The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Any interest in a mini-Razer (11.6") laptop? Macbook Air competitor, with discrete GPU...

    Discussion in 'Razer' started by reloader-1, Aug 18, 2014.

  1. reloader-1

    reloader-1 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    20
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    16
    It seems that Intel Broadwell will provide impressive heat reduction, and other advancements mean that a small form-factor gaming laptop is a real possibly.

    I'm trying to just get a feeler for how many people would be interested in a moderate gaming rig that would have the 11.6" Macbook Air form factor (actually, possibly a 12” screen as Apple has wide bezels around their screen that Razer might not need).
    Is there any interest in the following options?

    1. 11.6/12” screen, exact same size and form factor as the MBA 11.6” (thicker, of course, like the Razer 14 vs MBA 13.3). Intel chip, Nvidia med-range GPU, etc

    2. Dual tablet/laptop (what the Razer Edge could have been), similar to the Lenovo Helix, with the option to buy accessories such as a gamepad, etc. Similar specs as option 1, Intel chip, Nvidia med-range GPU, etc
     
  2. CATALANOpunch

    CATALANOpunch Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    26
    Messages:
    181
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I would absolutely LOVE one.

    I still miss my Alienware m11x - such a nice size (although my 14 blade is more thin).

    An 11in with a 1080 touch screen, Nvidia GPU, SD card slot - I would buy it right now.
     
  3. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

    Reputations:
    2,365
    Messages:
    9,422
    Likes Received:
    200
    Trophy Points:
    231
    it would be simpler just to make a new edge.
     
  4. reloader-1

    reloader-1 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    20
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Right. What I am asking, is what direction should the new Edge be?

    A classic laptop like the MacBook Air?

    A hybrid tablet/laptop like the Lenovo Helix?

    A pure tablet like the original Edge?
     
  5. TJCacher

    TJCacher Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    56
    Messages:
    117
    Likes Received:
    89
    Trophy Points:
    41
    I would be all over a light, well-designed hybrid that could function as a tablet but allow me to play desktop games at 1080p, medium settings using a built-in keyboard. Literally my dream machine. I don't think that day is too far off but we may have to wait for Skylake instead of Broadwell...
     
  6. AlexNT

    AlexNT Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Unless it packs an 860M, I can't see how it's useful. Latest Intel HDs are good enough for all 2D and most of the simpler 3D (I play Civ5 and X-COM comfortably on my Surface Pro 2), and the more advanced stuff requires 860M+.

    With 860M any form factor works, my personal preference is Surface-like (i.e. a hybrid, but closer to a tablet).



    Edit1: an i7 tablet that docks into a keyboard with 860M that docks into a stationary base with a with full-power 860. ...I'd never buy something like that though. %)

    Edit2: then again, that's largely due to the fact that I already own a Blade 2014 and a Surface Pro 2, so I have all possible use cases covered.
     
  7. neoideo

    neoideo Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    72
    Messages:
    171
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I think it would not be a good idea at least in the business sense, mostly because it would compete with the edge and also compete with the tablet market, although it would fit the needs of a few people nicely.
     
  8. CATALANOpunch

    CATALANOpunch Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    26
    Messages:
    181
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Compete with the edge? The product that razer has dropped all support for?

    This would be the smartest replacement for the edge. Most owners with the edge wanted the dock and controller attachment anyways, why not just make this a laptop with a touch screen?

    And just to preface - former edge owner here, it was a great idea, just unrefined.
     
  9. reloader-1

    reloader-1 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    20
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Exactly. Former Edge owner here as well.

    The Macbook Air 11 makes up a huge chunk of Mac sales, which means there is demand for something in a smaller form factor. I was flying a few days ago, and I would kill for a small, touchscreen laptop with discrete graphics.

    The portability around the house would be ideal as well.
     
  10. maven1975

    maven1975 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    51
    Messages:
    609
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I would by it the day it was avaliable. 1600/900, Touch & nVidia

    Or...

    Thunderbolt 2 and a Razer built upgradeable eGpu dock

    That way they can keep the thermals in check and use a Quad Core Iris 5100.