Voodoo calls their version the IOS, which they claim can get you onto the web from a cold start in less than five seconds. Laptop found that power-on to surfing with the modified Firefox browser took around 15 seconds—still not too bad, compared to a 50-second boot time for Vista. Other open source apps like Pidgin, Skype, and basic photo and media players are also on board. One interesting thing is that the main filesystem is unavailable in IOS mode on the model they tested—files must be saved to a USB stick.

Maximum PC had more of a gropefest than hands-on, but they did note the glossy case tends to pick up a lot of fingerprints (hence the included microfiber shammy, of course). They also didn't detect much of a difference weight wise with a Macbook Air, even though the spec sheet gives the Envy and extra half pound.

[Laptop, Maximum PC]

This is expensive even by MacBook standards, whose $200 cost to upgrade to black at least includes a bigger HDD. To top off the already complicated configuration/pricing scheme, once you get your specs picked out, you have to request a quote from an Voodoo customer service rep. I get the feeling owning a Voodoo Envy is supposed to be a privilege in their eyes. [Voodoo]

HP Introduces HP Blackbird 002 Exhilaration Edition

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 16, 2008 – HP today announced the release of the HP Blackbird 002 Exhilaration Edition, built for the ultimate PC gaming and performance computing experience.

The system, developed by the company's Voodoo business unit, is among the first to offer the newly released NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280 GPU-based graphics cards with DirectX 10 support in an NVIDIA SLI configuration, along with the NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra MCP-based motherboard, DDR3 memory from Corsair, a liquid-cooled Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX9770(1), Windows Vista® Ultimate 64-bit edition(2) and more.

Available for order today, the HP Blackbird 002 Exhilaration Edition balances the performance of its next-generation component suite with stable high-performance gaming and computing. Each Exhilaration Edition system includes a Voodoo keyboard and mouse, as well as special edition SkinIt skins.

"Since its unveiling last year, HP Blackbird 002 has been recognized as one of the best designed gaming and performance systems available," said Rahul Sood, chief technology officer, HP Voodoo Business Unit. "With the HP Blackbird 002 Exhilaration Edition, we have made an incredible machine even better by leveraging the very latest in next generation components and conducting exhaustive tests to ensure that our customers enjoy a stable and immersive high-performance computing experience. We are also excited by the prospect that this system will accelerate more than just gaming applications through Visual Computing. We are so excited about this machine that I am personally signing every Exhilaration Edition Blackbird on behalf of our entire team."

The HP Blackbird 002 Exhilaration Edition includes:

· Liquid-Cooled Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core Processor QX9770(1) – With a core speed of 3.2 GHz, a 2 MB L2 Cache and a 1,600 MHz Front Side Bus, the Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processor QX9770 is the heartbeat of the system. Experience games the way they were meant to be played, and run multimedia applications without breaking a sweat. With Intel's 45nm CPU coupled with HP Voodoo's liquid-cooling solution, users have power and performance at their disposal.

· NVIDIA Nforce 790i Ultra – The nForce 790i motherboard is Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core ready and designed to work and play well with the latest generation of Intel CPUs. It features full support for dual channel DDR3 1600MHz memory and beyond. And even though it arrives factory tuned for performance, the performance BIOS allows for complete end-user configuration.

· NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280 graphics cards in SLI – The Blackbird Exhilaration Edition features dual liquid-cooled GeForce GTX 280 Gpus, each with 240 multi-threaded processing cores.

· Corsair 1,600 MHZ DDR3 memory – Corsair 1,600 MHz DDR3 memory, upgradeable to 4 GB(3), lets the Blackbird run the most demanding applications and games smoothly.

· Creative Audio Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtremegamer FATAL1TY Professional – True 7.1 digital sound that was developed specifically for gamers. X-RAM provides earth-shattering quality and performance enhancement for games with X-RAM support.

· Super Multi BLU-RAY disc and HD DVD-ROM drive- The Blackbird's Super Multi Blu-Ray Disc and HD-DVD-ROM(4) drive gives users an expansive range of high-definition playback options. Users can enjoy next-generation media without sacrificing support for the titles already in their collection. Play BD-DVDs, HD-DVDs, DVDs, and CDs, and burn CDs and DVDs(5), all on a single optical drive.

· Windows Vista Ultimate– To support the high performance needs of its users, the Blackbird includes Windows Vista Ultimate, the most complete edition of Windows.

