Sorry, Razer... I’m not switching - Blade Stealth 2018 Review

The video opens with Linus sharing his initial skepticism about the concept of a GPU-less ultrabook, recalling his past reaction to the original Blade Stealth and explaining how slim design and battery life eventually grew on him. He then pivots to the 2018/2019 Blade Stealth, noting a boxy new design language, improved rigidity, and a more premium chassis, but also pointing out the sharp edges and less comfortable hand feel during extended use. The host details a key design trade-off: the loss of HDMI in favor of two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 and charging support, plus the option to upgrade storage and battery maintenance through user-accessible access panels. He critiques the addition of a dedicated GPU as an increase in power draw that does not dramatically alter performance for most tasks, arguing that 720p at low settings is still the practical ceiling for many AAA titles, while content creation benefits are only marginal. The review then weighs the display choices, arguing that the 4K touch option inflates price and drains battery, and he laments the prior 1800p panel on the 2017 model for its balance of clarity and battery life. He questions the rationale behind the boxy chassis and the webcam placement, and praises the improved keyboard ergonomics but condemns the inconsistent actuation and an awkward home-row layout that harms typing accuracy. The trackpad is highlighted as a standout feature that sets this model apart, and the ability to access the 54 Wh battery for replacement is praised as forward-thinking for upgradability, even if RAM remains soldered. In closing, Linus weighs the price against competing ultrabooks and suggests that at base configuration the Blade Stealth undercuts or overprices depending on the competitor, ultimately concluding that for the money you can get a more balanced machine such as the Surface Laptop 2 or 13-inch MacBook Pro, or a Nintendo Switch bundled with other devices, making the Blade Stealth seem less compelling despite its strong trackpad and design. Overall, the video blends measured criticism with practical recommendations. Linus is frank about what the Blade Stealth does well and where it falls short, particularly in terms of performance versus price and the real-world impact of the GPU upgrade. He emphasizes that high-end features like Windows Hello and a high-quality trackpad contribute positively, but they do not fully compensate for drawbacks like the keyboard layout, edge comfort, and the premium cost. The conclusion remains pragmatic: if the goal is a sleek Windows ultrabook with occasional light gaming and strong portability, the Blade Stealth is a capable option, but for serious users or those prioritizing value, other laptops should be considered. The sponsor segment is brief, and the video ends with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and check the description for purchase links, hearkening back to the practical, no-nonsense tone that defines the channel’s reviews.

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