hp-merging-voodoo-with-consumer-pc-unit

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/24/hp-merging-voodoo-with-consumer-pc-unit/

says it all- we can get it in EUROPE YES- let them come ( the 15 inch that is)

 

All this basically means is you could start seeing Voodoo units in stores.

For the consumer it really doesn't mean anything else.

 

What this means is that the Voodoo PC business model has failed to proove itself. Indeed the all idea was of luxury PCs that would clearly stand out in innovation (which they did not), only available trough the Internet (much like Alienware) failed. And now it is turning to be simply consumer range of products for the masses not only on the Internet but also on the shelves.

That is for me an expected move for a long long time (too long) insipite Raul suggesting otherwise. I wonder what will happen to VoodooPC web site (a brochure inside HPs Web Site like Blackbird?). What about customized paint jobs right from the shelves?

This is not a bad move at all. But is shows how misleading was all the push. Indeed the all voodoopc website has gone out in flames. Now a bunch of PDF's.

Have fun,

Trance
PS: It is not about consumers getting what they want, but consumers not wanting what you have the way you offer it inspite of all the pushing. Something very predictable a year ago. VoodooPC business just lost the wagon against Alienware, that is it! Now is becoming more like XPS is within DELL's business line. Now it is time to play catch up.

 

I think it's a bit premature to say something we really have no idea of. We don't know if the company "failed" in the sense you speak of, didn't meet expectations, or if HP simply wants a better way to market the systems.

Given that Voodoo already has all the paint equipment in place, I'd say if you order online they could still do all of that. It'd be a waste not to.

 

I ment that comparatively to others in the same business line of VoodooPC (extreme PCs), it has missed the race! (Alienware, DELL XPS super systems, Sager/Clevo etc are all outselling VoodooPC I suspect). It is now (well since it started the business) playing catch up.

I wrote awhile ago within the context of some interview done by notebookreview to Rahul, that his view of the business was not in focus with the market trend IMHO (or the way he exposed it). Indeed, I wrote that the VoodooPC brand should be just integrated in their HDX line rather then persue the Blackbird or even VoodooPC brand. The reason's behind this was precisely the reasons behind I suspect this move was done now from the point of view of HP.

Paint jobs can be done over any chassis if you know what I mean.

Trance
PS: High end systems (including laptops) is becoming a mass market venture rather then a nich made just for elites. Indeed the idea of "elite" is becoming in PCs a mass market brand. It has to, in order to face the future against $500 or less PCs (laptops or desktops, and even HD consoles). By the time Alienware jumped into success (and some tryed to copy cat) those $500 system weren't simply here.