Razer Blade Stealth Review: Ultragood Ultrabook

Over the years, laptops have kept getting lighter, more powerful, and sleeker. Among the leaders of the ultrabooks on the market is Razer, with their Razer Blade Stealth. Keep in mind that unlike some of the more heavy duty laptops that bear the Razer badge, this one isn’t really for serious gaming – at least not without additional hardware which I’ll tell you about later. On the other hand, this svelte computer weighs in at under 3 pounds, and is still powerful and fast enough to handle all your everyday tasks for work, school, hobbies, and casual gaming.

The latest Razer Blade Stealth features a sleek and minimal design, measuring just a hair over 0.5″ thick at the hinged edge. At least from the surfaces that I can see, build quality is excellent as well. It packs a 13.3″ touchscreen display, running at a native 3200 x 1800 resolution, resulting in incredibly crisp and vibrant images, and the ability to easily work with multiple windows or gigantic spreadsheets with lots of columns and rows.

The system is available with either a 7th-gen Core i7-7500 U dual-core CPU, or an 8th-gen Core i7-8550U quad-core CPU. My review unit came with the dual-core processor, which is reasonably fast for everyday tasks. It managed to turn in a respectable Geekbench multi-core score of 7098, and an OpenCL Compute score of 20928. However, its on-board Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU isn’t anything special, with a respectable 3DMark Cloud Gate score of 6820, but an anemic 3DMark score of just 393 on the intense Time Spy 1.0 benchmark.

There’s 16GB of dual-channel DDR3 RAM built in, but sadly no ability to upgrade beyond that. Still, that’s plenty for all but the most memory intensive tasks. For super-fast drive and device connectivity up to 40 Gbps, there’s a built-in USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, which can also be used to connect the optional ($499.99) Razer Core V2, which provides the laptop with support for high-end desktop video cards from AMD and Nvidia, so you can play all those graphics-intensive games the on-board GPU can’t handle.

Unlike Apple’s recent MacBooks, which require an external dock for other connectors besides USB-C, the Razer Blade Stealth has USB 3.0 ports on both the left and right sides, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a full-size HDMI port. Its wireless connectivity supports 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1. I was able to enjoy about 400 Mbps of my Gigabit internet connection via its Wi-Fi connection – that’s better than most other laptops, tablets, and smartphones I’ve tested here on my Wi-Fi router.

Razer offers the Blade Stealth in either a gunmetal grey body like the one shown here, or in black with an illuminated Razer logo on its lid. The gunmetal version comes with a bright white backlit keyboard, while the black version packs a programmable full-color Razer Chroma keyboard. However, the minimum config of the black model comes with the more expensive and faster quad-core CPU as well. I found the keyboard to be quite impressive – offering good feedback and fast typing without being cramped for my big fingers. Flanking the keyboard are two impressively loud vertical speakers which offer good stereo separation due to their smart placement.

One thing I really like about the Blade Stealth is its power pack, which is more like the size of an oversize lipstick case than a traditional, heavy power brick. This keeps it easy to travel with, and adds minimal weight to your bag when you hit the road. Given its size and weight, the Blade Stealth offers good battery life too – turning in just a little under 9 hours on a charge with typical usage.

The starting price for this year’s Razer Blade Stealth is $1199.99 for a dual-core i7-7500U with 256GB SSD, topping out at $1999.99 with the quad-core i7-8550U and a 1TB SSD. If you purchase by 5/27/18, there’s a $100 instant savings available off of those prices. Right now, Razer is also offering buyers $600 worth of great software including PaintShop Pro X9, VideoStudio Pro X10, FL Studio, Cuphead, Warhammer II, H1Z1, Goat Punks, and more.

In conclusion, the latest Razer Blade Stealth is a well-built, good looking ultrabook with great design, a razor-sharp display, above average connectivity, a good keyboard, and a zippy CPU. Plus, it’s got the ability to become a serious gaming machine if you connect the Razer Core V2 and a good graphics card.

Take Home Dell’s Latest 13.3-Inch Infinity Display Ultrabook

XPS-13-XPS9343-2727SLV

Check out this new 13.3-inch infinity display ultrabook from Dell, the XPS 13 XPS9343-2727SLV. Powered by a 2.2GHz Intel Core i5-5200U (Broadwell) processor, this travel-friendly notebook comes with a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD infinity display, an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500, a 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 RAM and a 128GB SSD.

Apart from that, the system has a built-in webcam, a secure digital media card reader, 2x USB 3.0 ports, 1x mini DisplayPort, a 4-cell battery (up to 11 hours per charge) and integrated stereo speakers. Running on Windows 8.1 64-bit OS, the XPS 13 XPS9343-2727SLV provides WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity.

The Dell XPS 13 XPS9343-2727SLV is currently available for pre-order for $899.99. [Product Page]

Pre-Order The New Dell XPS 13 XPS9343-7273SLV 13.3-Inch Multi-Touch Infinity Display Ultrabook

Dell-XPS-13-XPS9343-7273SLV

Dell’s latest 13.3-inch multi-touch infinity display ultrabook ‘XPS 13 XPS9343-7273SLV’ is now available for pre-order in the US via B&H Photo. This travel-friendly ultrabook retails for $1,499 and will be released on May 15th.

Coming in a silver anodized aluminum casing, this high-performance ultrabook is equipped with a 13.3-inch 3200 x 1800 QHD+ LED-backlight multi-touch infinity display (16:9 aspect ratio), a 2.4GHz Intel Core i7-5500U (Broadwell) processor, an Intel HD Graphics 5500, an 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 RAM and a 256GB SSD.

