Razer Unveils “Blade” Gaming Laptop (Pics, Specs, and More)

Razer has taken the wraps off of its Blade gaming laptop and it looks hot. Packed with high-end specs, aluminum construction, and Razer’s unique Switchblade user interface, the Blade appears to offer a unique blend of performance, functionality, and style. While I don’t want to get too excited until I can get my hands on one, I’m loving the Blade on paper. Here’s some additional info from the press release:

Razer, the world leader in high performance gaming hardware, introduces the Razer Blade – a full aluminum chassis gaming laptop featuring true portability, incredible performance, and an all-new revolutionary user interface. With the introduction of the Razer Blade – a feat of modern-day systems engineering and technology, Razer is reinvigorating technological and design innovation for the entire PC industry, and encouraging gamers and developers to return to the PC as the primary gaming platform of choice.

Mobile systems developed for gaming today compromise on portability and form factor for game performance. While such machines run games well, they are over 2 inches thick and can weigh more than 10lbs. The Razer Blade measures 0.88 inches thin, less than half that of current mobile gaming systems, and weighs only 6.97lbs, achieving a balance between portability and performance – making it the world’s first true gaming laptop.

Developed in partnership with Intel, the Razer Blade features a fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a high performance NVIDIA GeForce® graphics processor. The hardware was designed to run the most demanding games of today without sacrificing the laptop’s portable form factor. The Razer Blade also does not compromise on screen size as it comes with an incredible LED-backlit high-definition 17” display.

The Razer Blade features the Switchblade User Interface – Razer’s multi-award winning, highly intuitive interface technology. The interface is comprised of 10 dynamic adaptive tactile keys for easier access of in-game commands, and an LCD capable of two modes: one mode that displays in-game information when a mouse is in use; and another mode that functions as an ultra-sensitive, multi-touch panel designed for gaming on the go.

Naturally, the Blade uses the customary black and green colors found in other Razer products. I’m anxious to get my hands on the machine in order to get a sense of its build quality For now I’m digging the Blade’s looks. Check out the image gallery below and let me know if you like the Blade’s aesthetics.

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I know that a lot of you are spec whores, so here are the Blade’s digits:

Price: US$2799.99

Availability: North America Q4 2011

Product Specifications:

  • 2.8GHz Intel® Core™ i7 2640M Processor
  • 8GB 1333MHz DDR3 Memory
  • 17.3″ LED Backlit Display (1920×1080)
  • NVIDIA GeForce® GT 555M with NVIDIA® Optimus™ Technology
  • 2GB Dedicated GDDR5 Video Memory
  • Built-in HD Webcam
  • Integrated 60Wh Battery
  • 320GB 7200rpm SATA HDD
  • Wireless Network 802.11 b/g/n Compatible
  • 16.81″ (Width) x 10.9″ (Depth) x 0.88″ (Height); 6.97lbs (Weight)

Again, I’m trying not to get too excited…but I can’t help it! The Razer Blade is the most exciting non-Apple laptop I’ve seen in years. Keep in mind that I was reviewing laptops for PC Magazine and Computer Shopper in the ’90s before I started writing about games. It’s extremely rare for me to be this jazzed about a Windows laptop and here I am drooling over the Blade. Ha!

How about you? Any of you ladies and gents interested in the Blade?

[Updated at 2:21PM PDT with the promo video below.]

Details on David Foster’s Proposed Star Trek Series

Are you ready to boldly go where no man has gone before (on a weekly basis) again? If so then you might be interested in David Foster’s proposed Star Trek series. Unlike the excellent 2009 movie, Foster’s series is inline with the existing canon. He recently gave TrekWeb a ton of details on his ideas for the show. Here’s a sample:

The series concept is fully developed, subject to change of course, with a solid 5-7 year series plan, pilot script and a conceptualized finale that intends to define Star Trek for generations, extensive character bios, costume and ship/set designs, and more. This is a drastic departure from the typical 8-10 page treatment of the previously pitched Star Trek series ideas that have not included even a pilot script.

The series is set in the post-Voyager era, and is designed to return Star Trek to its original series roots in big and mighty ways, without disregarding the other series and movies. As Star Trek (2009) was an alternate timeline, it will not conflict with any canon there either. The co-creators are avid believers in Gene Roddenberry’s “positive view of the future” and intend to bring Star Trek back to its origins while moving forward with the timeline, integrating the best aspects of each of the previous series.

The series is highly energized with a much younger cast, and uses cutting-edge future technologies with newly envisioned special effects and designs. It includes Klingons, Ferengi, Andorians, Vulcans, Trill, and many more. The Klingons are getting very restless since the Praxis incident forced them to come to the peace tables, and are tired of having to rely on the Federation for support. The Ferengi have discovered a vast new resource that has propelled them towards instant riches and power beyond anything they have previously experienced.

