HP Releases Voodoo Envy 133 Business Ultraportable

Today in Germany, Voodoo by HP released the new thin and light Envy 133, offering up a bit more competition to notebooks such as the Lenovo X300 and Apple Macbook Air. This new ultraportable notebook holds nothing back as it goes head to head with the competition, with a full range of features that almost every business user will be sure to love.

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Custom Design

This is an aspect you don't really find on a business notebook. Most business notebooks usually fall into the dull and boring category, leaving the fancy custom paint jobs to the consumer notebooks. The Envy changes this trend, offering buyers a carbon fiber chassis in a microweave design in black, or a huge palette of classic Voodoo Allure paint jobs. You can also pick from a wide range of laser engraving options to give your notebook even more style to stand out from the bunch.

Speed and Performance

Voodoo stuck the 1.8Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo SP7700 processor in the Envy 133, which offers business users a good amount of crunching power for most business tasks. It won't smoke through games, but it will be more friendly on battery power.

Small size and Light Weight

The Envy 133 starts at as little as 3.373lbs, with a chassis that measures 0.70" thin, 9.04" deep and 12.65" wide with the SSD and battery. Just a tad heavier than both the Macbook Air and X300 but only by a fraction of a pound.

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LED Backlit Display

The Envy 133 offers an LED backlit LCD just like the Macbook Air and X300. This seems to be an ongoing trend with new notebooks, since it usually gives you a brighter screen while also being more friendly on the battery.

Optical Drive

Going the route of the Macbook Air, HP is offering an external optical drive on the Envy 133. Given the weight is already up over the X300 which has an internal optical drive, where does the extra slack come in?

Ports and Features

Not to be outdone by either the MacBook Air or X300, the Envy 133 offers a wide range of ports, some of which you don't generally find on business notebooks. These include 2 USB ports, 1 HDMI, and 1 eSATA (shared with one USB port). The Envy also features a user-replaceable battery, which boasts up to 3.45 hours of battery life.

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A few unique features also show up on the Envy 133. These include the following:

• Ambient light sensor to adjust the screen backlight depending on the light in a given room setting
• Backlit Keyboard
• Touchpad Proximity sensor to disable the touchpad while typing to prevent any mouse wandering

With a starting price of $2,099, the Voodoo envy 133 is priced right in the middle between the Lenovo X300 at $2,700 and the Macbook Air starting at $1,800. It will be interesting to see how well this notebook performs once we have a chance to get our hands on it. One thing is for sure with this business notebook, you won't be "that business guy" at the airport with a ThinkPad if you have this in tow.

 

Feature-wise it still fails when it comes to important bits:

No ethernet jack. No integrated 3G receiver.

I understand fitting it into thin machine like this wouldn't be trivial, but still.

As a notebook accessories go, this one is going to be amazing. Much better looking than X300, not as foppish as Air.

 

Watch Rahul Sood introducing it:

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Ethernet jack is in the power supply.

 

WWAN is an option, the Ethernet Jack is in the Power Supply which also apparantly acts as an access point.

 

This thing looks awesome! Does anyone know the release date? Possibly this Friday (the 13th ) as hinted by the Voodoo website?

 

i cannot c how anyone will choose this over MBA or x300, loses out in eversingle way, price point wise and look at that flimsy plastic chassis ewwww

here is what i dont understand, y put stuff like carbon fibre in notebooks, carbon fibre is great as it wont fail under bending moments, but if u drop it itll shatter!! cos its brittle, n who cares about ssd drives for god sakes, faster start up time???? guess what get a notebook with good battery life (x61s) n keep it on sleep, it starts up in 1 second for less price!!!

 

So the powercord leading to the laptop has works as an ethernet connector to the laptop?
Access point? Like wifi?
So you connect ethernet to the power supply and the powersuppy "forwards" it to the laptop through wifi? bit confused.

 

I have no clue what direction the voodoo brand is heading in but it is a poor one. This laptop has decent looks but does not perform. For a travel laptop, the lack of an internal drive means having to carry (and remember) an external drive. The x300 is also somehow lighter while having more features. Not good for the voodoo. Combine a rather high price for what you really get and I doubt the voodoo will be on many people's minds.

 

Beats the MBA hands down, except in how thin it is, and can anyone seriously say they would have difficulty carrying either around?

Much better port selection (including E-SATA and HDMI), much better cooling, an SSD at the entry price of $2100 (supposedly), a nice quick boot OS, a removable battery and a much better looking laptop for almost $1000 cheaper then the MBA with the SSD option. And on top of that you get the Voodoo name, and instead of making you pay $100 for an external drive they are again supposedly giving one out free. However if you still need a laptop to cut cake, the MBA wins out. The X300 is still the best overall, just is let down by the price.

And actually for once I think a company making ultra portables deserves the word 'innovative' a USB and E-SATA in one port, and an ethernet in the power adapter is very nice thinking.

