14 DAY TRIAL // Razer is one of the companies that presented new devices at CES, including the so-called Project Valerie concept gaming notebooks that took everyone by surprise with their 3 17.3-inch displays.
Unfortunately, however, the laptops that were presented by Razer during the Las Vegas show were stolen shortly after, with the company starting an investigation and even offering financial rewards to those who could help with information.
And now it turns out that, in one way or another, the Project Valerie prototypes landed in China, where they are available for purchase for more than $20,000.
A listing that went online on a bidding platform in China claimed to be selling Project Valerie laptops, but details were fairly sketchy and it was eventually removed.
Of course, Razer is already looking into this product listing, and law enforcement might very well be investigating, but for the moment, it’s hard to tell whether the ad was real or not. There’s a good chance that someone tried to make a joke, as the photo included in the listing was a press picture from CES and not a real one to confirm that the seller was in possession of the device.
Razer’s reward
In the meantime, Razer’s offer remains available: whoever can provide information that helps the company find the device and those guilty of the theft can receive up to $25,000.
“Razer, in its sole discretion, will decide who is entitled to a reward and in what amount. Razer may pay only a portion of the maximum reward offered. The decision will be based primarily upon law enforcement's evaluation of the value of the information provided. When there are multiple claimants, the reward will be shared in amounts determined by Razer,” the company said in an announcement recently.
For what it’s worth, pretty much every attempt to sell Project Valerie laptops online will make the headlines almost instantly and there’s just a small chance for the thief (or thieves) to sell them on the Internet without being noticed (and then tracked down by authorities).