Voodoo < $$$

I'm not to sure if I understand the voodoo web page, but from what I gathered, the Voodoo's extremely overpriced for what they offer, the specs for a 1.6 ghz = $2000? Now don't get me wrong, The web site is so not user friendly, so I might very well be misinformed. But from the looks, you pay astronomical prices for a 2003 laptop.

Perhaps someone can shed some light?

 

You know how some people love spending money on things just to have the brand name? You're looking at Voodoo correctly, there's nothing you've missed here. I never understood it either, especially since all of their notebooks are just painted, rebranded Clevos.

 

All the boutique brands (ie Voodoo, Alienware, etc) are overpriced. You are basically paying for the name. But thats what some people want and there are plenty of peeps who buy them. More power to 'em, I guess. I would personally never buy one(With the notable exception of the Envy possibly).

 

Yeah but still AW beats out voodoo, IMO and for the voodoo prices, you could buy 2 AW's.

 

Voodoo is right behind Falcon Northwest in being overpriced for what you get IMO. A Clevo with a shiny sticker and paint job.

 

Hey, if you have/don't mind spending the money, and the paint job is important to you (and the paint jobs on those machines is AMAZING) why not.

 

You can buy 3 Sagers/Clevos that will outperform A voodoo, With a much better paint job, Still blows we away, kinda like that IPhone screen saver that was selling for $999.99. It doesnt make people think your rich, it makes people think you dont know how to spend your money.

 

Falcon Northwest "Bragging Rights" Desktop.

http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp

$14,000

 

You guys know that Voodoo doesn't base their notebooks off of Clevo barebones anymore, right? The 1.6GHz processor is an ULV Core 2 Duo, like what Apple uses in the MacBook Air, which is how Voodoo was able to design a .7" thick laptop. It's actually very decently priced for an ultraportable, especially if you look at the competition (Asus charges $2600 for their premium ultraportable, Sony charges $2100, etc.). The new laptops should be priced nicely and be around the same price as Alienware and Sager.

 

Shiiz. If I spent 14 grand on a computer, I'd be much to embarrassed to brag.

 

ok, imma prolly gonna git flamed for this but...

yous peoples... yea, most of you guys here...

lemme ask you one question...

will you walk into a lamborgini dealer and ask which model gives you most gas mileage?

yea yea yea, cars, depending on models may appreciate in values whereas computers dont... but then it's kinda ass-backwards when you look at any "premiums" be it cars, fashion, jewelry, sneakers, whatever... and start making arguments about price vs value...

c'mon folks...

Hep, do you own a pair of nikes, adidas, reeboks, levis CK's or any other branded and commercialized product?... if so... dude... you are contradicting yourself bro...

last i checked, most folks who have voodoo's dont have 6 figure income... rather they seem average good folks working hard for their money and wanted to get something to reward themselves...

please, let's get over this "voodoo = mega rich or foolish spender" comments...

 

Nope, but you do ask how fast it goes. A lamborgini that tops out at 35 MPH, well heck, you might as well save a few bucks and get a Dodge Charger.

 

I would never own a Lamborghini, same I wouldn't own a voodoo

Hmm... I don't. I buy dickies at walmart at the start of summer when the pants are on sale for $2-3 a pair. I wear them out and then they get cut into shorts. I get all of my shirts at shows when I go to see bands (and none of this 40$ dollar T-shirt BS, $10 or less T's, $25-30 hoodies.
My shoes are MacBeth's that I got on sale for 30 dollars, before that I had a pair of Pumas that I also got on sale for... 30 dollars. I only have one pair of shoes, I wear them until they can hardly even be worn anymore, than I buy the nicest shoes I can find for under $40 (avoiding Nike due to child labor).
I don't shop CK, AF, Aero, AE, Hollister, or even brands like Billabong.

My computer was built by myself. I've got an HP printer, a samsung monitor, an nec monitor, and a Dell XPS laptop, which I got free and repaired for cheap.

I have no brand loyalty, and just like I don't understand why people waste money on $60 dollar shirts and $80 dollar jeans; $200,000+ cars, I don't understand why people waste money on laptops.