I think the idea is that you plug it in like a normal power connector on a laptop, and that you can plug an ethernet cable into the adapter, and the chances are that if you are using ethernet you are near a power connector. I think it uses the cable, not wifi to transfer the data. Just hope you can use ethernet without having to plug it into a socket

$2100 including SSD is a good price point to be honest, the Lenovo with SSD is $2700 and the MBA is $3100 with an SSD. And the chassis is carbon fibre so it won't be flimsy, though I do hate the glossy look and it looks like the screen is going to be reflective hell.

 

FYI, it's carbon fiber.
It's strong point, is having a more powerful gpu (I'm not sure how are they gonna do it, but they did mention it in the video)
Dun just see the pictures, read ppl!

 

I think he meant when Intel release their new onboard GPU's, however with laptops I think there will still be a big difference between discrete and integrated graphics, and even if there wasn't this laptop wouldn't be able to cool it effectively.

 

Did you even read the article? Its made out of carbon fiber, cheaper than an X300 and a MBA w/SSD as well.

 

Very nice machine and thanks to the HP merger reasonably priced (compared to voodoos of the past) still kind of expensive though. Perhaps my next machine will be a voodo though (couple years away, I just ordered an alienware) probably at least a 15in though

Why you wouldn't buy this over an apple (OSx I guess?) or an IBM (I don't see any reason really) this thing is carbon fiber, sexy and priced quite nicely. Of the three I say its the winner

 

I don't see how this isn't a good direction for VooDoo to be going. I mean, they are making premium products, and keeping them premium, unlike Dell and their XPS line, which has long since lost its exclusivity, and is now just going to be made into Inspiron line.

Its also different from how Dell is taking Alienware - while AW continues to put out gaming rigs, Voodoo is branching into less performance oriented products that are just as premium, but more innovative, like the Envy 133. A nice benefit of the HP-Voodoo merger: no more rebranded notebooks!

 

I'll pretend this notebook doesn't exist until HP decides that international customers are worthy of this product. They must distribute this worldwide or I sense an eventual product failure. There is no reason for HP, with 70% of its revenue coming from non-US markets, not to sell this outside the US. Call it biting the hands that feed it.

 

I like the design and some of the new features that they're bringing in. But all these gimmicky names (VIOS?) or "Voodoo Aura Powerconnect", aka a wireless router and AC adapter in one kinda rub me the wrong way. They're nice features, but the advertising and marketing screams fanboy.

I guess that's the image they're going for, but I feel dirty after drinking their kool aid and like my intelligence is being insulted. I guess that's also why I didn't like Apple for a while.

And for the price, a couple of you are saying 2099 (starting price) comes with a SSD. I don't recall seeing this in any of the announcements, unless it's in the vid posted. But if you look at the tech specs, it comes with a a 64 gig SSD, or 80 gig 4200 rpm 1.8" drive. And since the HD should be much cheaper, it seems to be like 2099 should be without SSD, which means the SSD price will be very close to the Lenovo X300.

 

what are you talking about? i cant see how anybody would a MBA over this or a x300. MBA lacks so many features and ports this and the x300 offer (HDMI ftw)

this computer has the potential to be used as your main computer (like the x300). as well it looks great and has a nice price tag attached to it.

the only real advantage a MBA has over a x300 or the Envy is that it comes preloaded with OS X, and this would only appeal to mac zealots.

 

You have to be mentally impaired to pick the MBA over this. How exactly does it "lose out in every single way" when compared to the MBA?

 

Dont listen to the haters. Theyre haters cause theyre dumb, arrogant, and havent read the article nor watched the video.

This thing is very well priced for the specs and the quick launch OS is an amazing feature.

Heck, the ethernet in the powersupply is one of the coolest features to be honest. If youre on the go youre using batteries plus wireless. If youre at home and plugged into power, thats one less wire you have on your desk.

Sleek, sexy, and affordable compared to the competition. Lastly, the lack of a disc drive is not a problem for me. I use my drive once or twice a year when installing some software, something i can do without a drive to be honest.

 

Note: VoodooPC DOES NOT design/manufacturer notebooks, they are an OEM that re-brands them.

LOL.

I was having a feeling of deja vu.

This is a re-branded Intel Metro (codename) notebook.

It was announced last year. Look it up.

 

It looks like the connection between the powersupply and the notebook is wireless. The bad thing is that it looks like the powersupply only supports b/g so no n. That makes it pretty slow.
I also think it only works when it is plugged in. I dont think it can get power from the notebook when not plugged in.

This system is clever but really stupid if you think about it. They could have just paid 3com some money and used the X-jack system. Its patented I know but I dont think 3com would ask for higher licensing costs then this extra wifi stuff must have cost.

 

Not really re-branded... They contract another company to make them, like most other notebook manufacturers.

It's not re-branded. It's just (closely) based off the Intel Metro concept.

Re-branded is taking the exact same product and sticking your own label on it. That's not what VooDoo is doing.

 

Is VoodooPC pulling an Alienware now? LOL.

