Is the Razer Blade Stealth Laptop Exceptional for Programming?
The Razer Blade Stealth is generally considered a solid choice for programming, especially for developers who value a sleek design and good performance. This article delves into the pros and cons of using the Razer Blade Stealth for programming tasks, supported by real-world experiences from Nelkinda Software Craft.
Pros
Performance
The Razer Blade Stealth is equipped with powerful Intel processors, often up to the i7, and a sufficient amount of RAM (typically 16GB or more). This combination can handle most programming tasks, including running multiple applications, virtual machines, or containers. Such high performance is essential for modern developers working on complex projects.
Display
The high-resolution displays, often in 4K, provide a sharp and clear workspace that is incredibly beneficial for coding and debugging. This level of visual clarity is particularly important when dealing with complex codebases or intricate debugging sessions.
Build Quality
Razer laptops are renowned for their premium build quality and aesthetics. The focus on both functional and aesthetic elements makes the Blade Stealth appealing for both personal and professional use. The premium build ensures durability and long-term reliability.
Portability
The lightweight and compact design makes the Blade Stealth easy to carry around. This feature is advantageous for developers who often work in different locations, such as remote offices, coffee shops, or client sites.
Battery Life
While gaming laptops usually struggle with battery life, the Blade Stealth performs well for productivity tasks. It offers a reasonable battery life, allowing developers to work for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
Cons
Price
One of the downsides is the higher price point. Some users might find better value in other brands that are more focused on programming needs. Brands like Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad, or HP Spectre often offer similar performance at a lower cost.
Gaming Features
The gaming capabilities, while beneficial for some users, might be unnecessary for many programmers. The higher cost associated with these features may not provide the corresponding benefits for those primarily focused on programming tasks.
Thermal Management
Depending on the model and usage, some users have reported that the laptop can run hot under heavy loads. This can affect performance during extended coding sessions, especially in confined spaces or when running resource-intensive applications.
Real-World Experiences
At Nelkinda Software Craft, we have two Razer Blade Stealth laptops with similar configurations. We’ve found that these laptops excel in performance while maintaining excellent aesthetics and portability. Here are some detailed insights:
Configurations
12″ 4K touch screen Intel Core i7–7500U 16 GB RAM 1 TB SSD Razer Core EVGA Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 TI 2×LG24UD58 24″ 4K screens 13″ QHD touch screen Intel Core i7–8550U 16 GB RAM 512 GB SSD Razer Core V2 ASUS ROG Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 4×LG24UD58 24″ 4K screensPerformance Jump
The performance jump from the i7–7500U to the i7–8550U was significant. This model rendered the Razer Blade Pro on the right almost useless for anything but mobile competitive gaming. This newfound performance allows for faster coding sessions and smoother application handling.
Pros and Cons Continued
Excellent Build Quality
We appreciate the premium build quality, which includes a sturdy and sleek design.
Light-Weight
The lightweight nature of the Razer Blade Stealth makes it easy to carry around, a valuable feature for on-the-go development.
Performance-to-Weight Ratio
The Blade Stealth offers an excellent performance-to-weight ratio, making it one of the most versatile laptops for developers.
Keyboard
The keyboard is good, although not the absolute best in the market. However, its comfort and responsiveness make it suitable for daily use.
Touchscreen
We found the touchscreen to be more useful than initially expected. It comfortably handles scrolling, zooming, and other operations when working on the go.
Good Port Selection
The port selection is practical, with Thunderbolt-3 and HDMI ports on one side and USB 3.0 and HDMI ports on the other. Be aware that the latest model replaces the HDMI port with Thunderbolt 4, which is still useful but lacks the HDMI port, necessitating an adapter.
Linux Support
Linux runs just fine on the Razer Blade Stealth, with all versions of Kubuntu supporting it without issues. However, the lack of official Linux firmware updates means users need to temporarily install Windows for updates.
Battery Quality
The Razer Blade Stealth’s battery quality is subpar. Bulging occurs after about a year, requiring battery replacements every 2-3 years. Users should budget for multiple battery replacements.
USB Ports
The USB ports on the Razer Core and Razer Core V2 are unreliable, with a significant signal delay (500ms to 2 seconds). Despite being marketed as USB 3.0, they are only suitable for powering Chroma mousepads.
Software Running
Kubuntu 20.04.1 LTS with KDE Plasma Desktop and a 16 GB swap file Chromium with multiple tabs IntelliJ IDEA with multiple projects open Docker containers for PostgreSQL and other applications Discord (formerly Slack) OBS Studio 26.1.0 Steam games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and 7 Days to DieConclusion
The Razer Blade Stealth is a capable laptop for programming, especially for those who value aesthetics and portability alongside performance. While it excels in many areas, developments in Apple Silicon may soon make it less competitive. As Linux on Apple hardware becomes more robust, we will evaluate switching to Apple hardware for better compatibility and performance.