HP Blackbird 002 Exhilaration Edition can be ordered on the new Voodoo DNA website www.hp.com/voodoodna.

About HP

HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers – from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world's largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $110.4 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2008. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

[HP]

Also, it doesn't look like you have a whole lot of maneuverability inside the case, at least from the pics—granted, if you're spending that kind of coin on a build-to-order PC, I don't know how much tooling around inside you'd be doing anyway. [Pocket Link]

[Journal du Geek via Engadget]

Available in good or evil—I mean, white or black—the Envy will weigh 3.4 lbs., heavier than the bulimic Metro, but still respectably light. It's also got a healthy 13.3" display, and for a starting cost of $2,100, it had better. For being so thin, it's also got a surprising number of tricks hidden in its carbon-fiber microweave case, like a Linux alter-ego, a "multiple gesture" touchpad and a secret Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet bridge. Update: Full meaty specs below.

That Linux alter-ego I mentioned is called Voodoo IOS (VIOS, get it?). This Splashtop-style bootware launches fast to give you Skype, Firefox and other simple apps when you don't feel like booting up Windows Vista. I am a fan of this, but I'd really like to see customizable configs—maybe I want Picasa and a music player, while you want access to e-mail.

The touchpad lets you do a few touch tricks, such as chiral (that is, circular) scrolling, and the pinch maneuver known from Apple products. There's no word on if this represents true multitouch, but hopefully we'll learn more soon.

The Aura PowerConnect Ethernet port found on the power brick gives you point-to-point Wi-Fi from powerbrick to laptop, so that in a hotel room, you can plug your Ethernet in and get connected. Even if you unplug the laptop from the power brick itself, you'll still have the wireless connection, so it's like carrying a little router wherever you go.

It's also got a proximity sensor for shutting off the touchpad when you're typing to avoid cursor hop. It's got Dolby Sound Room surround-sound processing for speakers or headphones. The keyboard is backlit and there's pre-installed LoJack software.

The Voodoo folks like to point out that even with the MacBook Air-beating thinness spec, the 133 still has two USB ports, one which doubles as an eSATA jack, plus an HDMI port. There's no internal optical drive, but every 133 ships with an external drive in the box.

Voodoo, you say, that's a gaming brand. Yes, but this comes from the new Voodoo Business Unit, which is trying to branch out with non-gaming systems that "combine luxurious quality, personalized styling and unmatched technology innovation." Sounds good to me, although some gamers I know might not agree.

Introducing Voodoo Envy 133

The Voodoo Envy 133 is sure to invoke pangs of jealousy in everyone who doesn't have one. Measuring .70 inches and weighing less than 3.4 pounds, the Voodoo Envy 133 combines sleek styling and personalization with a full suite of critical functionality for mobile users.

Developed by the HP Voodoo Business Unit, the Voodoo Envy 133 delivers critical features such as wireless and Ethernet connectivity, USB and HDMI ports, a 13.3-inch backlit LED display and more. All of the features are wrapped in a visually stunning package that consumers can customize via a full pallet of Voodoo Allure paint finishes, Voodoo Ink designs and Voodoo Iconograph patterns.

Packed with technologies new to the ultra-mobile market, the Voodoo Envy 133 offers consumers new and exciting features. The proprietary instant-on capabilities of the Voodoo IOS provide users with lightning-fast access to Internet browsers and Skype. The Voodoo Aura PowerConnect allows users to plug an Ethernet cable into the connector located on the power brick and experience an untethered, point-to-point Wi-Fi connection, so they can roam free from the wired connection whenever wireless isn't available.

The Voodoo Envy 133 was developed using the smallest available Intel Centrino technology and elements from an innovative Intel reference design.
Mobility and functionality

• Thin and Light - One of the thinnest, lightest systems in its class starting at 3.373 pounds, .70-inches thin, 9.04-inches deep and 12.65-inches wide (with SSD and battery).

• Durable - A carbon fibre casing with custom microweave design gives this little wonder surprising strength. The 13.3-inch backlit LED screen is covered with a durable fused composite glass.

