Razer has announced at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) that the Edge gaming tablet ‘will soon come’ pre-installed with Steam software, all taken care of by its $999 price tag. Announced as Project Fiona back in January last year, the device was created to rival other portable gaming solutions in the form of Sony’s PS Vita and the WikiPad.
The tablet is an intense gaming-focused device which is capable of transforming into a full-fledged home console for use with external controllers and other peripherals. This separates it from most other on-the-go video game devices out there, apart from its really high-end specs.
And now with Steam integration, the slab will allow gamers to launch their titles more quickly. In addition, it has been infused with Valve’s Big Picture mode, the company’s 10-foot user interface designed to work on high-definition television sets. Also, the online content delivery platform, which allows PC and Mac players to manage their games, will offer access to over 2,000 titles around the world.
A quick look at the device’s hardware should make it clear what kind of machine we’re dealing with and how it should perform in-game. The base model will house a 1.7GHz Intel Core i5 dual core processor with Hyper-Threading Technology and 4GB of DDR3 RAM. Since it is a game-focused slate, there will also be Intel HD4000 and Nvidia GeForce GT640M LE graphics solutions.
The slab has a 10.1-inch IPS multi-touch HD display which can only muster a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It runs on the Windows 8 OS and is packed with a 64GB SSD for storage needs. Stereo speakers are also present, as is a 2MP front-facing HD webcam and Dolby Home Theater v4 audio. In terms of connectivity, the device boasts of Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth v4.0.
Along with the tablet, a good number of accessories are available to buy, and one of the most important among these is a 40W lithium-ion extended battery pack for $70. It is said to provide up to 8 hours of additional use or about 2 hours more in terms of gameplay. Then there is the keyboard dock which makes typing easier, plus the gamepad controller and the docking station which effectively converts the device into a home console.
The Razer Edge is available to purchase at company’s official online store, while the Pro version is currently on back-order. Both models are shipping to those who have pre-ordered for a March delivery.