I’m sold! How about you? Are you ready for another Star Trek television series?

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The Sad, Sad Tale of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair

Grantland has posted an outstanding article that chronicles the marital and financial difficulties of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Shane Ryan covers more than 20 years of Flair’s life…and it’s depressing. Keep in mind that I’m a huge Ric Flair mark and consider him to be the greatest of all time, no matter what WWE says. Like most articles on Grantland — the Bill Simmons project that has quickly become one of my favorite sites — it’s a well-written piece, but a lot of the details made me wince.

I already knew some details of Flair’s marital problems, but I had no idea he was so stupid with his money. I was genuinely sad when I read that Flair used his old championship belts as collateral for loans. I was even sadder to learn that he used the Rolex watch that he received from Shawn Michaels — a gift to commemorate their outstanding match at WrestleMania XXIV — for the same purpose. I was at that match and the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony that featured Flair’s induction. The watch represented all the emotion from that weekend — which was supposed to be Flair’s “last” match — and it’s sad that Flair has been reduced to using it for collateral.

Anyway, I highly, highly recommend reading the whole article when you have a chance. If you do, please leave a comment here and let me know what you think!

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Coffee Talk 390: PC Gaming is Not Dead, It’s Just Changed

I hate the question, “Is PC gaming dead?” Of course it’s not. As long as people are using PCs, they will also use them to goof off, and one of the best ways to do that is gaming. I was reminded of this stupid question…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Minka Kelly and Derek Jeter breaking up, hurricanes, or NY bagels, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I hate the question, “Is PC gaming dead?” Of course it’s not. As long as people are using PCs, they will also use them to goof off, and one of the best ways to do that is gaming. I was reminded of this stupid question when Razer took out a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal that proclaimed PC gaming is not dead. It’s just a teaser for a product announcement later today, but it plays on the whole PC-gaming-is-dead thing.

Just to make sure we’re clear on this issue — PC gaming is not dead! Don’t believe me? Well, ask John Carmack. He’s exponentially smarter than either of us. He recently told Gamasutra:

When you look at all the MMO money on there, there’s still a lot. And when you include Facebook games and stuff like that, and all the web games.

It’s just, I think people regret the migration of the hardcore action game, which clearly has taken a move towards the consoles. But gaming on the PC, there’s probably more hours of PC games going on now than there were five years ago.

While there might not be as many “enthusiast” games on PC as there used to be, there are more people spending more hours gaming on a PC than ever before. The market has changed and the audience has evolved. There are casual-game publishers that are being valuated in billions of dollars (USD). With all the people participating and all the money to be made, I don’t see how anyone can think that the PC market is “dead”.

Normally, I would ask for your thoughts on the question of, “Is PC gaming dead?”, but Carmack just owned the question. Of course I must end today’s column with this: And that’s the bottom line, because John Carmack said so!!!

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

I hope to get some quality time in with Deus Ex: Human Revolution on PlayStation 3. I’m also reviewing the Razer Chimaera 5.1 headset for Xbox 360 and will definitely need your help playing some stuff on Xbox Live next week. Getting in the way of my home gaming is an overnight trip for a quickie shoot. Of course I’ll have my iPad 2 with me and will spend most of my airtime playing Civilization Revolution.

How about you? What’s on your weekend playlist?

Samsung Expands Galaxy Line with M, R, W, and Y Models

With the immense success of its Galaxy S and Galaxy S II phones, Samsung has decided to expand the line (expand the galaxy?). Get ready for the Galaxy M, Galaxy R, Galaxy W, and Galaxy Y phones! Confused by the naming strategy? Don’t be. The IT Times has a breakdown of what each model means:

  • “S” (Super Smart) – Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung’s mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.
  • “R” (Royal / Refined) – Premium category models, a combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.
  • “W” (Wonder) – High quality, strategic models, perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.
  • “M” (Magical) -High-performance models at an economic price-point.
  • “Y” (Young) – These are entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.

On second thought, this is a bit confusing. Certain models will also have additional designations, including:

  • “Pro” – This indicates that the device includes a QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals.
  • “Plus” – This indicates that the device is an upgrade from an existing model.
  • “LTE” – This indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed.

Yeah, I’m going to need a cheat sheet to tell these models apart. Though I suppose having names that are clearly defined for specific market segments is much better than having nebulous (meaningless?) monikers like Infuse, Amaze, Sensation, Incredible, etc.

What do you think of Samsung’s additions to the Galaxy line of phones?