 

dickies is also a branded merchandise...
price point shoes cost about $5 to make...
hoodies, made in India should cost bout $5 ish to make also, depending on the cotton composition...


dude, everything we do in life, we are faced with commercial brands and we become walking billboards... even the fact that you shop walmart... you are a walking billboard for walmart, a branded retailer...
hence, whether you like it or not, you are shopping brands...

not to mention, tylenol, advil, bayer, pfft... what is NOT branded? even the damned lids used in my local coffee shop is branded..

you seem like a smart guy, knows how to spend the money... kudos bro...

i am not going to justify owning a "boutique" in dollars & sense...
but on the other hand... i am not going to be labeled as "have money to waste" by going ahead and purchasing into a "premium"...

there is a huge market for premiums... and sadly, it seems the premium market is the least affected by downturn of economies... (Burbery's posting profits instead of losses...) but folks buy into premiums for a different reason...

it seems every now and then... a post comes about... Why is this so expensive... that so expensive... yadda yadda...

perhaps the better question would be...

"knowing all the facts and hearing all the various aspects of owning a boutique, why did you buy into a boutique brand?"

 

steven, i dont know why i keep making a car argument... but yes, lambo has performance and such... and so you can say you get something different in comparison to a Yaris... right?

but then, why do folks buy into any branded luxury cars when in a day to day operation, all it does is serve to get you from point A to B, where a Yaris, despite how ugly it is, does the job nicely?...

on my commute back home... i ride a civic and carpool... and on the highway, i do see many...

1) "mid life crisis" corvettes
2) "prick lawyer" porsches
3) "she can git my money but not until i get my dream car first" Jaguars
4) "you can look all you want, but you'll probably never drive this" Bentley/Ferrari/Lambo...

funny how traffic incites some creative thought in a carpool...

but despite the labels i've put in my mind... why do folks, who are still stuck in the same traffic that i am... burns more gas, pays more for insurance, gets something like that?

 

Can be summed up in this manner:

"No market, no buyer. No buyer, no market."

 

They didn't answer your question, so I will answer for them... no, they apparently did not know that. Otherwise, they probably wouldn't have started their argument with that point. Personally, I can't wait to get my Envy 133.

P.S. Lamborghini is awesome. I went to a showroom in Rome, Italy. They only had two cars there and you had to be buzzed in to see the cars.

 

The OP clearly does not know the market for premium notebooks. The Envy is actually affordable for what it offers and the premium is all in the thinness and attractive design of the notebook. On top of that, the 1.6GHz is powerful enough for an ultraportable and people who chose this specifically wanted the power efficiency and reduced heat that such chips provide for a little trade off in performance.

 

QFT!

honestly, the Envy 133 is really tempting me right now... and as been said... the price is not that bad... really...

and yes, Lamborghini is AWESOME...

and it offers a "different" product to the end consumer who is looking for something more than a lenovo, sager, or hp lappy... a gamer who's looking at the 133 may be misinformed... but for the right consumer, this product can be what they have been looking for...

 

What I understand so far is Premium means status symbol (like a mac). It doesn't matter whats under the hood, as long as it looks good, As far as boutique brands, I support lots of them, I understand looking good, and presenting yourself in a fashion of taste, but to call voodoo premium...

My question than is, What makes Voodoo premium? Often times I've seen things labeled as premium, but for no other reason than the fact that they just cost more. I bought grass seed last week, it was premium grass seed, it cost more, but its purpose was a verb, it preformed better than standard. However, Voodoo doesn't perform in comparison to the technology thats out today, It's looks are not relevant since you can buy almost any laptop now days and get customized cosmetics.

Therefore, with looks and performance set aside, it comes down to the fact that people think Voodoo is premium, so they buy one. So, it's the status symbol ("Wow you got a voodoo sir") like a Mac. Alienware is a status symbol also, but at least it preforms, and sure, maybe I'm trying to compare apples to oranges, But unless I'm mistaken, Voodoo claims to be a gaming computer. And that's, what I base my thesis on.

 

That's the old Voodoo. The new Voodoo is about style and function.

Or as they put it, "blending art, innovation and performance."

Of course, to achieve a level of all three is a balancing act. And that's what you pay for. I don't know if I would call it a "status symbol" as most people don't even know who VoodooPC is. Unlike say, Gucci or Ferrari.

