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Razer's Blade Stealth laptop now packs a quad-core processor
Like the thought of Razer's Blade Stealth ultraportable, but wish it had a bit more oomph for multitasking? You're getting your wish. Razer has released a version of its 13-inch ultraportable with a quad-core 8th-generation Core i7 processor (namely, the 1.8GHz i7-8550U) inside rather than the usual 7th-gen dual-core chip. This doesn't magically turn it into a gaming machine -- you'll still need a Core enclosure for that -- but it could make all the difference when editing a video or juggling numerous apps. The CPU update also gives you an extra hour of estimated battery life (10 hours total), so you're more likely to make it through a long day.
Razer's Blade Stealth packs a larger display into a familiar frame
While the Razer Blade Stealth is a solid laptop, that 12.5-inch display is rather confining -- especially when you know that there are other small laptops with larger displays. Razer is setting things right though. It's introducing a new version of the Stealth that stuffs a 13.3-inch, 3,200 x 1,800 touchscreen into a similar body. The system is slightly heavier (2.93 pounds versus 2.84), but you're still getting that half-inch thickness and claimed nine hours of battery life. The most conspicuous change is the US option for a gunmetal gray color (shown below) with a much subtler logo on the lid. In other words, you won't have to explain Razer's audacious green iconography at your next business meeting.
Razer's Blade Stealth and 'Core' add up to the gaming laptop I always wanted
For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of a computer that didn't exist: something that could get me through the work day but also transform into a gaming powerhouse at home. It's taken decades, but that old fantasy is finally starting to coalesce into reality. Laptops from Alienware and MSI can be bought with an external graphics dock that lends them the power of a desktop-class GPU. Earlier this year, Razer even made a bid for my dream laptop -- but its Blade Stealth stumbled with middling battery life and by launching before its companion GPU dock hit the market. Recently the company updated the ultraportable with more storage and memory, a faster processor, a higher-capacity battery and the graphics extender that makes it so special: the Razer Core. Now that we finally have the complete package, it's time to revisit the Stealth and see if it makes good on its promise.
Razer's new Blade Pro laptop houses a mechanical keyboard
Razer has definitely made a name for itself in the world of gaming notebooks, but for the past few years, the Blade family of laptops has had a black sheep: The Razer Blade Pro. This 17-inch machine was the company's original thin gaming notebook, but it lingered in obsolescence after Razer introduced the more popular 14-inch variant and, later, the Razer Blade Stealth. For years, the smaller machines were given modest CPU, RAM and graphics updates while the ironically named "Pro" lagged behind with a 4th generation Intel processor. Those days are over. Today, Razer announced that the 17-inch Razer Blade Pro is back -- and it's finally going to live up to its moniker.
New Razer Blade Stealth upgrades all the original's faults
For a gaming company's first attempt at an ultraportable workhorse, the Razer Blade Stealth was pretty great. It had a stunning chassis, a strong CPU, a gorgeous display and the unique ability to link up to a desktop GPU. Unfortunately, it was held back a bit by limited storage options and a disappointing battery life. Not anymore: Today at PAX, Razer announced a Razer Blade Stealth refresh that packs in more RAM, more options for storage and a bigger battery.
Razer's 'Core' external GPU ships in April for $500
Razer announced pricing and availability for its new Core external graphics box at GDC on Wednesday. The device is available for pre-order starting today and units will begin shipping in April. It will set you back $400 if purchased in tandem with a Blade Stealth or $500 if you buy it separately. But don't worry if you didn't take our advice and have already purchased a Blade Stealth, you'll still get the $100 discount.
Razer's updated Blade gaming laptop has a slimmed-down design
The gaming show GDC has just begun, and Razer used the opportunity to unveil the fifth generation of its popular Blade gaming laptop. The new edition will offer significant performance improvements over its predecessor from 2014, with fresh specs that include an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a GeForce GTX 970M GPU powered by 6GB of video memory, 802.11 AC WiFI and a PCIe solid-state drive. Additionally, the machine has a 3,200 x 1,800 QHD+ display and Chroma backlit keyboard, with a slimmed-down CNC-milled aluminum case that's less than three-quarters of an inch thick and weighs just 4.25 pounds.
Razer's Blade Stealth gaming ultraportable is all work and no play
At some point, every laptop-owning PC gamer asks the question, "Can I hook a desktop graphics card up to my notebook?" Until recently, the answer was no, but times are changing. In the past year Alienware, MSI and ASUS have all announced laptops with external GPU accessories, promising a workhorse on the go and a gaming behemoth at home. Razer's take on this trend took CES by storm, running away from the electronics show with Best of CES awards for both People's Choice and Best PC. And why not? The Razer Blade Stealth is sleek with impressive specs and has a strong pedigree. Still, there's a problem: This ultraportable laptop ships without the GPU dock it needs to actually play games. Whoops.
Razer's gaming Ultrabook lets you bring your own video card
If you're a gamer, you don't have it easy when buying laptops: You may want a sleek, lightweight Ultrabook when you're traveling, but you also want the big, powerful desktop replacement when you're home. What to do? Razer thinks you can have both. It's launching the Blade Stealth, a 12.5-inch ultraportable with some proper gaming cred. Its centerpiece is an optional Thunderbolt 3–powered dock, the Core (below), which lets you use most any modern desktop graphics card when integrated video won't cut it—if you just have to play Battlefront at max detail with a GeForce GTX 980 Ti, you can. It has Ethernet and four USB 3.0 ports, too, so you only need to plug in one cable to get all your usual peripherals.
