I THOUGHT I wanted this... - Razer Blade Pro 17 Review
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Complete your look and get 15% OFF at mvmt.com Save 10% and Free Worldwide Shipping at Ridge Wallets by using offer code LINUS at ridge.com Whoa! It's the FIRST gaming laptop with a 4K + 120Hz display! ... But if you can't play games at 4K 120Hz... what's the point? Buy Razer Blade Pro 17 (2019): On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us On Razer: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Linus Tech Tips merchandise at lttstore.com Our Test Benches on Amazon: amazon.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
The video begins with Linus recounting the desire for a dream device and the reality check that comes after obtaining it. He frames the blade pro 17 as the first gaming laptop to offer a 4K 120 Hz panel, but immediately questions the practical value of such a configuration given power, battery, and cooling realities. He argues that 4K on laptops often does not translate to meaningful perceptual benefits due to viewing distance, display brightness, and the strain on the GPU which hurts both battery life and frame rates in gaming. The discussion then shifts to the value proposition of 4K versus 1440p, noting that while the 4K/120 Hz combination sounds impressive, it comes with a hefty premium and compromises that may not align with most gamers’ expectations. He takes the device through everyday usability, from its premium build and keyboard layout to the inconvenient front-firing speakers and the lack of a numeric keypad, highlighting how these design choices affect daily use and long sessions. The core takeaway from this section is that the blade pro 17 is a powerful portable workstation first, with gaming capabilities that are strong but not flawless, and its value hinges on whether you prioritize mobility, display quality, or raw gaming performance. By the end, Linus positions the Blade Pro 17 as a versatile tool that can double as a mobile workstation and a gaming rig, but with tradeoffs that may disappoint if you expected flawless 4K gaming on the go.
Topics · technology · laptops · gaming · hardware · display-technology · thermal-management · portable-computing
Questions answered
- What is the main tradeoff of choosing the Razer Blade Pro 17 with a 4K 120 Hz display?
- The main tradeoffs are significantly reduced battery life and gaming performance at native 4K, along with a hefty price premium compared to non-4K options.
- Is 4K on a laptop worth it for gaming according to the review?
- No, the reviewer suggests that for many gamers, 4K at 120 Hz on a laptop is impractical due to limited GPU headroom and the premium, advocating 1440p as often the better balance.
- What makes the Blade Pro 17 good for professional use?
- It has strong processing power, a factory-calibrated 4K display option, excellent connectivity, and a keyboard/workflow suited for photo and video editing, making it a capable mobile workstation.