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I have a 2015 Razer Blade that I really like. I use it as a my daily Linux work computer and it runs Ubuntu great (with the caveat that I don't use sleep, hibe
by acabal 10y ago
I have a 2015 Razer Blade that I really like. I use it as a my daily Linux work computer and it runs Ubuntu great (with the caveat that I don't use sleep, hibernate, or the nvidia card; and the webcam doesn't work).
Pros:
- Almost unbeatable specs for the chassis size
- 14" display, which seems to be getting rarer now, but I really appreciate the extra inch of screen space
- High quality display, if you get a good IGZO panel. Some panels have color issues, but this seems to be common to all IGZO type panels--my Nexus 6 has the same issue. You can return it until you get a satisfactory panel.
- Can dual boot to Windows and play modern games at high quality if that's your thing
- Clean and simple chassis (excluding the silly bright green logo)
- Excellent Linux compatibility
- You can purchase an aftermarket SSD and upgrade it yourself if you're OK with voiding your warranty
- Very nice trackpad with multitouch that even works in Linux. It has physical buttons which I personally prefer, and that's also getting harder to find
Cons:
- Absurdly expensive
- Parts are proprietary so you have to mail the unit in for even the most basic repairs (changing the battery for example), and repairs are expensive
- Matrix-green keyboard and logo color scheme is a little silly and might not look professional. I put a matte black round sticker over the lid logo which helps
- A poster below mentioned screws falling out; I've noticed this with mine too. I think since the chassis is aluminum and is itself part of the system's heat sink, the heating and cooling expands it and gradually pushes the screws out. But pulling out your Torx screwdriver once every few months is enough to fix the issue
Overall I very much like the machine and even moreso since it supports Linux without headaches.
- sprat101 10y agoWait, If sleep/hibernate, nvidia, and webcam don't work, how does it have good linux compatibility?
- acabal 10y agoYes, well, that's basically the story of laptop Linux unfortunately. I wish it were otherwise! In my experience "Linux compatible" always carries the "except for..." rider, and outside of old Thinkpads you're going to have a hard time finding otherwise. In this case the machine is excellent and compatibility could be much worse. Wifi, Bluetooth, multitouch trackpad, touchscreen, etc., all work out of the box. The Nvidia card might also, I just don't use it at all so I don't know.
- macco 10y agoI have little to now issues with my laptop and linux. Hibernate, Wifi, Bluetooth and graphics card - all work.
- cududa 10y agoIsn't a huge part of paying so much for the thing the video card?
- razed_in_blecch 10y ago> But pulling out your Torx screwdriver once every few months is enough to fix the issue God, I wish that was true. I cannot keep screws in my Razer Blade Stealth at all, not for lack of trying. Only three of the eight screws remain on my back plate: The two in the back by the hinge vent and the left-hand middle screw. Possibly these areas suffers less thermal stress? Who knows. Also: Good luck finding replacements when one pops off and you lose it.