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Razer targets perfect Linux support

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Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#151

Post by pbz »

If they're reading this, here's my wishlist:

1) 15.6 inch laptop (14 is too small, especially with those bezels).

2) As thin of a bezel as possible (see XPS)

3) Camera on top! I don't want to show my fingers in conference calls. This may force the bezels to be larger on top, that's fine. (Pop-out camera?)

4) Offer the highest quality display from a color reproduction point of view, not the refresh rate. This is NOT a gaming laptop, or at least not a pro one.

5) The resolution should allow me to use the OS without scaling. If you can squeeze more than 1080p (1440?) the better. We need vertical space for coding! Some folks like 4K, so that should be an option.

6) Connectivity is important; lots of ports. Also, Intel WiFi cards, not Killer.

7) The sound should at least be decent. I don't understand how a phone can have better (ok, lounder) sound than a laptop.

8) Give us an option to optimize for power vs battery life. I want the fastest CPU (within reason) and a good GPU (1060 or 1050, but ideally 1060) at the expense of battery life, but others would like more battery.

9) I'm picky about the SSD that goes into the laptop. Either allow me to replace it or allow me to pick what I want (960 Pro).

10) Good trackpad, ideally with buttons.

11) Good keyboard, super important...

12) Under 6lbs

13) Cooling has to be top notch and the air intake cannot be on the bottom. I actually use the laptop on my lap.

14) Height should be around 1 inch. Making it super thin like MBPs is not worth the tradeoffs.

15) That logo needs to go or at a minimum don't make it glow...

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#152

Post by nightski »

vvanders wrote: post #120
Keyframe wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a damn shame. I was looking forward to new laptop in 14" form with nvidia 1060 and strong battery. Damn. XPS then?

If you can step down to GTX 965M the Surface Book is a very nice piece of hardware.

It's really unfortunate you have to step down from a 1060 to a 965M but step up over $1k in price.

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#153

Post by seanp2k2 »

poink wrote: post #111
maxsilver wrote: post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also got bit by this. Razer's simpler wired keyboards and mice might be OK, but their systems are fundamentally broken. The Razer Blade Stealth (7500u) has broken Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C support. Most popular devices simply won't work at all, even though they work with other Kaby Lake computers, and even though they work with Razer's own previous Stealth laptop (6500u model). The Razer Core has broken display softwar…

Even Razer's mice are pretty shit quality. I've had them going back to the original Boomslang, and I don't think I've ever had one last more than two years. I just like their ergonomics and features -- and the fact that Razer is good about replacing them when they break quickly, which they often do -- enough to put up with it. I'm probably harder on input devices than most people, but I have working Logitech and Micr…

I've had a WASD Code keyboard for a few years and it's been great. I picked up the Razer BlackWidow Chroma TE TKL a few months ago in order to reverse-engineer the USB protocol for Chroma so I could get a Teensy 3.6 to emulate a Chroma device in order to get an off-screen notification LED in Overwatch when my abilities were off cooldown (the keyboard does this with a pulsating key). Couldn't get the Wireshark USBPcap stuff to work but it's been an OK keyboard. I like the clack of their Cherry KX Blue alternative switches. It does feel a little cheap though...the Code feels like a professional piece of hardware (nicer plastics, feels solid) while the BlackWidow feels much more like an EXTREME GAMING ACCESSORY. In practice it hasn't broken or anything close, but it just doesn't feel solid like my WASD, and given that they're comparable price-wise ($100-$150 range) I'd expect a little better.

The Zowie FK1+ mouse is great if you like the Intellimouse Explorer. It's ambidextrous and symmetrical. No software to install, you just click the button on the bottom to switch the DPI setting, or some chords when you plug it in to set things like handedness. Works great, can't recommend enough. The only not-amazing part is the scroll wheel for desktop use; the detents are spaced pretty far to ensure accuracy when switching weapons or whatever in a game and work less well when trying to e.g. Rip through source code, but MW acceleration mostly fixes that for me. I'd totally try a Zowie keyboard after being so impressed with their mouse. Zowie is made by Benq, so they've been around for a while and have made professional products for a while too (I love my BL3201PH 32" IPS 4K screen).

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#154

Post by kobeya »

pbz wrote: post #151

If they're reading this, here's my wishlist: 1) 15.6 inch laptop (14 is too small, especially with those bezels). 2) As thin of a bezel as possible (see XPS) 3) Camera on top! I don't want to show my fingers in conference calls. This may force the bezels to be larger on top, that's fine. (Pop-out camera?) 4) Offer the highest quality display from a color reproduction point of view, not the refresh rate. This is NOT a…

It IS a gaming laptop...