There’s also an integrated webcam, a secure digital media card reader, a 4-cell battery (up to 11 hours of operating time) and built-in stereo speakers. Running on Windows 8.1 64-bit OS, the XPS 13 XPS9343-7273SLV provides WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity. Pre-order yours now! [Product Page]

Samsung Manufactures First PCle-Based SSD for Ultrabooks


The recently launched XP941 by Samsung is an Ultrabook that is so speedy that it leaves the sprinting SATA SSDs behind. Samsung ultra slim notebooks feature the first PCI-Express Solid State Drive....
    


NEC launches VersaPro VX business laptop, VG Ultrabook in Japan

NEC launches VersaPro VX business laptop, VG Ultrabook in Japan

You probably won't ever see these latest NEC computers hit retailers on this side of the Pacific, but if you do your laptop shopping in Japan, it's time to listen up. NEC's just flooded the market with a bounty of fresh models, all likely destined for corporate IT departments, and maybe a few homes.

There are a few additions to the Mate series, including an MG all-in-one, along with ML, ME and MB slim towers. Then, on the portables front, there's some VB, VH, VD and VA notebooks, followed by two standouts: a VX laptop for 138,500 JPY ($1,400) and a VG Ultrabook priced at a whopping 261,000 JPY (about $2,650). That first model is available with Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, a WXGA 15.6-inch LCD and integrated graphics. The pricey Ultrabook, for its part, can be had with a Core i5 or i7 processor, four gigs of RAM, a 1,600 x 900-pixel 13.3-inch LCD, integrated graphics and either Windows 8 Pro or Windows 7 (huzzah!). There's plenty more to discover, of course, but we'll leave that up to you. NEC loyalists can get their fix (in Japanese) at the source link below.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Via: Akihabara News

Source: NEC

Acer intros Aspire R7, a laptop with an adjustable display like an all-in-one (update: video)

Acer intros Aspire R7, a laptop with an adjustable display like an all-in-one (update: video)

When Acer plans a global press event, asking journalists to fly in from twelve time zones away, you know it's going to announce more than just some back-to-school PCs. The company just announced the Aspire R7, a 15-inch laptop whose display sits on a flexible "Ezel" hinge, allowing it to be pushed up and back so that it lies nearly flat -- yep, just like an all-in-one desktop. Similar to the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga line, too, you can flip the screen all the way back so that it faces away from the keyboard, a feature that seems especially well-suited for giving presentations.

In terms of specs, Acer is being a little cagey, but we have learned the R7 has a 15.6-inch, 1080p display with a choice of Core i5 and i7 processors. The whole thing weighs in the neighborhood of five and a half pounds. Also confirmed: it's up for pre-order now for $999, available exclusively at Best Buy in the US. We're told it will ship May 17th. In the meantime, we've got hands-on photos below, and we'll very shortly be adding some first impressions after the break.

Filed under: ,

Comments

New Series 7 Ultra from Samsung

MIRANDA-13HT_016_Dynamic04_Bare Metal

Along with the new Series 7 Chronos, Samsung also announced the new Series 7 Ultra at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 2013. This ultra-slim ultrabook is configured with Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 processors and up to 256GB SSD. Regarding multimedia, the Series 7 Ultra features a high resolution, Full HD display (1920×1080), with 300nit brightness, as well as rich sound with JBL® optimized speakers. And to deliver better experience, the laptop wakes up in as little as two seconds and boots in as low as twelve seconds. And last but not least, it offers up to 11.5 hours of battery life.

MIRANDA-13HT_005_Back-open_Bare Metal

“2012 was a definitive year for Samsung’s PC business – we expanded our line, taking advantage of new form factors and consumer demand. This led to significant growth in the Industry,” said David Song, senior vice president of IT & Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics. “In 2013, we continue to focus on innovation delivering products that organically fit into customer lifestyles while maintaining Samsung’s high-end design and performance standards. The new Series 7 Chronos and Ultra products are just two examples of what you can expect to see from us throughout the year.”

MIRANDA-13HT_001_Front-open_Bare Metal MIRANDA-13HT_002_Top-open_Bare Metal MIRANDA-13HT_003_Right-angle_Bare Metal MIRANDA-13HT_005_Back-open_Bare Metal MIRANDA-13HT_008_Front-close_Bare Metal MIRANDA-13HT_016_Dynamic04_Bare Metal

ASUS TAICHI 21 review: are two screens better than one?

ASUS TAICHI 21 review: are two screens better than one?

It's tough to forget the ASUS TAICHI: out of all the Windows 8 convertibles we've seen (and we've seen a lot) this is the only one with two screens on board. In particular, it's got one on the inside, which you'd use in regular notebook mode, along with a touchscreen on the outside that allows you to use the PC as a tablet. If you like, you can shut the lid completely and turn the machine into a slate-type of device, but you can also leave the lid open so that you're mirroring your desktop, or displaying something different on each one (imagine the possibilities for presenters!). As an added trick, that outer screen also accepts pen input, though you'll have to splurge on the highest-end configuration to get it with a stylus.

For now, ASUS is selling the 11.6-inch TAICHI 21 ($1,299 and up), though a 13-inch version is going to start shipping later this month. Hopefully, though, our review after the break answers questions you'd have about either model. Namely, what's it like to use a machine with two screens, anyway?

Filed under: ,

Comments

Intel makes Touch, Wireless Display mandatory components for Haswell Ultrabooks

Intel makes Touch, Wireless Display mandatory components for Haswell Ultrabooks

We're here live at Intel's CES press conference, where Kirk Skaugen has announced that companies who want to use the Ultrabook name and Haswell internals, it'll have to include touch as standard. The other new condition that Santa Clara is imposing is that the device must carry Wireless Display as standard. On the upside, at least you'll be able to see the images on your TV when your Ultrabook screen gets too greasy from your fingers.

Filed under: ,

Comments