Razer unveils Windows 8 tablet doubling as gaming PC

Razer, a company until now known for gaming mice and keyboards, has announced a Windows 8 tablet aimed at gamers. The Edge Pro will have a powerful 1.9GHz Intel Core i7 dual core processor and a Nvidia Geforce GT 640M LE graphics chip for running PC games.

The tablet actually has two graphics chips. When a less powerful game or app is running, the tablet automatically switches over to the slower but more power-frugal Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics chip. The Edge Pro will have 8GB of memory, a 128 or 256GB SSD and three USB3 ports.

Read more: CES 2013 news; games reviews

All these powerful specifications mean the Edge Pro is very thick for a tablet and likely quite heavy too – we weren't allowed to hold the tablet in our hands at CES in Las Vegas with all the demonstration pre-production units securely bolted to desks. Battery life is also likely to be very short – especially when playing 3D games. The Edge Pro does look quite capable though – it was powerful enough to run Dishonored with moderately high levels of graphical detail enabled.

Besides the touchscreen, games can be played using a host of optional accessories. There will be a keyboard dock, a pair of traditional-style gamepads and an odd-looking pair of controllers that clip on to either side of the tablet. The 10.1in touchscreen will have a resolution of 1,366x768 pixels – identical to that of most laptops.

UK availability and pricing has yet to be determined, but given its specifications we wouldn't be surprised if it cost as much as the forthcoming Microsoft Surface Pro tablet which will cost around $900.