set the industry benchmark for power and portability, redefining what a gaming laptop could be. At past Consumer Electronics shows, Razer won official "Best of CES" awards with the Razer Switchblade, Project Fiona and Project Christine concepts. The Razer Edge tablet won the CES "Best of Show" in 2013, besting a field of more than 20,000 electronic devices at the world's most prestigious tech tradeshow.

Razer Blade Stealth:
  • 12.5 in. IGZO 16:9 aspect ratio, capacitive multi-touch display
  • QHD (2560 x 1440)
  • 128 GB / 256GB PCIe SSD options
  • UHD (3840 x 2160)
  • 256 GB / 512 GB PCIe SSD options
  • Intel Core i7-6500U Dual-Core Processor (2.5 GHz / 3.1 GHz)
  • Intel HD Graphics 520
  • 128 GB / 256 GB PCIe SSD options (QHD display models)
  • 256 GB / 512 GB PCIe SSD options (UHD display models)
  • 8 GB Dual-Channel System Memory (LPDDR3-1866MHz)
  • Windows 10 (64-bit)
  • Wireless-AC (802.11a/b/g/n/ac + Bluetooth 4.1)
  • Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
  • USB 3.0 port x 2 (SuperSpeed)
  • Built-in webcam (2.0 MP)
  • Chroma anti-ghosting keyboard with individually backlit keys
  • HDMI 1.4b audio and video output
  • Built-in stereo speakers
  • 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo port
  • Built-in array microphone
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) security chip embedded
  • Compact 45 W USB-C power adapter
  • Built-in 45 Wh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery
  • 0.52 in. / 13.1 mm (Height) x 12.6 in. / 321 mm (Width) x 8.1 in. / 206 mm (Depth)
  • 2.75 lbs. / 1.25 kg
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12 Comments on Razer Launches the Ultimate Ultrabook

#1
cdawall
where the hell are my stars
Asus has an 11.6" QHD i7 6th gen+gt940 graphics already with a 512gb ssd. What do I gain with this?
Posted on Reply
#2
86-Link
cdawallAsus has an 11.6" QHD i7 6th gen+gt940 graphics already with a 512gb ssd. What do I gain with this?
Could you point me to that laptop? what model is it? i would be very interested.
Posted on Reply
#4
Chaitanya
cdawallAsus has an 11.6" QHD i7 6th gen+gt940 graphics already with a 512gb ssd. What do I gain with this?
Posted on Reply
#5
NC37
Sell that box standalone and for a decent price...I'm interested.

Heck that would be perfect for 2nd home situations or places you travel to frequently. Just leave the GPU case there and take the laptop back and forth. Or get 2 of those cases. One for each place. That's perfect.

It would mean for me that instead of paying $1000+ for a gaming laptop that becomes obsolete within a short time, I could pay much less, then add on the GPU bay and a GPU. Initial cost might be higher but long term cost much lower. When upgrade time came I could keep the original laptop and keep changing out the bay. Would only have to upgrade the laptop when technology would be worthwhile.
Posted on Reply
#6
Bytales
Here is what i would add for the next Version.
Metallic Buttons, aluminum, since the chasis is cnc milled from aluminum, aluminum button would made a helpfull Addition that would bring longevity to the Keyboard, since ist a gaming Laptop, and ist going to be used as such. Probably the dome type keys wont help in this direction, and mechanical keys are pretty much impossible in this thin formfactor, without a completly new design.

The Razer Core should have a place for a 120mm Radiator, this way GPUs with built in water Loops like the 295x2 or the FuryX could also be used.

Probably a bigger Version with like 18 Inch 4k model and beefier CPUs or even Desktop CPUs, but i know Razer is not into that. An 18 Inch model would probably allow for mechanical Keyboard, and if not GPU is in the Laptop, the whole cooling could cool a Desktop class CPU.
Posted on Reply
#7
PLAfiller
I've always like the Blade. Not for my pocket, but looks very sleek. I miss their touch thingy - > Switchable touch interface, where the Numpad used to be ( on the bigger models, not 14 inch or 11 inch ). I still think it is a very solid idea. No other manufacturer has tried this so far. Moving the track pad on the side of the keyboard. This edition with the external GPU, looks amazing.
Posted on Reply
#8
cdawall
where the hell are my stars
Chaitanya
If the core is the reason this is better remember it is a driver and a usb c connection away from being plugged into pretty much any notebook...
Posted on Reply
#9
Chaitanya
cdawallIf the core is the reason this is better remember it is a driver and a usb c connection away from being plugged into pretty much any notebook...
not just any USB-C but one that has thunderbolt controller at the other end. If that Chrome does end up being universal solution then its a good thing for any ultrabook user.
Posted on Reply
#10
cdawall
where the hell are my stars
Chaitanyanot just any USB-C but one that has thunderbolt controller at the other end. If that Chrome does end up being universal solution then its a good thing for any ultrabook user.
Any ultrabook owner with thunderbolt 3. At this moment that is the zenbook, the xps13 and the yoga to name a few.
Posted on Reply
#11
iO
The concept of external GPUs is pretty nice but not with Ultrabooks as a thermal-throttled 15 Watt dualcore CPU will cripple a desktop GPU quite a lot...
Still looks promising and a lot better done than Alienwares huge Graphics Amplifier.
Posted on Reply
#12
Chaitanya
cdawallAny ultrabook owner with thunderbolt 3. At this moment that is the zenbook, the xps13 and the yoga to name a few.
Asus also has been working one a similar solution(not sure when TPU will cover it) but still in the mean time here is the link Asus External graphics solution as well:
Posted on Reply
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