Just over two years ago, I reviewed the Blade Pro, Razer's 17-inch behemoth of a laptop. At the time there was nothing like it on the market in terms of design or features, which is why it commanded a $3,700 starting price that peaked at a whopping $4,500.
The Blade Pro is back in 2019 and with it comes a complete redesign that mirrors the recent trends seen in Razer's Blade Stealth and Blade 15 laptops. Gone is the right-handed trackpad, mechanical keyboard, and overall unique design — sadly, the dedicated media scroll wheel is gone, too. Instead, we're left with standard 2019 Razer design.
However, this is a much smaller laptop now, effectively fitting a 17-inch laptop into a 15-inch body and making this a more accessible choice for gamers who travel. The price is also now much lower, though not without the cost of some premium features.
A smaller behemoth
The 17-inch Blade Pro is back with thinner bezels, more powerful graphics, a supped-up CPU, all in a much slimmer package and with a new lower price.
Razer Blade Pro (2019) specs
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Home |
| Processor | 9th GenIntel Core i7-9750HSix coresUp to 4.50 GHz |
| RAM | 16GB dual-channelDDR4-2667MHzUp to 64GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q DesignNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q Design |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSDOptional open M.2 Slot (PCIe and SATA SSD) |
| Display | 17.3 inchesFull HD (1920 x 1080) at 144Hz100% sRGB |
| Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A x3USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-CThunderbolt 3 (USB-C)HDMI 2.0B outputRJ45 2.5Gb EthernetUHS-III SD Card ReaderPower Port |
| Audio | Dual speakersDolby Atmos Support |
| Wireless | Intel Wireless-AX200 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Camera | Front-facing 720pWindow Hello IR |
| Biometrics | IR camera |
| Keyboard | Per-key RGB Razer Chroma |
| Touchpad | Precision |
| Battery | 70.5 Wh |
| Size | Height: 0.78 inches (19.9 mm)Width: 15.55 inches (395 mm)Depth: 10.24 inches (260 mm) |
| Weight | 6.06 pounds (2.75 kg) |
Razer Blade Pro (2019) customization options
The Blade Pro ships with your choice of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, RTX 2070 Max-Q, or RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU for graphics. There is also that new Intel 9th-Generation Core i7 9750H six-core processor with a max speed of 4.5GHz. It's all kept cool with Razer's vapor chamber system and a new multi-fan design.
The screen is where things get interesting with a 144Hz 17.3-inch full HD IPS display with 100 percent sRGB. The lack of a 4K option is a disappointment but as we'll see the lower price makes up for it. Then again, don't be shocked if Razer adds an option for 4K later.
For storage, there's a 512GB PCIe NVMe (solid-state drive) SSD, upgradeable to 2TB. There's also an optional open M.2 Slot that supports PCIe and SATA SSDs, upgradeable to 2TB SSD.
RAM is set at 16GB of dual-channel DDR4 2667MHz, but it is user upgradeable to 64GB with Intel XMP support.
There's no shortage of ports in this 17-inch beast, including HDMI, Ethernet, three USC Type-A ports, three USB Type-C (one for Thunderbolt), and even a full SD card reader that supports UHS-III for creative professionals.
Razer ditched the odd mechanical keyboard of the original Pro and instead of used one like the Blade 15's.
There's also now a Windows Hello IR camera, larger stereo speakers, support for Dolby Atmos, and it also is powered by a seemingly small 70 WHr battery.
Overall, the Blade Pro is a smaller, leaner, 17-inch gaming laptop that comes in at a more affordable price. How it handles — including what is expected to be just OK battery life — remains to be seen.
Razer Blade Pro (2019) price and availability
The most exciting thing about the new Blade Pro? Its price. Whereas the previous version started at $3,500, this year's model starts at $2,499 with an RTX 2060. For $2,799 you can jump to the RTX 2070 with Max-Q, and for $3,199 you can get an RTX 2080 Max-Q.
Look to grab the new Blade Pro to be released in May from Razer.com and via select retailers in the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, and China.
A smaller behemoth
The 17-inch Blade Pro is back with thinner bezels, more powerful graphics, a supped-up CPU, all in a much slimmer package and with a new lower price.
Cheap PC accessories we love
Take a gander at these awesome PC accessories, all of which will enhance your Windows experience.
Anker 4 port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)
Whether on a desktop or laptop PC, you always need more ports to connect things to. This hub gives you an additional four USB 3.0 Type A ports.
Ikea Fixa Cable Management System ($11 at Amazon)
This IKEA cable management kit is your ticket to a clean setup. It's simple and functional.
NZXT Puck ($20 at Amazon)
This clever little accessory has powerful magnets on the rear to make it stick to any of the metal panels on your PC case or anything else. It's great for hanging accessories like headsets.