• Voodoo IOS - Boot up in seconds. Unique to the Voodoo Envy 133, this feature gives road warriors instant access to Skype and Internet browser. (1)

• Voodoo Aura PowerConnect- Unlike other ultra-mobile systems, the Envy 133 recognizes the reality of the wired world. Even when wireless isn't available, the Aura PowerConnect lets users roam free from the wired connection. Users can plug an Ethernet cable into the jack located on the power brick. A point-to-point Wi-Fi connection is automatically established, between the RJ45 and the notebook. (1)

• Multiple Gesture Touchpad - More than a standard touchpad, the Envy 133 features chiral scroll and pinch options.

• Replaceable Battery - The fully-replaceable battery gives the Voodoo Envy 133 approximately 3.45 hours of battery life between charges.

• Integrated Webcam - standard in every Voodoo Envy 133.

• External ODD - An ID-coordinated external optical drive is included with every Voodoo Envy 133. HP engineers took the time to ensure the ODD and other peripheral devices receive the same external styling and attention to detail given to the system chassis.

• Wireless Connectivity - Every Voodoo Envy 133 includes integrated wireless 802.11 ABGN + Bluetooth®.

• Ports - For extensive usability, Voodoo Envy 133 systems come with a variety of I/O ports, including headphone/microphone, HDMI, USB 2.0 (1x) and a shared e-SATA/USB (1x).

• Professional Backlit Keyboard - The system features a keyboard reminiscent of old school tactile desktop keyboards with just enough "click" to get even the most die-hard tech enthusiast smiling.

• Proximity Sensor - This system recognizes when fingers are on the keyboard and turns off the touchpad to avoid any accidental movement of the cursor.

• Dolby® Sound Room® - The Envy 133 offers a stunning personal surround sound listening experience with a suite of technologies designed to provide an enveloping entertainment experience from any pair of speakers or any set of headphones—ideal for environments where using surround sound speakers is not practical.
Design and personalization

• Classic Voodoo Style - The clean lines and square edges that will define the entire Voodoo product line are epitomized in the Voodoo Envy 133.

• Coordinated Peripherals - All external peripherals - including the Voodoo Aura PowerConnect external ODD and HDMI-VGA adapter - are ID-coordinated to complement the Envy 133 notebook.

• Backlit Keyboard - The backlit keyboard adds to the Voodoo Envy 133's aura of sophistication.

• LED Display - The impressive 13.3-inch LED WXGA (1,280 x 800) screen is covered in high-quality fused composite glass that runs from edge to edge, eliminating seams and giving the system a streamlined look.

• Ambient Sensors - The Envy 133 includes an ambient sensor that adjusts the display brightness according to its surrounding environment.

• Color - Personalization is part of the Voodoo Envy 133 experience. Customers can choose from a full palette of classic Voodoo Allure paint finishes.

• Custom Finish - Customers can choose the custom carbon fiber casing with custom microweave design in black, or choose from a full palette of classic Voodoo Allure paint finishes.

• Laser Engravings - A selection of Voodoo Ink design options and Voodoo Iconograph patterns will be available to customers who want to give their Voodoo Envy 133 a unique look and feel.
Security

• Lojack Recover Software - Every Voodoo Envy 133 includes pre-installed Computrace Lojack anti-theft software. When activated (activation purchase optional), customers can use it to disable and track missing systems.

• Grisoft AVG Professional - Each Voodoo Envy 133 comes pre-installed with Grisoft AVG Professional (1 year base standard).
Pricing and availability

• Starting price is $2,099.(2)

• Starting this summer consumers will be able to use the online configurator to purchase the Envy 133 exclusively at voodoopc.com and at +1 888 708 6636.

(1) Internet access required and sold separately.

(2) Estimated U.S. street price. Actual price may vary.

