Razer, a maker of gaming peripherals, today announced what they call “the ultimate Ultrabook”, the Razer Blade Stealth. Featuring a 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 unveiling 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 is apparently very light and thin, measuring 0.52 inches thin and weighing 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 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 optimal clarity and accuracy.
To power both models, Razer tells us that their design team equipped the Razer Blade Stealth with the latest 6th generation Intel Core i7 processor. PCIe SSD technology offers what Razer says will be up to three times faster speeds than traditional solid-state drives. All models will apparently feature 8 GB of dual-channel system memory. Additionally, Thunderbolt 3 provides connectivity via the Blade Stealth’s compact USB-C port at speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which the company claims is the “fastest, most versatile link to any dock, display or data device.”
So how much will this beast cost? The Razer Blade Stealth base model will apparently start at $999, while the highest-end version will sell for $1,599. At first, it will only be available through Razer’s physical and online stores, and pre-orders are open now and units will ship in January. In February, the Razer Blade Stealth availability will be expanded to Microsoft Stores.
“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.”
Here are the Specs on the new Razer models:
Razer Blade Stealth:
- 12.5 in. IGZO 16:9 aspect ratio, capacitive multi-touch display
- QHD (2560 x 1440)
o 128 GB / 256GB PCIe SSD options - UHD (3840 x 2160)
o 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
Razer Core:
- Connection to PC via Thunderbolt 3 using included 40Gbps cable
- Supports single double-wide, full-length, PCI-Express x16 graphics card
- GPU max dimensions – 5.98 in. / 152 mm (Height) x 1.73 in. / 44 mm (Width) x 12.20 in. / 310 mm (Length)
- GPU max power support – 375 W
- USB 3.0 port x 4 (SuperSpeed)
- Gigabyte Ethernet (10/100/1000)
- Chroma lighting (2 zones)
- Built-in 500 W power supply
- 8.6 in. / 218.4 mm (Height) x 4.13 in. / 104.9 mm (Width) x 13.38 in. / 339.9 mm (Length)
SOURCE: Razer Press Release