 

Really, please elaborate and provide links - I'd consider ordering one - especially for the much better paint job since status and premium builds seem to irritate you to such an extent. BTW, have you ever even used a Voodoo, let alone owned one? I thought not.

And because I know I'll be accused of being a fanboy, I will tell you that I despise Voodoo as a company. But I also despise remarks which flame for no reason whatsoever.

 

Voodoo is all about class.

 

You know, I've never driven a Lamborghini, but I don't have to to know that it's way more than what I need. I can only justify buying boutique equipment of any sort if I could just as easily burn the money and be just as satisfied.

Then again, I am cheap as hell.

 

I don't know how many people saw it, but Engadget posted a screenshot of HP's not-so-subtle rebranding of Voodoo:

VoodooPC website goes up in smoke... and mystery
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/voodoopc-website-goes-up-in-smoke-and-mystery/

 

@King,

No, of course not. But would you buy a YARIS with a chassis of a lamborgini for the price of one? Even if the insides are all pimped with neon lights and some cool tubes? That is what I see VDPC, AW and Co doing.

Would you make your bathroom in Gold? Well some people do, but to be honest don't envy their decision neither I appreciate it in any degree.

Never bought either. Don't get me wrong, it must be nice to some at start to have either. But that is just it it is justa nice thing for an unreasonable ammount of $$$$$$$$ IMHO. Nothing that personally I would feel proud of or honored. (Unlike an original oil painting from say Picasso, also priceless due to the aestethic and historical value).

I just can't imagine what status a bathroom in gold or a YARIS with a chassis of a lamborgini gives to people (friends et all). It is just beyond classification IMHO.

Granted, it might foul people for awhile, but as Bob says: "You can foul some people sometime, but you can't foul all the people all the time".

All the brilliant stuff that really gives the internal power to AW, VDPC, FW etc, were made and engeneered by Intel, ASUS and so on (THE CONTENT). Unfortunately for the first, all those components are as mainstream much as a YARIS is. Futhermore we all know that in less then three months those components will be surpassed (unlike a lamborgini that its truely timeless).

That is why my questions make sense for refuting yours.

I spent almost $5000 on my Clevo (bought it in Europe, otherwise in the US it would have cost me $3500), but the combination of the internals and chassis/airflow are indeed unique (a lappy with 4 Cores and 8800M GTX in SLi) in the sense I couldn't get them from any other brand. On a day to day uses it really gives me an edge over others with "mainstream" achitectures as I go from point A to B as fast as I can think and type on a lappy (almost no wait times with databases, web server, NAV, outlook, visual studio, several IE windows open, Excel, sometime photoshop or fireworks, Microsoft Project, etc etc all running at the same time).

Granted, having the power to buy something (including a $999 picture of a diamond) is excellent. One can buy one becouse one can, and that is a justification that is good enough IMHO. But it is not the most intelligent justification as one can imagine.

In sum, AW, VDPC, FW, et all, charge a lot for little content IMHO! Let's see how the new model stack, but what I saw from the new ones was not impressed at all. Again, too similar content to others to make it truly unique, but for much more $$$ in comparison (from 30%-100% more).

Trance
PS: Subsitute the name Laborgini for my dear Auston Martin (Aston)

 

Voodoo doenst use clevo anymore and the envy is sexy, But I wouldnt spend taht much money for the performance you get, But you know how many people bought the Macbook air? ALOT, And alot will buy this notebook.

BTW- the 1.6 processor isnt a ULV, its a modified Merom proc, sp7500 i think, while the 1.8 is a SP7700, But it is the same processor that supposedly intel made JUST for Apple.

 

Envy is not that badly priced? A top of the line Mac Air (1.8 Mhz, 2B, 64GB SSD) costs $2600. An equivalent Envy costs $3.300 or $3900, depending on the color (22% (+$800) to 34%(+$1500) more due to what?)

Apple is ... you know Apple. A solid history of innovation, so Mac Air comes solidly within a collection of mobile products (iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, revampled OS, iTunes etc etc etc) and it is cheaper. Nevertheless, I would like to know what is the success of Mac Air system in comparison with other Apple systems. I never owned a Apple PC, I am and always was a Windows kind of guy.