CASING
• Carbon fiber with custom micro-weave design
DIMENSIONS
• Width (cm): 32.2 = 12.65 inches
• Depth (cm): 23= 9.04 inches
• Height front & rear (cm): 1.79 = .70 inches
• Weight starting at: 1.53Kg = 3.373 lbs. (with SSD & battery)
PROCESSOR
• Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo
processor SP7700 (1.8 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo
processor SP7500 (1.6 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
DISPLAY
• 13.3" WXGA High-Definition Widescreen LED Backlit Display (1280x800)
• Ambient light sensor
USER INTERFACE
• Large touchpad with multiple finger tracking, supporting chiral scrolling,
pinch and momentum gestures
• LED backlit Keyboard
• Proximity sensor for touchpad disable
GRAPHICS
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared)
HDD
• 64GB Solid State drive or 80G HDD 4200RPM
EXTERNAL ODD
• ID coordinated
• External slot-load eSATA Super Multi drive
• Dual format DVDRW, including both +R and -R in double layer: 24X CD
Read/ 24X CD-R Write/ 24X CD-RW Write/ 8X DVD Read/ 8X DVD+R/R/RW
Write in single layer, 6x dual layer. 5X DVD-RAM Read and Write.
NETWORKING & WIRELESS
• Integrated Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
• Bluetooth™
• Voodoo Aura PowerConnect - 56W AC Power, plus integrated
802.11b/g wireless personal access point + RJ45
INTEGRATED WEBCAM
EXPANSION
• 34mm ExpressCard
I/O PORTS
• Video: HDMI video port (max resolution 1920x1080)
• Audio: Headphone out shared with Microphone in
Digital array microphone with beam-forming and noise
cancellation capability
2 speakers
• Additional I/O: DC
1 x USB 2.0
1 x e-SATA / USB 2.0 combo
POWER
• 3-Cell, 33 Whr Lithium ion polymer, user replaceable
• Up to 3 hr 45 min battery life, depending on usage
• 56W AC Power (Voodoo Aura PowerConnect)
SECURITY
• (2) Kensington® lock slots
ACCESSORIES
• Included HDMI-VGA adapter (ID coordinated)
OS AND SOFTWARE
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium 32-bit
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Business 32-bit
• Voodoo IOS - Instant On Solution
• Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe
• Cyberlink YouCam
PRODUCTIVITY
• Microsoft® Office Pro 2007
• Microsoft® Office Small Business Edition 2007
• Microsoft® Office Basic 2007
SECURITY
• Grisoft AVG Professional (1 year base standard)
• Computrace LoJack for Laptops, 1 and 3 year (activation required)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCS
• Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Installation DVD
• Driver and Applications Supplemental DVD

Introducing Voodoo Omen

The Voodoo Omen is a machine that takes personalization to new heights. Rich with innovation and unmatched in design, Voodoo Omen is for the discerning technology lover who equally appreciates sophisticated styling and performance computing. And because each Voodoo Omen is built using a personalized, co-creation process, every owner of a Voodoo Omen becomes an architect and a designer.

The Omen's clean lines and square edges give its exterior a classic look. Consumers then add the finishing touches via personalization options that include high-quality Voodoo Allure paint finishes, laser engraving and custom side panels in materials such as glass, leather and wood - all of which contribute to making the Voodoo Omen a signature showpiece for each individual owner.

While its exterior design hints at its Voodoo heritage, the Voodoo Omen is completely redesigned.. Elements of this quiet, high-performance system such as the quad radiator and integrated copper cooling pipes, built directly into the Voodoo Omen chassis, make the Voodoo Omen stand out from the crowd. Vertical thermal diffusion cooling, developed by turning the motherboard 90 degrees to allow air to flow naturally throughout the machine.

Performance and innovation
• Vertical thermal diffusion - The Omen fully optimizes the natural power of convection currents by turning the motherboard 90 degrees, which allows air to naturally flow from bottom to top. This innovative approach to thermal management offers maximum cooling and quiet acoustics.
• Auxiliary LCD - A 7-inch full auxiliary LCD is built into the Omen chassis. This screen acts as a fully functional secondary display that can be used to show game stats, movies,music videos or other additional information users need at work or play.
• Quad radiator - This is one of the first systems to feature a quad radiator for maximum cooling and performance and unbelievably quiet acoustics.
• Tool-less architecture -The Omen has tool-less architecture on components such as hard drives and video cards.
• Industry standard components - The Omen is built using only the best industry-standard components to ensure ultimate performance and longevity.
• Integrated copper cooling pipes - Unlike any other system in the industry, copper cooling pipes are built directly into the aluminum Omen chassis, cutting interior clutter and improving air flow.
• Quick-release connectors - The self-sealing, anti-leak liquid cooling system allows for hassle-free component upgrades
• Interior lighting - Battery-powered interior lighting gives users visibility to upgrade components when the system is powered off.
Design and personalization
• Classic Voodoo style - The clean lines and square edges of the Omen set the standard for the sophisticated look that will define all Voodoo-branded devices.
• All-aluminum chassis -The sophisticated all-aluminum chassis adds to the Omen's durability and cooling capabilities.
• Top-loading cables - The rotated motherboard allows cables to be plugged into the system under a removable top panel. This gives users easier access to the cable board and contributes to the clean system design.
• Removable panels - For easy access to the interior of the system, the Omen comes equipped with tool-less side panels that completely detach using latches hidden under the top panel. The side panel is a thick square plate of aluminum with a flat, smooth surface unblemished by handles, rivets or screws.
• Extensive high-quality Voodoo Allure paint finishes - A palette of 14 color choices is available, including six new Voodoo Allure colors.
• Laser engraving - Choose from eight Voodoo Ink design options and eight Voodoo Iconograph patterns.
• Custom side panels - Customers will soon be able to develop custom side-panels from a variety of materials usually associated with luxury apparel and furniture such as glass, leather and wood.
• RGB accent lighting - Select one of 16 million different colors in real time through software run from the auxiliary display. LED lights are inside the unit at the top and below the chassis to accent, but not overwhelm, the design of the machine.
Security
• The Omen includes Voodoo's Fuel Essential software suite: Roxio, Cyberlink PowerDVD, AVG Professional Anti-Virus and PCDoctor.
Pricing and availability
• Pricing ranges from $6,500 to $20,000, depending on configuration.
• Current Voodoo customers will receive a private invitation to be among the first to order a customized Omen.

