Razer Switchblade
Encyclopedia
The Razer Switchblade is an upcoming portable gaming device
developed by Razer. It is still in development, and the release date is still unknown.
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 you play.
. They started a project, codenamed the "Switchblade", which is a portable gaming device that "would revolutionize the future of gaming". 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. He said "Razer isn’t just about bringing innovation to the PC, but creating products that will change the future of gaming. The Razer Switchblade is one such product."
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.
form factor. 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. This makes 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.
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.
, meaning that not a lot of keys are able to fit on the keyboard. However, each transparent plastic key has tiny OLED screens under it, similar to the idea conceptualized by the Optimus Maximus keyboard. Its dynamic interface changes keybinds 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, colour 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.
), internet browsing (Internet Explorer
), and etc. Furthermore, the Switchblade features a touchscreen monitor which allows for the functionality of a tablet, making multimedia and web browsing experiences even better. This also eliminates the need for a trackpad or mouse.
Gaming is the Switchblade's forte. Since it runs on Windows 7, multiple games have been already played for demonstration such as Quake, WoW
, and DotA
. It is programmed to serve the needs of 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." The Switchblade will most likely be equipped standard with 802.11 WiFi and Bluetooth
, while more expensive models will have 3G
network compatibility.
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."
The first public display of the Switchblade is 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.
Gaming enthusiasts are rather skeptical of 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 need want to connect a mouse and a keyboard, they would need to purchase an additional USB Hub
. Users also believe that the Intel Atom
can not provide sufficient CPU power to support modern games.
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
developed by Razer. It is still in development, and the release date is still unknown.
The Switchblade's main goal is to provide gamers with the functionality of a Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
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 you play.
Development
In 2009, Razer secretly hired a team of engineers who used to work for Apple, HP, and DellDell
Dell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
. They started a project, codenamed the "Switchblade", which is a portable gaming device that "would revolutionize the future of gaming". When asked about the development of the Switchblade, Razer's CEO, Min-Liang Tan
Min-Liang Tan
' is the co-founder, CEO and Creative Director of gaming hardware company Razer USA. He directs and oversees the design and development of all Razer products....
, 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. He said "Razer isn’t just about bringing innovation to the PC, but creating products that will change the future of gaming. The Razer Switchblade is one such product."
Although the current development of the Switchblade hinted that it might be priced within a netbook
Netbook
Netbooks are a category of small, lightweight, legacy-free, and inexpensive laptop computers.At their inception in late 2007 as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost — netbooks omitted certain features , featured smaller screens and keyboards, and offered reduced computing...
range, Razer says that the final product might not look anything like its current prototype.
External Appearance
The Razer Switchblade has a traditional netbookNetbook
Netbooks are a category of small, lightweight, legacy-free, and inexpensive laptop computers.At their inception in late 2007 as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost — netbooks omitted certain features , featured smaller screens and keyboards, and offered reduced computing...
form factor. When compared to a standard Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
the Switchblade's dimensions are only slightly larger. When the lid is folded, the Switchblade is 172mm x 115mm x 25 mm. This makes the Razer Switchblade very thin; about 7mm thicker than the Macbook Air
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air family is a line of Apple ultraportable Macintosh notebook computers.The first-generation MacBook Air was a 13.3"-only model, previously promoted as the World's Thinnest Notebook, introduced at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 15, 2008. It featured a custom Intel Merom CPU...
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
The Switchblade opens up and closes like a notebookLaptop
A laptop, also called a notebook, is a personal computer for mobile use. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device and speakers into a single unit...
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
HDMI
HDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data. It is a digital alternative to consumer analog standards, such as radio frequency coaxial cable, composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video, D-Terminal, or VGA...
output port, which is able to connect to a monitor for display with an HDMI cable
HDMI
HDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data. It is a digital alternative to consumer analog standards, such as radio frequency coaxial cable, composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video, D-Terminal, or VGA...
. 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
The famed component of the Switchblade is its revolutionary keyboard. The Switchblade's keyboard is standard to a 7-inch netbookNetbook
Netbooks are a category of small, lightweight, legacy-free, and inexpensive laptop computers.At their inception in late 2007 as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost — netbooks omitted certain features , featured smaller screens and keyboards, and offered reduced computing...
, meaning that not a lot of keys are able to fit on the keyboard. However, each transparent plastic key has tiny OLED screens under it, similar to the idea conceptualized by the Optimus Maximus keyboard. Its dynamic interface changes keybinds 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, colour 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.
Software and Usage
The Switchblade will be running Windows 7 with x86 architecture. This allows for a wide variety of programs to be compatible with the Switchblade, such as word processing (Microsoft WordMicrosoft Office
Microsoft Office is a non-free commercial office suite of inter-related desktop applications, servers and services for the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, introduced by Microsoft in August 1, 1989. Initially a marketing term for a bundled set of applications, the first version of...
), internet browsing (Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer
Windows Internet Explorer is a series of graphical web browsers developed by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, starting in 1995. It was first released as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95 that year...
), and etc. Furthermore, the Switchblade features a touchscreen monitor which allows for the functionality of a tablet, making multimedia and web browsing experiences even better. This also eliminates the need for a trackpad or mouse.
Gaming is the Switchblade's forte. Since it runs on Windows 7, multiple games have been already played for demonstration such as Quake, WoW
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth released game set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, which was first introduced by Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994...
, and DotA
DOTA
DOTA may refer to:*Defense of the Ancients, a custom scenario for the video game Warcraft III**Dota 2, the sequel to the previously listed game, developed on the Source engine* Dota , a video game genre*DOTA , a chemical...
. It is programmed to serve the needs of 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." The Switchblade will most likely be equipped standard with 802.11 WiFi and Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
, while more expensive models will have 3G
3G
3G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 specifications by the International Telecommunication Union...
network compatibility.
Criticism
The 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 AtomIntel Atom
Intel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
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
CNET
CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics. Originally founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition...
says that "We'd like to be optimistic [for the future of the Switchblade], but we've haven't yet seen an Atom
Intel Atom
Intel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
Netbook that's offered anything close to the experience of a regular PC gaming laptop. The 11.6-inch Alienware
Alienware
Alienware is an American computer hardware subsidary of Dell, Inc. It mainly assembles third party components into desktops and laptops with custom enclosures for high-performance gaming. These products also support graphically intense applications such as video editing, simulation, and audio editing...
M11x came close, but also utilized Nvidia GeForce graphics and a midlevel Intel Core CULV processor to accomplish the task."
The first public display of the Switchblade is in the Razer booth at CES
Consumer Electronics Show
The International Consumer Electronics Show is a major technology-related trade show held each January in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Not open to the public, the Consumer Electronics Association-sponsored show typically hosts previews of products and new...
. 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
Consumer Electronics Show
The International Consumer Electronics Show is a major technology-related trade show held each January in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Not open to the public, the Consumer Electronics Association-sponsored show typically hosts previews of products and new...
2011 People's Voice Award.
Gaming enthusiasts are rather skeptical of the future of the Switchblade. They say that online gaming is not as efficient without an ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
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 need want to connect a mouse and a keyboard, they would need to purchase an additional USB Hub
USB hub
A USB hub is a device that expands a single USB port into several so that there are more ports available to connect devices to a host system.USB hubs are often built into equipment such as computers, keyboards, monitors, or printers...
. Users also believe that the Intel Atom
Intel Atom
Intel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
can not provide sufficient CPU power to support modern games.
Specifications
- Available Colours: Black
- Size: 172 × 115 × 25 mm
- Weight: Currently Unknown
- Battery Life: 4-6 Hours of Gameplay
- Monitor: 7-inch LCD TouchscreenTouchscreenA touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touchscreens can also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus...
display - RAM: Currently Unknown
- CPU: Intel AtomIntel AtomIntel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
Z690 "Oaktrail" - GPU: Currently Unknown
- Hard Drive: 128 GBGigabyteThe gigabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage. The prefix giga means 109 in the International System of Units , therefore 1 gigabyte is...
SSDSSD-Computing:* Solid-state drive, a type of data storage device which uses memory rather than rotating media* Seven-segment display, a display which uses 7 segments to display mostly numbers* System sequence diagram, a type of UML software engineering diagram... - Operating System: Windows 7
- Architecture: x86
- Maximum Resolution: 1024 × 600
- Ports: 1 USB 3.0USB 3.0USB 3.0 is the second major revision of the Universal Serial Bus standard for computer connectivity.USB 3.0 has transmission speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0 . USB 3.0 significantly reduces the time required for data transmission, reduces power consumption, and...
, 1 Headphone, 1 Microphone, 1 AC powerAC powerPower in an electric circuit is the rate of flow of energy past a given point of the circuit. In alternating current circuits, energy storage elements such as inductance and capacitance may result in periodic reversals of the direction of energy flow...
Input, 1 mini HDMI Output - Integrated Features: Integrated WebcamWebcamA webcam is a video camera that feeds its images in real time to a computer or computer network, often via USB, ethernet, or Wi-Fi.Their most popular use is the establishment of video links, permitting computers to act as videophones or videoconference stations. This common use as a video camera...
, Built-In 802.11 Wifi, BluetoothBluetoothBluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
, 3G3G3G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 specifications by the International Telecommunication Union...