The problem of VoodooPC is a question of credibility, much as Falcon Northwest and to some degree Alienware. People already figured out how these companies managed to pump up the prices while not doing much as a company and most of us simply didn't like it as it was done with no balance (Predatory). It seams that the trend proceeds but now with a different slant to it. Most people don't even know the brand.

Coming up with a site that does not state the prices of their systems (what is the point of configuring a system an then ask for a quote?) , over the top spiel such as " liquid chilling", conflicting systems (Blackbird while not listed as a product of theirs and OMEN), in sum very little content, does not help at al for credibility.

Myself as an HP customer expect much more. Look what HP is doing for innovation: http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/everyday-computing/index.html on the PC arena.

Take for instance the HP w2408h 24-inch Vivid Color Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor . This is IMHO a perfect example where design, art and innovation doesn't need to be really expansive. If you have seen this baby live and clean of dust you would know what I mean.

I find it all confusing as a potential buyer. Even more confusing if I was an investor.

Trance

 

The Envy isn't that badly priced. You can get a "top of the line" Envy for under $3,000. Just order it without Microsoft Office and save $300-$400. It comes with the carbon fiber weave, so if someone wants to paint over it for $500-$600, that's not something we should hold against them.

 

Well, as much as I can tell you, A LOT of people from the next bench forums (their new community) wanted to get an Envy 133, which was delayed, so it's not going to be shipped in time for school, ARE BACKING AWAY.

Their reasons are:

- Low spec-ed for the size/weight class
- Bit pricey
- Delays over delays
- Are waiting to see what Apple comes up with next (imagine that)

I'm still waiting for a 15" / 17" gaming machine from them. Supposedly they'll make an announcement of some sorts at the end of August.

 

Ok, so it is worth $400 more then the Apple and isn't badly priced so you say. This since $600 for a different color is not something to take note of.

Why should I then buy the Envy 133 instead of an Apple Air + iPhone (or +Xbox 360, or +PS3, etc, etc) for around $3000? I mean from the point of view of technical achievement, mobility, design, functionality and performance?

Blending Art, Innovation and Performance looks like something achieved over and over again by Apple and Sony in ways much clearer to most people. So what is the value proposition of VoodooPC in this market that set it apart so much for their products to be priced higher and in certain cases much higher then other equivalent options in terms of performance? Is it the VDPC marketing power house?

Granted against Sony TZ the price is not bad at all. But I wouldn't buy the TZ either

Don't get me wrong, I think the Windows PC market need better looking systems. But why can't for instance the HP Pavilion tx2500z series be put on beutiful chassis like the Envy 133 for more say $600? I was with one in my hand in the other day, it looked very thin and very light too for a third of the price ... $1,037.99... (2.0 Mhz, 3GB and emazingly is less then a pound heavier even though it uses a standard SATA HDD of 160GB up to 320GB).



It doesn't look that bad currently but definitly would be much better with a Voodoo look. Nevertheless tha Apple Air in this category is IMHO by all means still the winner, considering the look and the price. But that HP I mentioned with the look of a VDPC Envy for just more $1000 would still make $2000 top, and then technically it would be my favorite if I was looking for a Ultra Portable PC I mean, beating the Apple in almost every category. But the Envy as it stands gets a kick in the butt by both were reason is concerned

Just something to think about.

Trance

 

I can't tell you why you should buy it, but I will tell you why I decided to buy it.

1) After lugging around a Tangent Shuttle 7700 for 6 years, I decided to go ultraportable. The Envy is thinner than the MBA. Not by much, but it's thinner. Plus, the Envy has a replaceable battery.
2) I'm brand loyal to Intel and I think Voodoo did a nice job of bringing Intel's Metro to life.
3) VIOS
4) I love carbon fiber. I need to get some if it on my MINI Cooper S but its just so expensive. If I had to guess, this is the reason the Envy is more expensive. Carbon fiber isn't cheap and companies are beginning to raise the price of carbon fiber as the price of oil increases: http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock News/1794599/
5) I already have an iPod Touch and XBOX 360, so I need a different kind of new toy.

All I'm saying is, the price is worth it to me.

EDIT: I actually really like the tx2500z, but my loyalty to Intel is preventing me from getting one. I am a marketer's dream. I'm an INTC shareholder too.

