Razer Introduces Crowdsourced Gaming Tablet
Razer will send its 'Project Fiona' PC gaming tablet concept into production and retail distribution this year as the "Razer Edge" in North America and Asia Pacific.
The Razer Edge was introduced in January 2012 at CES as Project Fiona - the first tablet designed for PC gamers.
"When we decided to design a tablet from the ground up, we did it to create a phenomenal experience for mobile gamers. By combining the best of PC and console gaming with Windows 8, we've created a true gaming tablet," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. "Clearly, the critical acclaim and community support the Razer Edge has enjoyed suggests we hit the mark. Now, we get to celebrate the reality of what was formerly a dream with the audience for which this groundbreaking tablet was made."
The gaming tablet was designed by PC gamers, as a crowdsourcing effort put into place by Razer targeted millions of gamers to determine final specifications for the Edge. Razer let its community decide the end-game chipset, weight/thickness, features and even price for the Edge, and hosted the initiative on its social media pages.
PC gamers ended up helping to design the most powerful tablet in the world. The device is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce graphics.
By way of a Windows 8 operating system with Intel architecture, the broadest array of today's most popular PC games will run natively on the Razer Edge.
The system will be available in two types: a standard Razer Edge and the Razer Edge Pro model. The base model is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GT640M LE GPU, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 64 GB SSD. The Razer Edge Pro comes replete with an upgraded Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GT640M LE GPU, 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 128 GB or 256 GB SSD.
Both models will be available in Q1. The base Edge model will cost $999, while the Edge Pro will start at $1,299.99.
The Razer Edge Pro will additionally be offered in a bundle package with a Gamepad Controller in both the 128 GB and 256GB SSD model. Each model is available at retail outlets and online at www.razerzone.com, and includes a USB 3.0 port and supports Bluetooth 4.0.
Four dedicated configurations offer versatility for Razer Edge users: Tablet mode, Keyboard Dock mode, Gamepad Controller mode and Docking Station mode.
Tablet mode avails the Razer Edge with multi-touch capabilities for full Windows 8 applications, movies and music playback, in a traditional tablet form factor.
An optional Keyboard Dock gives the Razer Edge the laptop experience with a traditional keyboard and mouse, supporting a removable 40 Wh battery, so gamers can play their keyboard and mouse PC titles (Q3 2013).
An optional Gamepad Controller turns the Razer Edge into a mobile console. A fully programmable dual controller interface with analog sticks is unique among all tablets, featuring the ability to play any PC game "out of the box," along with vibration-feedback. (MSRP: $249, available at www.razerzone.com).
An extended battery (MSRP $69, available at www.razerzone.com) is able to connect with both the Keyboard Dock and Gamepad Controller, and doubles battery life for the Razer Edge.
Finally, the Razer Edge can be docked in the Docking Station (MSRP: $99, available at www.razerzone.com) as part of home console mode, which serves as a full desktop and charging resource with three USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 port, mic-in and stereo-out. It's the most versatile tablet on the planet. (MSRP: $99, available at www.razerzone.com).
The Razer Edge tablet in its many forms is designed with precise accelerometers and a sensitive, multi-touch screen. Future games developed for the Razer Edge are expected to take advantage of the integrated gamepad and functionality controls for the touchscreen and accelerometer-based movements.
Specifications Edge Pro
- Processor: Intel Core i7 Dual core w/ Hyper Threading Base 1.9GHz / Turbo 3.0GHz
- Memory: 8GB DDR3 (2x4GB 1600MHz)
- Video:
Intel HD4000 (DX11)
NVIDIA GT 640M LE (2GB DDR3, Optimus Technology)
- Display: 10.1" (IPS, 1366x768), 10-point capacitive touch
- Operating System: Windows 8
- Storage: 128/256GB SSD (SATA-III)
- Network: Intel WLAN (802.11b/g/n + BT4)
- Other:
Stereo speakers
Codec supports 7.1 (via HDMI)
HD Webcam (front-facing, 2MP)
Array microphones
Dolby Home Theater v4 USB 3.0 x1 (green, SuperSpeed)
Audio jack (3.5mm, 4-pole, stereo out / mic in)
"When we decided to design a tablet from the ground up, we did it to create a phenomenal experience for mobile gamers. By combining the best of PC and console gaming with Windows 8, we've created a true gaming tablet," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. "Clearly, the critical acclaim and community support the Razer Edge has enjoyed suggests we hit the mark. Now, we get to celebrate the reality of what was formerly a dream with the audience for which this groundbreaking tablet was made."