CHASSIS
• Strengthened aluminum construction
• Hover suspended box design
• Easy removable side and top panels
• Built-in USB driven 7" Widescreen display
Resolution: 800x480
• Dimensions
Width (cm): 19.05 = 7.5 inches
Length (cm): 58.42 = 23 inches
Height (cm): 55.88 = 22 inches
Weight starting at: ~45Kg =~100 lbs.
LIQUID COOLING
• Liquid coolant options: red, blue, green, purple and orange
POWER SUPPLY
• 1150W air cooled
• 1300W liquid cooled
MOTHERBOARDS
• ASUS Striker Extreme II (NVIDIA 790i)
PROCESSOR
• Intel® Core™ 2 Micro architecture, overclockable, liquid cooled
• Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Quad-Core 3.20GHz QX9770
12 MB of L2 cache; 1600 MHz FSB
• Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Quad-Core 3.00GHz QX9650
12 MB of L2 cache; 1333 MHz FSB
MEMORY
• Four DIMM slots supporting up to 8 GB of main memory, overclockable
2, 4, or 8GB 1600 MHz CORSAIR PC-14400 DDR3 SDRAM
GRAPHICS AND DISPLAYS
• Supports both NVIDIA® SLI™ and ATI CrossFireX™, liquid cooled
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 ULTRA with 768MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
ATI Radeon™HD3870 series
• Includes support for next generation NVIDIA and ATI graphics cards
STORAGE
• Flexible RAID capabilities (0, 1)
• Up to 6, no carrier, tool-less drive bays
Options:
• Up to 3 independent Serial ATA Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
(Up to 3 TB of internal storage using drives with the following capacities):
Seagate 500 GB SATA @ 7200 rpm
Seagate 750 GB SATA @ 7200 rpm
Seagate 1 TB SATA @ 7200 rpm
Western Digital Raptor 160 GB 10,000 rpm
Western Digital VelociRaptor 300 GB 10,000 rpm
STORAGE (cont.)
Options (cont.):
• Up to 6 Solid State Drives (SSD)
(Up to 384 GB of internal storage using drives with the following capacities):
Samsung 64 GB SLC
• One or two super multi-drive, slim slots with Lightscribe (DVD+/-R/RW+/-DL)
Writes DVD-R discs at up to 16x speed
Writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 4x speed
Reads DVDs at up to 8x speed
Writes CD-R discs at up to 40x speed
Writes CD-RW discs at up to 24x speed
Reads CDs at up to 24x speed
• Optional upgrade for one or two slot Blu-Ray drive
Writes BD-R discs at up to 2x speed
Writes BD-RE discs at up to 2x speed
Reads BDs at up to 2x speed
Writes DVD RAM discs at up to 5x speed
Writes DVD+/-R discs at up to 8x speed (SL) and 2x speed (DL)
Reads DVD+/-R discs at up to 8x speed (SL) and 6x speed (DL)
Writes DVD+/-RW discs at up to 4x speed
Reads DVD+/-RW discs at up to 6x speed
Writes CD-R, CD-RW discs at up to 8x speed
Reads CDs at up to 24x speed
AUDIO AND PERIPHERALS
• Onboard Hi-Definition audio
• Creative Audio Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeGamer
• Creative Audio Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional
• Includes Voodoo Razer Keyboard and Mouse
CONNECTIONS
• Hidden top panel I/O ports (motherboard dependent)
• 1 x PS/2 Keyboard
• 2 x External SATA
• 1 x IEEE 1394a
• 2 x LAN(RJ45) port
• 6 x USB 2.0/1.1
• 1 x Clr CMOS switch
• 1 x Optical + 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output1 x onboard LED switch
OS
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Ultimate 64-bit SP1
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium 64-bit SP1
VOODOO FUEL ESSENTIALS SOFTWARE
• Security
Grisoft AVG Professional (1 year base standard)
Grisoft AVG Professional (2 year upgrade available)
Grisoft AVG Internet Security (2 year license available)
PC Doctor
• Roxio 9.0
• CyberLink PowerDirector
• CyberLink Power2Go
• CyberLink DVD Play
• CyberLink Label Print
PRODUCTIVITY
• Microsoft® Office Pro 2007
• Microsoft® Office Small Business Edition 2007
• Microsoft® Office Basic 2007
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCS
• Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Installation DVD
• Driver and Applications Recovery DVD