And basically all your points sum up to it being a radically different laptop than what it is. Why not buy something else than ask changes of what Razer fans love?

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#155

Post by pbz »

kobeya wrote: post #154
pbz wrote: post #151

If they're reading this, here's my wishlist: 1) 15.6 inch laptop (14 is too small, especially with those bezels). 2) As thin of a bezel as possible (see XPS) 3) Camera on top! I don't want to show my fingers in conference calls. This may force the bezels to be larger on top, that's fine. (Pop-out camera?) 4) Offer the highest quality display from a color reproduction point of view, not the refresh rate. This is NOT a…

It IS a gaming laptop... And basically all your points sum up to it being a radically different laptop than what it is. Why not buy something else than ask changes of what Razer fans love?

Currently, yes, but I was giving suggestions in case they want to branch out. They asked a few times on Twitter what a developer would like in a laptop. The wish list reflects that. Unfortunately, I couldn't find something that would check off most of the items above.

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#156

Post by poink »

nightski wrote: post #150
poink wrote: post #111

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Even Razer's mice are pretty shit quality. I've had them going back to the original Boomslang, and I don't think I've ever had one last more than two years. I just like their ergonomics and features -- and the fact that Razer is good about replacing them when they break quickly, which they often do -- enough to put up with it. I'm probably harder on input devices than most people, but I have working Logitech and Micr…

Well that's about how long the Naga lasts for me. I just budget ~$50/year or so for a new one and don't really worry about it. If I could find a quality replacement that has the like 14 or so buttons it has then I'd go for it. But at the moment I use every single button and wouldn't give it up for anything less.

I'm on my third Naga. Once you get used to the extra buttons of "MMO mice" it's hard to use anything else. I tried to switch to the Logitech G600, but the shape is all wrong.

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#157

Post by Moru »

dagw wrote: post #129
tallowen wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you had a different experience with other companies? My experience living in Germany has been that its been pretty hard to get American keyboards. Apple for instance only lets businesses oder laptops with US keyboards in Germany.

Apple for instance only lets businesses oder laptops with US keyboards in Germany In Sweden, at least 3 years ago, Apple was the only company that would sell a laptop with a US keyboard to consumers, and that was one of the main reasons my last laptop was an Apple.

I live in Sweden and gave had no trouble finding other language layout keyboards and laptops the last 15 years. Never had to look at apple devices for that :)

Dustin often has some for sale.

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#158

Post by bhouston »

pbz wrote: post #151

If they're reading this, here's my wishlist: 1) 15.6 inch laptop (14 is too small, especially with those bezels). 2) As thin of a bezel as possible (see XPS) 3) Camera on top! I don't want to show my fingers in conference calls. This may force the bezels to be larger on top, that's fine. (Pop-out camera?) 4) Offer the highest quality display from a color reproduction point of view, not the refresh rate. This is NOT a…

I like this laptop - mostly what you described but it has pretty thick bezels on the sides of the screen: http://store.asus.com/us/item/201612AM300000148-ASUS+ROG+GL5...

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#159

Post by bitexploder »

danjoc wrote: post #131
thaumaturgy wrote: post #95

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's unfortunate. Razer was my leading choice to replace my aging Dell laptop. Thank you for taking the time to let other people know about these issues.

People with bad experiences are usually the loudest. I don't think Razer would continue to be in business if problems were commonplace. I suggest going to your local Microsoft Store or Fry's Electronics if you have one near you. Both carry Razer laptops. You can see one, buy one, and if necessary, return one, all in one place. Brick and mortar. Good stuff. At least that way you get to see one before you make the big…

I agree with what you said, but would like to add that Razer in my experience has been bad two.

I bought a keyboard. It developed a defect and damaged the motherboard on two laptops. I won't be plugging it into a third. Their mouse software can't even be /configured/ on Windows without a login to their cloud goo.

No more Razer for me.

Re: Razer targets perfect Linux support

#160

Post by TheOsiris »

johnatwork wrote: post #87
mathnode wrote: post #36

I am one of many disgruntled Razer Blade Stealth and razer core owners, currently awaiting a refund. Some customers are on as many as their 4th or 5th replacement unit. They have no English support in the UK, just a couple of german phone numbers which nobody seems to answer. The forum is terrible and they can't translate emails correctly. It's insulting. The typical issues are usually related to firmware, which myse…

I'm glad I read this. I was thinking of perhaps switching out of Apple for Razor, since the last MacBook Pro update.

same here. the macs are under powered and overpriced but razer's quality is not high enough imo. I had to return my razer blade because of the constant fan noise even on idle. I just can't even take it to meetings or work in quiet rooms
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