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Latest post 06-10-2008 3:04 PM by Der Meister. 3 replies.
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  • 06-10-2008 8:33 AM

    HP Envies Apple, Buys Voodoo, Makes Envy Laptop

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    Back in 2006, Hewlett-Packard bought Voodoo, makers of exotic gaming rigs. That had people scratching their heads about what HP was going to make under their newly acquired nameplate. Apparently it wasn't exotic gaming they were after; it's the straightforward exotic lappie market they wanted. HP rolled out a bunch of new models today, but perhaps none so interesting as their ultra-mobile Voodoo Envy 133 notebook. It's thinner overall than a MacBook Air, and mighty powerful. Oh yes -- bring money.

    Measuring just over half an inch thin and weighing less than 3.4 pounds, the Voodoo Envy 133 is a showcase of ultra-mobility and thermal engineering in a tiny, sophisticated chassis. Its Voodoo IOS (Instant-On Solution) makes it one of the fastest-loading systems ever launched by HP, giving mobile users near-instant access to the Internet and Skype.

    The Voodoo Envy 133 was developed using the smallest available Intel Centrino technology. Despite its small size and elegant design, the notebook offers a wide range of functionality typically associated with larger notebooks, and includes Ethernet and wireless connectivity, a wide selection of ports, a replaceable battery and more.

    “We worked with HP to enable the Voodoo Envy 133 to be as small as possible without losing key features such as performance and battery life,” said Mooly Eden, corporate vice president and general manager, Mobile Platforms Group, Intel. “The final outcome is a terrific notebook that showcases the benefits of our Intel Centrino platform, which retains a high level of performance and low-energy consumption even after we shrunk it by more than 50 percent using our expertise in packaging technology.”

    To appeal to everyone’s unique tastes, customers can personalize their Voodoo Envy with Voodoo Allure paint colors. A high-quality, backlit keyboard, full 13.3-inch LED display and coordinated peripherals add to the overall styling and sophistication of the notebook.

    The Voodoo Envy 133 will be available for a starting price of $2,099. Other key features include:
     
    • Voodoo Aura PowerConnect – establishes a one-to-one wireless connection between the Envy 133 notebook and an Ethernet connector located on the power supply, allowing users to roam free from the wired connection.
    • Multiple gesture touchpad – more than a standard touchpad, the Envy 133 also provides capabilities such as a circular gesture called chiral scroll and pinch options.
    • Durability – the carbon fibre casing and fused composite glass covering the display provide surprising strength and durability.
    • External optical disk drive – an ID-coordinated external eSATA optical drive is included with every unit.
    • Professional backlit keyboard – reminiscent of old-school tactile desktop keyboards with just enough “click” to get even the most die-hard tech enthusiast smiling.
    • Ports – extensive usability via a variety of I/O ports, including headphone/microphone, HDMI, USB 2.0 (1x) and a shared e-SATA/USB (1x).

    The ultra-thin form factor has a whiff of being gimmicky, really; but the weight comes in at 3.4 pounds, which shouldn't be a bear to lug around.  The ethernet port on the power brick is an innovative touch. The quick booting time to get to a few often-used utilities like a web browser while the OS wakes up in the background addresses one of the most fundamental drawbacks of a device that by its very nature is supposed to be ready for immediate use. Beats Apple with two USB ports and a removable battery. If you're going to rob a bank to get a laptop, it might be worth your while to steal an extra $300 and get this one over the Apple. I imagine you could still get it into an interoffice envelope.

  • 06-10-2008 10:11 AM In reply to

    • Lev_Astov
    • Top 200 Contributor
    • Joined on 04-30-2007
    • United States, Maryland
    • Posts 295

    RE: HP Envies Apple, Buys Voodoo, Makes Envy Laptop

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    Very nice. I'd like to see some more specs on it. I suppose I'll look around.
    ><((((">Lev Astov

  • 06-10-2008 10:40 AM In reply to

    • Dev
    • Top 50 Contributor
    • Joined on 08-17-2004
    • Dublin, Ireland
    • Posts 2,036

    Re: RE: HP Envies Apple, Buys Voodoo, Makes Envy Laptop

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    Nice move by HP. Seems they are pulling up their socks along with Dell and other big names. It does look nice.

  • 06-10-2008 3:04 PM In reply to

    • Der Meister
    • Top 25 Contributor
    • Joined on 11-23-2004
    • United States, California/Arizona
    • Posts 3,653

    RE: HP Envies Apple, Buys Voodoo, Makes Envy Laptop

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    Looks like a really nice notbook

    "Never trust a computer you can't throw out a window."

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