 

Brand loyalty is for fools. You should be a fan of what works best for you or what is the best value.

 

@Cricketer,

All I can say, since you already have the iPhone and the Xbox, and you fell an ich to spend $3000 on carbon fiber is that for $3000 you could have bought HP Pavilion tx2500z series mentioned above and .............. the amazing Blackbird 002: https://h20435.www2.hp.com/Default.aspx.

Not a bad combo But then again probably the lack of carbon puts this option off or already have a Blackbird kind of beast . I would honor you're loyalty to Intel this way wouldn't you?

But then again if it weren't for people that think like you do VoodooPC would be out of business

Trance
PS: I bet a new TX is coming out soon, since the new Intel processors are here already both in MBA and the Envy.

 

@Hep!
You sure are salty about the way I spend my money. I'm loyal because it is what works best for me. And value is subjective. Your logic is flawed. I don't care that you would never buy an Envy, but for some reason you care that I am willing to spend my money on one.

@Trance
The Envy is a modified Intel design:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/24/intels-metro-laptop-prototype-is-worlds-thinnest/
The tx2500z + Blackbird 002 is not a bad combo, but I don't really want a desktop. I do want a tablet though, so the tx2500z will probably be next on my list.

 

Now you are being defensive. I appologise if I offended you. But don't take it personally. I'm just researching the value proposition of this "new" companies like AW, VDPC, FW etc etc in this agressive market. So the options, and the thought I put forward to you all to dismantle and criticise.

As you may imagine I don't care were you spend your money. I'm sure you are happy with your lappy, have lots of fun.

But I don't understand your reasoning. First you put a $3000 lappy. Second you put a $1000 lappy. So tell me again what do they have in common, and why is carbon and SSD is worh to you $2000 give or take?

Trance

 

I was cool until the "or didn't you know that." You edited yours so I edited mine. Still not sure why Hep! felt the need to call me a fool.

 

Have to disagree with this remark. Brand loyalty is usually developed over time because products do work for you, they're good values, they're reliable and service for the product is good. For instance, I'm a former owner of Voodoo products, each of which was a PITA and very problematic. I now normally buy Macs because in my experience, they are nearly trouble-free, MUCH cheaper than Voodoo machines (LOL everything is less expensive than a Voodoo!), Apple service has truly been spectacular, so Macs are great deals in comparison in my mind.

I know my comparison isn't exactly what you had in mind, but cost/price/ability to pay are all relative. Plus, what you may consider a great deal, may simply leave another buyer completely cold. My own example may leave you cold; for all I know you may dislike OSX. In any case, I hope you understand why I disagree with your thoughts on brand loyalty. And, to each his own . . .

 

A single brand is not what works best for you. You can't claim a name equates to functionality. If AMD happened to come out with a chip that ran cooler, used less power, and ran faster, and had some amazing instruction set unavailable on Intel CPUs, all hypothetical of course, what would be stopping you? Brand loyalty.

EDIT:
@bmwrob - that doesn't sound like you're buying just because you won't but another brand. That sounds like you're buying for a combination of quality of service and price. That's not "My next computer will be an apple because I always buy apple"
If another brand was proven to you to be superior, how can you argue that is is anything but foolish not to go with that brand?

cricketer, on the other hand, is pretty safely saying "My next PC will have an Intel CPU"

 

Just a note:

Yeah I agree with bmwrob about loyalty. I'm loyal to both companies and people that are loyal to me too. But up and foremost I'm loyal to a set of principles if you know of what I mean.

Cricketer being loyal to Intel in the context he stated he is, is totally understandable. I'm just trying to figure out why is Carbon fiber so important ($2000 difference when compared to a TX give or take)considering that as he stated to him the TX is was really a good option. That is just something I wasn't expecting, so my questions.

Trance

 

At least we agree on something now. That is what I am saying. Until Intel gives me a reason to switch, my next PC will have an Intel CPU.

 

How is that totally understandable? He has given no reason to be loyal to Intel, just that he is. I have switched back and forth between Intel and AMD for years, nVidia and ATI for years, always buying what comes out on top (and the definitions of on top will vary for people - some only want speed, some want low power consumption, etc). But no one knows what the future holds, and to turn down all future products except for a single brand IS foolish, because that means even when your product is an inferior one at twice the price of the competitor, you will buy it, just to stick with your brand.