Update: It looks like Voodoo also lit their homepage on fire. Hmmmmm....

Voodoo types looking for a geeky offering to the computer gods can use this $44.95 flash drive with both Mac and Windows computers. The chicken foot is ABS plastic while the flash portion is in a die-cast housing. I find the packaging to be better than the actual product, the picture of a chicken bleeding from his bloody nub is worth an award or something. [Whazatt]

The new system also comes with a 2.0MP camera in place of the 151's 1.3MP, plus a fingerprint reader. Oddly enough, the 15.4" screen's resolution is down a tad: the 151 had 1680x1200, while the 152 has 1680x1050. It also weighs more: 7 lbs, instead of the 151's 6lbs.

Naturally, the 152 supports DirectX 10 and has NVIDIA's GeForce 8600GT 512MB graphics card. How noisy is it, you ask?

Gamers, content creators and mobile enthusiasts alike will also marvel at one of the quietest Voodoo notebooks to date.

Original image I had up top this AM:

Full press release if you're interested:

HP Sets Standard for Power and Portability with Latest Voodoo Notebook PC

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 26, 2007 - HP today introduced the Voodoo ENVY M:152 notebook PC, setting a new standard for combined portability and performance.

The ENVY M:152 is the first Voodoo notebook to feature the breakneck speeds provided by the latest Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology, including the Intel® Core ™ 2 Duo mobile processor technology, the Mobile Intel ® PM965 Express Chipset and the Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN, delivering a powerful multimedia experience. The notebook also represents a seamless marriage of muscle and mobility that will impress even the most demanding user with its support of the new Intel Core™ 2 Extreme mobile processor X7800 Extreme CPU.

All these features come in a small package - the notebook showcases a 15.4" WSXGA+ 1680 x 1050 matte finish display, and weighs just 7lbs with a battery. Gamers, content creators and mobile enthusiasts alike will also marvel at one of the quietest Voodoo notebooks to date.

"People look to Voodoo custom machines to deliver the best in power and design, and we stayed true to that tradition when building this mobile powerhouse," said Rahul Sood, chief technology officer, Global Gaming Business Unit, HP. "The ENVY M:152 combines the best in processing power and performance with a hot design and the latest in wireless technology. It is built for people that want to push the limits of mobile computing, and look good doing it."

Users of Voodoo notebooks have come to expect stunning image quality, and the ENVY M:152 continues in this tradition. It supports DirectX 10 and features the NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600GT 512MB video card, providing videophiles and gamers alike with incredible multimedia playback qualities.

"With support for DirectX 10 and NVIDIA PureVideo technology, the GeForce 8600M GT GPU delivers an unmatched gaming and movie experience on a light, cutting-edge notebook PC," said Rene Haas, general manager, notebook GPU business, NVIDIA. "The ENVY M:152 will allow mobile power users to truly experience Windows Vista and the latest wave of visually rich entertainment and applications."