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Same-Sex Marriage Confirmed For The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Bethesda vice president Pete Hines confirmed that there will be an option for same-sex marriage in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Replying to a fan on Twitter, Hines wrote, “Not making a huge deal out of it. You can marry anyone.” Some of you will recall that some BioWare fans were not pleased with the homosexual romance options in Dragon Age II. I’m curious to see if Skyrim will elicit a similar reaction.

I love that this is an option in the game. It is, after all, role-playing. I think it’s great that homosexual gamers have an option to play as a character that reflects their lifestyle. Same-sex marriages happen all over the world and it’s fantastic that a videogame reflects modern society. I’m sure Bethesda will get some unnecessary heat for having same-sex marriage in a videogame…and I’m sure a lot of it will be based on stupidity.

What do you think about same-sex marriages in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

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Coffee Talk #389: Are We Living in a Post-PC World?

I’m not buying the whole “Post-PC world” rhetoric. I hate that phrase. It’s a clever bit of marketing that reminds me a bit of the term “Retina Display”. Apple, Steve Jobs in particular, has ingrained the terms Post-PC…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, why animals freak out before natural disasters, Hustler’s rumored Rihanna sex tape, or paid Android apps that still have advertising (WTF?!?), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Like many of you, I spent a lot of time reading a bunch of reactions to Steve Jobs resigning as Apple CEO. One of my favorites was by Peter Pachal of PC Magazine. While I enjoyed the piece, there was a section that bugged me. Check it out:

The reason Jobs picked this time to leave active duty at Apple is apparent. He’s done. He’s finished executing a brilliant strategy of transitioning Apple from a PC-focused company to a company that’s leading the charge into what Jobs calls the “Post-PC world.” Over the past decade, Apple’s legendary success began with the iPod, evolved into the iPhone, and reached new heights with the iPad.

I definitely agree that Jobs changed Apple’s focus and transformed it into a drastically different company than it was in 1997. That said, I’m  not buying the whole “Post-PC world”  rhetoric. I hate that phrase. It’s a clever bit of marketing that reminds me a bit of the term “Retina Display”. Apple, Jobs in particular, has ingrained the terms Post-PC era and Retina Display to the point where a lot of tech writers think that the Post-PC is an actual era (after the Palaeozoic Era?) and Retina Display is an actual technology. It infuriates me. (For the record, I’m not accusing Pachal of either. His article just reminded me of the matter.)

See, I don’t think of products like the iPhone or iPad as post-PC. They’re just different kinds of personal computers. They’re personal devices, right? They compute things, don’t you agree? They just use different input methods, come in different form factors, and offer a different experience. I realize those sound like major differences, but I believe that my laptop, my smartphone, and my iPad are all personal computers. They’re just different kinds of PCs. Put it this way — my laptop is quite different from the Altair 8800, but they’re both considered personal computers.

Do you agree with me? Are smartphones and tablets just new kinds of personal computers? Or are they distinct device types that should not be considered PCs? Are you living in a Post-PC world? Are you a Post-PC girl? (Think Madonna.)

Today’s Poll: Will the iPhone 5 Be on All Major U.S. Carriers?

Following the recent rumor that the iPhone 5 will be available on Sprint in October, MacTrast has posted a story that claims Apple’s next iPhone will be available on T-Mobile as well. If both rumors pan out then the iPhone will be available on all four major American carriers. That’s a potentially huge happening that could shake up the U.S. market.

What do you think? Will it happen? Kindly take today’s poll and discuss!

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Kanye West Performing at Call of Duty XP Convention

As we discussed in yesterday’s Coffee Talk, renowned hip-hop artist and producer Kanye West will be performing at Activision’s Call of Duty XP convention. He’ll be taking the stage on September 3, 2011. My personal dream is that Taylor Swift shows up and interrupts his show…but I don’t see that happening. Here’s a clip from the press release:

In his first public performance since the release of his fifth #1 album, the global smash “Watch the Throne,” Kanye West is set to close Call of Duty XP, the only full-immersion fan experience for Call of Duty gamers. West will take the stage at 8PM on Saturday, September 3rd, capping an impressive roster of firsts for casual and hardcore Call of Duty fans alike, including the world premiere of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer, the first public hands-on with the title, the finals of the Call of Duty $1 Million tournament sponsored by Xbox 360, Call of Duty-inspired live action-experiences and much more. Call of Duty XP takes place September 2nd and 3rd, 2011, in Los Angeles, California.

What do you think of Kanye performing at a Call of Duty convention? Are there any recording artists that you think match up well with certain games? As I mentioned yesterday, Yasumi Matsuno is a Queen mark and litters his game with all sorts of Queen references. Ice-T has a connection with Gears of War. Jack Black is a known Grand Theft Auto homer. Name some recording artists and match ’em up with games (please)!