The gaming tablet was designed by PC gamers, as a crowdsourcing effort put into place by Razer targeted millions of gamers to determine final specifications for the Edge. Razer let its community decide the end-game chipset, weight/thickness, features and even price for the Edge, and hosted the initiative on its social media pages.
PC gamers ended up helping to design the most powerful tablet in the world. The device is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce graphics.
By way of a Windows 8 operating system with Intel architecture, the broadest array of today's most popular PC games will run natively on the Razer Edge.
The system will be available in two types: a standard Razer Edge and the Razer Edge Pro model. The base model is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GT640M LE GPU, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 64 GB SSD. The Razer Edge Pro comes replete with an upgraded Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GT640M LE GPU, 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 128 GB or 256 GB SSD.
Both models will be available in Q1. The base Edge model will cost $999, while the Edge Pro will start at $1,299.99.
The Razer Edge Pro will additionally be offered in a bundle package with a Gamepad Controller in both the 128 GB and 256GB SSD model. Each model is available at retail outlets and online at www.razerzone.com, and includes a USB 3.0 port and supports Bluetooth 4.0.
Four dedicated configurations offer versatility for Razer Edge users: Tablet mode, Keyboard Dock mode, Gamepad Controller mode and Docking Station mode.
Tablet mode avails the Razer Edge with multi-touch capabilities for full Windows 8 applications, movies and music playback, in a traditional tablet form factor.
An optional Keyboard Dock gives the Razer Edge the laptop experience with a traditional keyboard and mouse, supporting a removable 40 Wh battery, so gamers can play their keyboard and mouse PC titles (Q3 2013).
An optional Gamepad Controller turns the Razer Edge into a mobile console. A fully programmable dual controller interface with analog sticks is unique among all tablets, featuring the ability to play any PC game "out of the box," along with vibration-feedback. (MSRP: $249, available at www.razerzone.com).
An extended battery (MSRP $69, available at www.razerzone.com) is able to connect with both the Keyboard Dock and Gamepad Controller, and doubles battery life for the Razer Edge.
Finally, the Razer Edge can be docked in the Docking Station (MSRP: $99, available at www.razerzone.com) as part of home console mode, which serves as a full desktop and charging resource with three USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 port, mic-in and stereo-out. It's the most versatile tablet on the planet. (MSRP: $99, available at www.razerzone.com).
The Razer Edge tablet in its many forms is designed with precise accelerometers and a sensitive, multi-touch screen. Future games developed for the Razer Edge are expected to take advantage of the integrated gamepad and functionality controls for the touchscreen and accelerometer-based movements.
Specifications Edge Pro
- Processor: Intel Core i7 Dual core w/ Hyper Threading Base 1.9GHz / Turbo 3.0GHz
- Memory: 8GB DDR3 (2x4GB 1600MHz)
- Video:
Intel HD4000 (DX11)
NVIDIA GT 640M LE (2GB DDR3, Optimus Technology)
- Display: 10.1" (IPS, 1366x768), 10-point capacitive touch
- Operating System: Windows 8
- Storage: 128/256GB SSD (SATA-III)
- Network: Intel WLAN (802.11b/g/n + BT4)
- Other:
Stereo speakers
Codec supports 7.1 (via HDMI)
HD Webcam (front-facing, 2MP)
Array microphones
Dolby Home Theater v4 USB 3.0 x1 (green, SuperSpeed)
Audio jack (3.5mm, 4-pole, stereo out / mic in)