The machine comes jam-packed with a range of connectivity and convenience features, including an integrated 2.0MP camera, support for Bluetooth™, and a fingerprint reader. And with 2 x Dimm DDR2-667 slots with up to 4GB of memory when used with Windows Vista™ 64-bit operating system, the notebook has the power to support the most demanding applications and multimedia collections.

For a complete listing of features or to customize a Voodoo ENVY M:152, visit www.voodoopc.com.

•The case is all aluminum and the large pieces are stamped from a single sheet—only one factory in the whole of China can do this, and they usually do car doors.
•The foot cal holds 800 pounds and is lit by an array of LEDs.
•The back panel has LEDs
•To help deaden the sound of fans, they're mounted deep in the front of the case.
•There is a card reader and front mounted ports on the top. Click on the case to have it soft-open.
•The front of the machine has
•All components are tool-less. Except the back panel. Lo, there is a built-in tool kit for this! (Allen wrench)
•The sixth side, the bottom, is an air intake. It has a mesh grill, but won't stop dust. This thing needs filters, in my opinion. Dust is everywhere, on every floor!
•The graphics cards and other cards are in their own channel for cold air, and are secured by a single lid with springs and a latch. Card ends seem to be customized for this case, which is weird. Do you have you upgrade to HP cards later on?
•The graphics cards and CPU are watercooled, but no peltiers, as they tend to add too much heat to the case, says Rahul Sood. The radiator and output fans, which look like 12cm fans (two of em) are roof mounted.
•The VoodooDNA is their "ingredient brand".
•The 5 drive slots for 3.5 inch HDDs are tool free, as well.

It is by far the most beautiful looking PC I've ever seen. I worry about the dust issue, but that could be easily fixed by adding filters.

Introducing HP Blackbird 002

HP Blackbird 002 is a machine born from the minds of gamers, created with gamers in mind. Designed
by a core group of gaming enthusiasts at HP and performance computing experts from VoodooPC, HP
Blackbird 002 offers gamers new levels of innovation and versatility. Every element of HP Blackbird 002
- from its aluminum chassis to the cast-aluminum foot - contributes to its dynamic look and its extreme
performance.
Built with industry standard components, it is also designed to encourage gaming enthusiasts to make
modifications to existing hardware and upgrade to future generations of performance hardware.
Features like the removable side panel and interior/exterior back panel LED lighting make it convenient
for gamers to get inside the machine and tweak it.

To ensure performance meets each Blackbird owner's expectations, every HP Blackbird 002 is
configured to the individual's preference when it is purchased and ships with a completely open BIOS,
allowing for total customization.
Although the system was designed with gamers in mind, it is also ideal for anyone needing a
performance machine. People looking for a PC to handle demanding tasks such as photo, video and
music editing will also love the innovation packed into HP Blackbird 002.
Product Highlights

•Industry Standard Components - HP Blackbird 002 is the most versatile and configurable
performance PC in its class, simply because industry standard components are used throughout
the machine, making modification easy and driver conflicts a thing of the past.

•Full System Liquid Cooling - HP Blackbird 002 is the first in its class to feature full system,
maintenance-free liquid cooling that draws heat away from the CPU, motherboard and GPUs.
The factory-sealed system does not require the periodic maintenance other systems demand
and keeps the machine running quiet.

•Thermals - Heat is the enemy of performance PCs, and the three biggest heat generators are
the CPU, the GPUs and the power supply. HP Blackbird 002 isolates each heat source in its own
thermal chamber, ensuring that cooling air isn't contaminated with heat from one component
on its way to cool off another one. The HP Blackbird 002 can handle the heat.

•Easy Access - The machine invites users to pop the hood and tinker away. HP Blackbird 002 and
its removable side panel, interior and back panel lighting, and Voodoo-style wiring provides easy
access for enthusiasts to fine tune their machine's performance.

•Tool-less Upgrades - HP Blackbird 002 doesn't come with a toolkit. All the components, from
the CPU and GPU to the hard drives and optical drives, can be removed and installed sans tools.

•Flexible Overclocking - The HP Blackbird 002 standard BIOS allows user-controlled overclocking.
LCS systems are factory overclocked.

Key Design Elements

•Aluminum Chassis - Every element of the system's unique aluminum chassis tells a story. Its
wedge-shaped design and vectored lines hint at the raw speed inside. The fins that line the top
and front reflect a heat sink, paying homage to HP Blackbird's extraordinary thermal
management capabilities. And the tight fit and finish of the chamfered edges make it clear that
this finely crafted machine is tuned to perfection.

