Gigabyte Aero X16: Razer Blade look-alike with AI CPU for $1,300
Gigabyte’s marketing for its new Aero X16 laptop bears a striking resemblance to Razer Blade designs, from its sleek, space-gray aesthetic to the typography and color schemes of its promotional materials. While direct comparisons await independent testing, the Aero X16 certainly presents a compelling value proposition. Currently available at Best Buy for $1,299.99, down from its usual $1,649.99, this midrange configuration offers a robust set of specifications for the price.
The Aero X16 comes equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU, an Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics processing unit, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB solid-state drive. These components make it a versatile machine, suitable for demanding gaming, intensive creative applications, or everyday productivity tasks. Its 16-inch QHD display features a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing additional vertical screen real estate that can enhance browsing or document viewing by reducing the need for scrolling. Furthermore, the display boasts a 165Hz high refresh rate, ensuring smoother visuals, particularly beneficial in fast-paced gaming. For users looking to future-proof their investment, the Aero X16 offers convenient expandability, featuring two RAM slots that support up to 64GB of DDR5 5,600MHz memory and two PCIe 4.0 slots for additional storage.
Naturally, comparing the Gigabyte Aero X16 to its closest Razer Blade 16 equivalent reveals some distinctions beyond the price tag. A Razer Blade 16 configured with an RTX 5070, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD typically retails for $2,399.99. While it carries a significantly higher cost, the Razer model often includes premium features such as a QHD OLED panel with a faster 240Hz refresh rate and a more refined design aesthetic. The Aero X16, therefore, positions itself as a strong contender for those seeking high performance and a premium look without the top-tier flagship price.
Beyond laptops, several other notable tech deals have emerged. Gamers can find a unique Doom: The Dark Ages-inspired Xbox wireless controller at Walmart for $54, reduced from its original $79.99. This special edition controller features distinct Doom Slayer design elements, including blood splatter graphics and in-game glyphs replacing standard ABXY labels. Beneath its custom exterior, it functions as a standard Xbox wireless controller, offering reliable connectivity, Bluetooth support for seamless pairing with PCs, phones, and tablets, and the convenience of replaceable AA batteries.
PlayStation 5 enthusiasts will also find a selection of discounted disc games at Best Buy. Konami and Bloober Team’s recent remake of Silent Hill 2 is available for $29.99, while Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding Director’s Cut can be purchased for just $19.99. Additionally, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is priced at $29.99. Many of these discounted titles match the lowest prices seen to date, offering an opportune moment for players to expand their game libraries.
For those in need of portable power, Anker’s screen-equipped Prime 12,000mAh battery is on offer. While many high-capacity power banks prioritize sheer size, this Anker model balances speed with a more compact form factor, making it ideal for lighter bags or quick top-ups. It’s available for $59.99 at Woot, a significant drop from its original $99.99. Best Buy also carries this model for a slightly higher $62.99. The power bank delivers a maximum speed of 65W when charging a single device and supports efficient two-way charging, capable of accepting up to a 65W charge itself via its second USB-C port. While it can recharge most smartphones multiple times, it typically offers enough capacity to top up a laptop or provide about half a charge from a fully depleted battery.