The Razer Switchblade is a prototype portable gaming device developed by Razer USA. The Switchblade's main goal is to provide gamers with the functionality of a Windows computer, combined with the portability of a handheld device. It features a multitouch LCD screen and an adaptive keyboard that changes keys depending on the game the user plays. The Switchblade is currently in development, and is not available for purchase by the public. [1]
Development
editIn 2009, Razer secretly hired a team of engineers that worked for Apple, HP, and Dell. They started a project to further mobile gaming, codenamed the "Switchblade".[2] When asked about the development of the Switchblade, Razer's CEO, Min-Liang Tan, believed that the development of the Switchblade started from a small gaming peripheral company, into a well-known corporation that would develop the first full portable PC gaming console. [3]
Although the current development of the Switchblade hinted that it might be priced within a netbook range, Razer says that the final product might not look anything like its current prototype.
Features
editExternal Appearance
editAt a glance. the Razer Switchblade resembles a netbook. When compared to a standard Nintendo DS the Switchblade's dimensions are only slightly larger. When the lid is folded, the Switchblade is 172mm x 115mm x 25 mm.[2] The dimensions make the Razer Switchblade very thin; about 7mm thicker than the Macbook Air when folded. On the outside, the Switchblade is completely black except for the green Razer logo in the middle. The weight of the product is currently unknown to the public.
Internal Appearance
editThe Switchblade opens up and closes like a notebook computer. The monitor is a multitouch LCD screen and is measured 7 inches across diagonally. On the right edge of the Switchblade is an AC input and mini HDMI output port, which is able to connect to a monitor for display with an HDMI cable. On the left edge is a standard full sized USB 3.0 port. On the bottom of the keyboard are standard headphone and microphone jacks. The top of the monitor is embedded with a built in webcam.
Keyboard
editThe famed component of the Switchblade is its revolutionary keyboard. The Switchblade's keyboard is standard to a 7-inch netbook, which means that the Switchblade does not have room for many keys. However, each transparent plastic key has tiny OLED screens under it, similar to the idea conceptualized by the Optimus Maximus Keyboard.[4] Its dynamic interface changes keyboards depending on what game the user is playing. When a video game is executed, the Switchblade intelligently recognizes the game's interface, such as the controls, color schemes, and command icons. It implements this information right into the keys itself, allowing for multiple profiles and setups for the same game. The user choose which setup to use for different situations and remove keys that the user does not use. This adaptability compensates for the small amount of keys on the Switchblade, allowing for a nearly infinite number of possible keyboard layouts.[5]
Software and Usage
editThe Switchblade will be running Windows 7 with x86 architecture. [2] This allows for a wide variety of programs to be compatible with the Switchblade, such as word processing (Microsoft Word), internet browsing (Internet Explorer), and etc. Furthermore, the Switchblade has a touchscreen monitor which provides the functionality of a tablet. This eliminates the need for a trackpad or mouse and makes multimedia and web browsing experiences more efficient.
Gaming is the Switchblade's forte. Since it runs on Windows 7, many games have already been played for demonstrations such as Quake, WoW, and DotA. It is programmed meet the requirements for all genres of games. Razer quotes "The combination of the new dynamic tactile keyboard, a multi-touch-screen and, if required, a mobile gaming mouse, allows for the full desktop pc gaming experience and more." [6] The Switchblade will most likely be equipped standard with 802.11 WiFi and Bluetooth, while more expensive models will have 3G network compatibility.
Specifications
edit- Available Colors: Black
- Size: 172mm x 115mm x 25 mm
- Weight: Currently Unknown
- Battery Life: 4-6 Hours of Gamplay[7]
- Monitor: 7in Touchscreen LCD Display
- CPU: Intel Atom [6]
- GPU: Currently Unknown
- Hard Drive: 128gb SSD[7]
- Operating System: Windows 7
- Architecture: x86
- Maximum Resolution: 1024 x 600
- Ports: 1 USB 3.0, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, 1 AC Input, 1 HDMI Output
- Integrated Features: Integrated Webcam, Built-In 802.11 Wifi, Bluetooth, 3G[5]
Criticism
editThe Switchblade is currently still in the prototype stage. Razer is constantly adding and removing features to the Switchblade. However, critics have high hopes for the Switchblade. Brad Graff, director of gaming platforms for Intel's Ultra Mobility group says that "PC gaming continues to attract innovation with rich 3D graphics, high-definition video, and lifelike animation...The Intel Atom processor, combined with Razer's expertise in bringing gaming solutions to market, will help make it possible for consumers to have a powerful gaming experience in mobile devices." Scott Stein of CNet says that "We'd like to be optimistic [for the future of the Switchblade], but we've haven't yet seen an Atom Netbook that's offered anything close to the experience of a regular PC gaming laptop. The 11.6-inch Alienware M11x came close, but also utilized Nvidia GeForce graphics and a midlevel Intel Core CULV processor to accomplish the task." [8]
The first public display of the Switchblade was shown in the Razer booth at CES. Despite the fact that the Switchblade's development has been revealed to the public for only a couple of months, it has already won the CES 2011 People's Voice Award. [9]
Gaming enthusiasts are rather skeptical for the future of the Switchblade. They say that online gaming is not as efficient without an ethernet port. The lack of multiple USB ports may also prove to be a problem as only one other peripheral can be connected to the Switchblade at a time. If users want to connect a mouse and a keyboard, they would need to purchase an additional USB Hub. Consumers also believe that the Intel Atom is unable to provide sufficient CPU power to support modern games. [5]
References
edit- ^ "Razer Unveils 'Switchblade' Mobile Concept Gaming PC". PCMag. Retrieved 1-26-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Text "News & Opinion" ignored (help); Text "PCMag.com:" ignored (help) - ^ a b c "More about the Razer™ Switchblade". Razer. Retrieved 1-26-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Text "For Gamers by Gamers™" ignored (help); Text "Razer™ Switchblade" ignored (help); Text "Razer™" ignored (help) - ^ "Razer Switchblade: A Revolution In PC Gaming • Gizmosync:". Gizmosync. Retrieved 1-26-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Razer Switchblade Gaming Netbook Changes its keyboard every game". Popsci. Retrieved 2-05-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b c "Razer Switchblade preview: 3G, Intel Oak Trail, almost definitely going on sale -- Engadget:". Engadget. Retrieved 1-26-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) Cite error: The named reference "engadget" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ a b "The Intel® Atom™ Processor and the Razer™ Switchblade". Razer. Retrieved 1-26-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b "Razer Switchblade: Handheld PC Gaming is (Almost) Heree". PCWorld. Retrieved 2-05-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Razer reveals Switchblade". CNet. Retrieved 2-1-2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Best of CES Awards:". CNet. Retrieved 2-05-2011.
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