The review embargo has lifted on Razer’s long-awaited ($1,000-$1,500) gaming tablet, and the reception has been somewhat less-than-stellar.
“The Razer Edge sounds fantastic: a Windows 8 tablet, notebook, and portable gaming system in one,” writes the folks at Maximum PC.
“But in actual use, the Edge is a letdown… While it’s supposed to be the happy love-child of a portable tablet and a powerful PC, the end result is a compromised monstrosity.”
“All told, Razer can get away with calling the Edge the world’s most powerful tablet, at least for now. The company’s claim to a mobile and home gaming console, however, falls flat,” the Engadget team opined.
“With only two hours of usable battery life in a best-case scenario, the Edge fails to meet the needs of a mobile gaming device, and the inherent problems of using Windows 8 on a television screen keep it from stealing the console crown.”
Interestingly, The Verge’s David Pierce offered a different take on the device.
“I’ll admit it: I didn’t think the Edge had any chance. I didn’t think you could build a gaming laptop that didn’t look like a gaming laptop, but I was wrong. This isn’t a power user’s device, but it’s a fun way to play PC games, and offers some real advantages over any other gaming platform out there,” he said.
“I really like the Razer Edge — I’ve had a blast using it, using subway rides and free moments to catch up on all the games I missed. But unless you have money to burn, or fit into a very particular niche in the market, there’s a good chance this isn’t the device for you.”
In related Edge news, Razer recently announced that it has teamed up with Valve and will be releasing Razer Edge gaming tablets pre-loaded with Steam software.
Min-Liang Tan, co-founder, Razer CEO, and creative director, also says that “providing users with access to Steam” will allow gamers to more easily play their preferred games.
Greg Coomer, product designer at Valve, noted that “the Razer Edge has more than enough power to run the latest Steam titles [and] is a great way to experience everything Steam has to offer.”
As TG Daily previously reported, the Razer Edge is a Windows 8 mobile gaming PC designed to convert into four distinct modes: tablet, keyboard, mobile console and home console.
Key specs include Intel’s 3rd generation Intel i5/i7 Core processor, Nvidia GeForce Series graphics with Optimus technology, a 10.1-inch multi-touch HD display, stereo speakers, an HD webcam, microphones, Codec supports 7.1, Dolby Home Theater v4, a 3.5 mm, 4-pole, stereo out/mic in audio jack and USB 3.0.