•The Hover - The single, cast-aluminum foot supporting HP Blackbird 002 is capable of
supporting up to 600 lbs., and only a select number of production facilities are capable of
manufacturing it. The cantilevered design allows airflow under HP Blackbird 002, making it
possible to seat the 1.1 kW power supply at the base of the chassis.

Availability, Pricing & Warranty

•Purchasing - The machine can be purchased online at www.hp.com/blackbird beginning Sept. 5,
2007
•Pricing - $2,500 - $7,100 USD
•Warranty - One year limited warranty*

In the French business magazine L'Expansion, the CTO confirms that the laptops will probably under the HP brand and not the Voodoo brand, even though it's got Voodoo parts inside. If this can get laptops to last longer and not scorch our thighs like Anakin Skywalker at the end of movie #3, then we're all for it. – Jason Chen

[HP to launch water-cooled fanless notebooks this Fall [Uberpulse]

The Black Arts are bus-powered [SlashGear]

UPDATE: HP says, "You idiot, you posted this an hour and a half early." Damn it, Movable Type monkeys.

Check out Rahul's website to get the lowdown on why he went with HP. Something to do
[Rahul Sood]

Navio 902T2 [via Chip Chick]
Voodoo PC Aria [Voodoo]

One thing's for certain: the Acu-Point Pen can't detect problems with your mind for buying such a thing. This looks to us like another device that's designed to separate the victims of various aches, pains and worries from their money. Just like traditional acupuncture, if you believe it works there's a 50% chance that it will, at least for a while. What's that? You think this will work? I have some $150 HDMI cables to sell you. – Charlie White

Acu-Point Pen [Gadget Universe]

Liked the Voodoo Knife Holder but thought having actual knives doing the piercing was a bit too gory for your kitchen? Perhaps you'll be happy with OUCH! the Voodoo Doll Toothpick Holder. Available in grey or white, each one holds 35 toothpicks and will easily break the ice at the next dinner party you throw. At just $6.99 you can afford to get one for yourself and a few more for your weirdest friends.

OUCH! The Voodoo Doll Toothpick Holder [perpetual kid]

Voodoo PC ARIA Luxury Media Center PC Reviewed [eHomeUpgrade]

Scott writes:

Hello. You ran an article about the Voodoo Knife Holder that will be available in the USA shortly. I wanted to update you that CSB Commodities, Inc. is the distributor for this item in the United States and we will be selling the item under the name The Ex at www.csbcommodities.com. It will be available in September 2005 for $79.99 INCLUDING the 5pc Stainless steel heavy Duty knives. You can currently pre-order online without any prepayment. If you could update your article it would be greatly appreciated.

Related
Voodoo Knife Holder Now For Sale

UPDATE after the jump.

There are hundreds of you our here, including some former Gizmodo editors, who just love this thing, so don't blame me when I post updates on him. I don't know what to think at this point because, as Brian points out:

I think you have an error in one of your postings. I don't think CSB Commodities is selling the actual Voodoo Knife holder but a rather bad knock-off. Go to the website and you will start to notice the differences. In the original, there is no knife in the head, the figure is rather anthropomorphic and the angle of the figure to the ground is closer to 45 . I'd rather wait and have the original than the bad knock-off shown at CSB Commodities personally.

CSB responds:

Hello. I noticed a reply from Brian on your site regarding this item and I would like to respond. The knife holder in the picture on Gizmodo is nothing more than a prototype; a rough draft that will never make it to the retail market for several reasons. If you look carefully, you will see that the knives are too close together to allow easy access to retrieve the knife handles from the holder. It was also impossible to put the plastic casings on the blades with the location of these knives. Therefore, the necessary changes were made to solve these and other problems and the end result is the picture on our website. That is the ONLY version anyone will be able to purchase because it is the best way to position the knives without experiencing any problems. We have been manufacturing and importing products for over 30 years and we are not in the business of knocking off merchandise. This is the one and only original version and I can assure you that you will not find this other version anywhere. As for the accusation that this is a bad knock-off , we have sold our share of these knife holders and our customers have been nothing short of enthusiastic towards this product and us. If there is any doubt at all as to our legitimacy, you can check us out at Dun and Bradstreet or the Better Business Bureau.