X

New Razer Blade laptop up close (pictures)

Razer's 14-inch Blade looks like the gaming world's version of the MacBook Pro with Retina Display...minus the Retina.

Scott_Stein.jpg
Scott_Stein.jpg
Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_01.jpg
1 of 15
The $1,799 14-inch Razer Blade laptop isn't cheap, but it's stylishly packaged.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_03.jpg
2 of 15
The AC adapter brick's not too large. Packaging is minimal.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_02.jpg
3 of 15
In its all-aluminum, matte-black design, this Razer Blade is similar to the 17-inch version we reviewed last year, but this one's far more compact.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_04.jpg
4 of 15
In terms of dimensions, it's similar to the 13-inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, with a wider footprint.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_05.jpg
5 of 15
The 14-inch matte display has a 1,600x900-pixel resolution. It's OK, but not nearly as crisp and impressive as displays on other current laptops at this price.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_06.jpg
6 of 15
A backlit keyboard feels crisp and responsive, as do the large touch pad beneath and its physical click buttons, but there aren't any standalone macro keys, nor a number pad. You can program keys via Razer's Synapse 2.0 software.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_07.jpg
7 of 15
Yes, it's sleek.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_08.jpg
8 of 15
Backlit keys, up close.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_09.jpg
9 of 15
It's not ultrabook-thin, but the 0.66-inch-thick, 4.1-pound Blade is extremely easy to carry around.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_10.jpg
10 of 15
Ports are sparse: three USB 3.0, HDMI, and a headphone jack, but no Ethernet or SD card slot.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_11.jpg
11 of 15
You'll probably plug in a mouse or control pad, but keyboard controls work nicely.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_12.jpg
12 of 15
No touch screen on this Blade; you'll have to use the touch pad for Windows 8 gestures.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_13.jpg
13 of 15
Comfy lap typing.
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_14.jpg
14 of 15
You could use the new Blade as a regular laptop. But the base 128GB solid-state drive may not be enough for a lot of gamers (you can upgrade to 256GB or 512GB).
Razer_Blade_14_35780325_15.jpg
15 of 15
The screen tilts back farther than you'd expect.

More Galleries

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos