Cutting edge?
Razer has developed a concept notebook design based on Intel's Atom processor in a bid to bring PC desktop gaming functionality to gamers on the go.
Debuted at CES, the concept model is codenamed Razer Switchblade and while appearing to be an attractive compact Windows 7 notebook, the traditional keyboard and mouse have made way for a multi-touch screen and chunky dynamic tactile keyboard.
The UI adjusts the configuration and key layout based on game and user requirements, Razer said. The company hooked up with Intel to build the concept model from scratch, "focusing on the entire user experience of playing the extensive PC game library on a handheld device".
Min-Liang Tan, CEO and creative director at Razer, said: "The main problem with mobile PC gaming so far is that no one has been able to port the full mouse and keyboard experience onto a small size portable solution. By combining adaptive on-the-fly controls and display, we managed to maintain the full tactile keyboard in a miniature computer while saving valuable screen estate."
According to people that have got hands on with the concept device so far, impressions are favourable. Engadget reported that it reckons Razer will put this concept model into production, although it will probably not be cheap given the technology involved and the prestigious gaming brand name.
The ‘seriously impressed' tech site said Windows 7 is fully-loaded onto the Switchblade but Razer has created an in-house overlay too making navigating the mobile device ‘a cinch'. It also raved about the 1024x600 screen resolution and the bonus features of a mini HDMI output plus USB 2.0 port making any handy peripherals possible.
The Switchblade also reportedly sports a front-facing webcam, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios and there are rumours that it could hit the shelves in 3G and non 3G flavours.
Here are some images of the Switchblade.