EDIT:
@ criketer: Does it have to be Intel giving you the reason (as in dissatisfaction with service/quality?) Or could you be persuaded by another company showing superior service/quality to what you are currently satisfied with from Intel?

 

Screen size is a big reason. I need a new laptop and 12" is, in my mind, too small to be my everyday PC.

 

The main reason: I like Macs, simple as that. However, unlikely as it is that anyone could PROVE another product to be superior, I might just buy that new machine, in addition to the Macs. As a matter of fact, only a week or so ago, I ordered a new laptop, my first Windows laptop in a long time, from Donald at PNB. That doesn't mean, however, that I'll stop buying Macs. I'm looking forward to seeing the next MB. If I like the upgrades, I'll likely spring for one.

IMO, being brand loyal, doesn't mean you must buy from that brand exclusively. I also happen to like and usually ride BMW motorcycles, but I can't even begin to count the number of bikes from other manufacturers that I've owned over the years. Not too long ago I bought a '69 Honda CL450. LOL It was clean, cheap, ran very well, and was available. It'll never replace my Beemers, though.

 

Maybe you didn't noticed but Cricketer wrote:

"EDIT: .... I am a marketer's dream. I'm an INTC shareholder too."

Can't argue loyalty with that can you? Besides, being loyal or not is such a personal thing (even the meaning of the word as so many shades for different people) that I wouldn't start disputing its usage in any scenario.

We are talking about technlogy, and why is Envy 133 the very best option even though much cheaper options can be found. I gave loads of well sustained reasons why it not, waiting for others to dispute them in such a way (no personal opinion, just common sense without any emotions attached).

Trance

 

Well, basically what I saw in cricketer's first post that I responded to was...

"Oh, it does everything I need!"
"Why not buy it then?"
"I'm waiting for my brand's version that does everything I need."

This is what I consider to be brand loyalty, and this is what I consider to be foolish.

 

@Hep!

Althought I don't fully understand Cricketer reasoning due to the facts I stated, that is not what I read. Due to lack of response to my questions what I read was:

"I need a ultra portable. I have a big budget to buy a vey good one. I'll buy the most pricy and good looking one within my budget. This since the most expensive is usually the one the best quality and the best value for money as it offers no hurdles, furthermore the brand is cool"

Unfortunately my line of questioning state otherwise when it comes to this new companies. The one with the higher price is usually the one where value proposition is more fuzzy and confusing. All done on purpose of course. Something quite new in HP but not so uncommon in companies like DELL/AW, SONY or even ASUS with their Lamborghini. Apple is still not playing this ball game in line with IBM/Lenovo and let's strech and say Clevo.

Hope HP stays out this game. I like the Blackbird. IMHP still the only new HP gaming model (not VoodooPC but with its DNA they say) that comes close to being as reasonable as other HP models in terms of price vs quality and performance.

Trance

 

Hey, sorry. I didn't mean for this tread to turn into a flame war, I had a legitimate question in the beginning about the price/web page. My questions have been answered. thank you for your responses.

 

I don't think I flamed anyone or any company. Hope my posts gave you my personal view and doupts regarding the Envy 133. It just happened that these doupts are extended to other new VDPC models, value propostion and pricing strategy. Furthermore I'm on holiday, kid and wife are in bad so I have some time to dig.

Have fun,

Trance

 

No need to apologize steveninspokane. I'm sorry we turned your thread into a lively debate about the value of boutique brands.

I think those are the questions to which you are referring. They have 2 things in common. They are both small and I have never had anything like either of them.

I haven't had a new laptop in 6 years. A lot has changed since then. I want something completely different from what I have now. I do have a big budget. I do want something that looks "cool." I think the tx2500z is too small at 12" and its AMD. The Lenovo X300 looks ugly, like a smaller version of my laptop now. MBA does not have a user replaceable battery (I've had bettery issues with my current laptop) and I need to be able to right-click.

So I want something small and different. I don't know how you go about setting a price for different, but I happen to think Voodoo did a good job with the Envy.