Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Hands-on with Razer Edge 'x86 Gaming Tablet'

The Razer Edge is powerful considering that it is just 0.8 inch in thickness. Compared with Edge, Samsung’s Windows 8 inspired Atom driven .87 inch thick and its other accessories attached, which too was on display at the recently concluded CES, it is more like a laptop than a tablet. Still another point in favor of the Razer Edge is that, though it weighs half pound more it packs more punch into it when compared with Microsoft Surface. Though heavier, handling the Edge seems to easier and gives a better experience – lot handy and comfortable to hold by one hand.

A better comparison to the Razer Edge perhaps is the not-yet-released Surface Pro due from Microsoft. The Microsoft is more in the mould of Razer Edge – weighing just as much as the Edge and driven by the third generation Core CPU with a ten-point touch screen. But more than these advantages is the higher resolution at 1920 x 1080. Still a better advantage is undoubtedly the thickness which is hardly 0.53 inch. That simply means even with a cover, the Pro would be lot thinner than a bare Edge. 
The fact that Pro does not have discrete graphics can play spoiler when you need to compare it with the Edge. An unfavorable point against Edge is the battery, which can drain rapidly when used for 3D applications, but then you can use the options to extend its battery life between recharging cycles, which is not possible with Surface Pro’s Graphic 4000 engine.
Razer had earlier leveraged user opinions in coming up with a product like Edge, and they have exceeded their prospective users expectation which were originally set at twice the weight and thickness of an iPad. Meaning, that when they set the ball rolling for the design they could have produced a tablet almost 3 pounds and 1 inch thick. That they have beaten their own specifications is noteworthy in Razer Edge.
Though information on the Edge’s audio system was scare, it could be inferred for a tablet it was substantial. Tests indicate that even when cranked to the maximum, the Edge stood its stead and produced little distortion in sound reproduction. Adding accessories to Edge can be an expensive affair and cost can go up to $250. There are however, some accessories available like the two analog sticks, vibration feedback and 12 button control. You can take a look at Edge’s Gamepad controller by visiting http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/razer-edge-fiona-gaming-tablet,3418-2.html .
Though now this tablet has been name Razer Edge, it was originally part of Project Fiona, and that the original intention to have the controller as a standard fitting and its absence now is a little disappointing and jacks up the price tag. Another reason of concern is the high price compared with Microsoft’s competing product. The only solace is the gaming abilities of Edge.
The Docking Station enables Edge with a stand, HDMI output, 3 USB ports, and if you choose you can add an audio input/output by paying $100. Be aware that Edge does not have a video output point, so if you are planning to put it for entertainment, you will necessarily have to include the docking station which should be bought separately. Another accessory you can include is a Keyboard Dock, though it will not be available until the third quarter of 2013.
With some accessories docked, you should expect battery life to be short lived between recharging cycles, for which too you may have to buy an additional battery pack and add to the cost. The current price of the battery is $50 and may extend use time by up to 8 hours, and by 2 hours if used for gaming. Better, you make the calculation for accessories, it is quite a bit. However, the fact, that it is just a tablet still remains.

This guest post is brought to you by Mark Dwayne of buytimewarnercable.com, a site that offers savings and current information on time warner internet.

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