If they indeed get this notebook exclusively, then they have done what Alienware did with the Arima and current Quanta SLI notebooks.

Up to now, all of VoodooPC notebooks have been re-brands... but maybe business is not as good for them since those notebooks can be found with other vendors selling it much cheaper... and with great service/support.

I know, I have been covering them for a while now (with the Clevo Guide)... since they re-brand Clevo notebooks... for their high-end gaming models.

 

Woa, thin an shiny. And not a huge price tag either.
Classy look, but there is still some work needed to be done. So many missing components...

 

Its design is based off the Intel Metro concept but it's not a re-branded anything. It's their first custom design being manufactured with HP.

 

They said they worked closely with Intel building this so I guess that's why they used that case, doesn't look bad though, would look much better in matte rubberized black though.

 

June 20 is the release date according to the Voodoo website. Can't wait!

 

Hey does anyone know if Voodoo is in the works for something just like the envy 133, but in a 15.4", 14.1", or some other larger form factor for the more power/performance hungry people?? Plus I'd love to have my next notebook with full HD resolution like 1920 x 1080, 1920 x 1200 wuxga. let me know?!

 

I know that VooDoo previously only did rebranded notebooks (see my previous post), but I don't think this one can count as being rebranded. Its based on a concept notebook that was never put into production, and as of this time its exclusively HP/Voodoos. This doesn't make it rebranded, does it? Codeveloped with Intel, certainly, but the Metro PC was a concept PC from the start - I'm happy that its being put into production in some form.

 

If you go on their site it looks like they have 2 other notebooks launching within 2 weeks, so maybe it'll one with a mainstream 15.4 screen, and then one even bigger DTR.

Maybe a MBP 15 and MBP 17 "killer"? Who knows, but it'd be nice to have a 5.5 pound or less 15 inch notebook with an LED screen and a geforce 9 series card.

 

Naa, they'd go gaming notebook at both of those sizes, not really concentrating on small. Definitely with the 17" one at least, but the middle one, maybe a sleek gaming machine type.

 

the envy is targeted at the business people looking for laptops similar to the x300 and apple air.

i'm sure that given enough positive feedback they will use this styling and make other laptops.

 

I agree, but there's good news. I received this direct from Voodoo PC's sales team:

I asked about Taiwan since that's my location, but I guess if they will ship here, they'll ship to other major countries in Europe, Asia etc. It sounds promising, especially given the US exchange rate at the moment.

Kind regards

 

As an owner of three Voodoo laptops, I can insure you that their new lineup is complete crap over what it used to be. Their tech support has went down the drain after the hp acquisition. This has brought customer care, design and everything else down along with it. Literally Voodoo has made another huge step in teh wrong direction. Their omen and new laptop look like crap, and do not offer anything any decent. The laptop has the standard cheap-o hp pavillion finish on a rebranded intel metro frame. I was told personally by Chris and Ryan at Voodoo that the system would not be a rebrand, oh well, I guess they think we dont know what we are talking about. Its another damn rebrand. And guess what you buy one of these you are getting hp service and support, not voodoo's renowned service they used to have. Your also not getting a premier paint job, any kind of system binder, shirt, mousepad or any of the like that one would get with a real voodoo computer. The new series not only look like crap but they also have lost everything a Voodoo computer used to be.
I am royally pissed off at the guys their, and I swear if something happens to my system and they deny it cause it is a voodoo and not a fake voodooized hp, I am going to be really pissed.

If Voodoo continues to go this way, they lost me as any potential customer in the future.

K-TRON

 

It isn't a rebrand. It's clearly developed off the Intel Metro, but the Metro was a concept notebook. It's not a frame that VooDoo is using or anything like that.

 

That is a very sexy computer (and I'm an apple fanboy)...That touchpad is HUGE even compared to that of the Air's! I think I would still pick the air over this computer though just because of the greatness of Mac OS X?

 

OS X is significantly overrated. Better then Windows, yes I agree, but not THAT MUCH better, as its often (incorrectly) made out to be. I'd rather have the VooDoo. Its just fundamentally more sound - carbon fiber over aluminum, way more ports (yea, only one more USB, but its got eSATA and others), and its better looking (IMO).

 

Yeah I agree OS X is very overrated btu i do like the fact that I don't get as many viruses. Yes carbon fiber is better than aluminum, I don't use more than 1 usb port that often except when I'm playing wc3 and charging my iPod, and I think the air is more attractive

 

Although you may feel left out, ,I feel like this is the perfect direction for voodoo. They are building high quality luxury notebooks for a specific customer base which I guess doesn't include you. Voodoo is actually getting their name out to the world and making products that appeal to greater masses. Also, you have no idea if you will be getting the extras like a mousepad or a shirt and nobody can buy one of these yet. The premiere paintjob is clearly still present if you look at the white notebook clearly beautifully painted. You once again don't know if you will be able to get the usual pick a color and design paintjob as once again, the laptop has not been released yet. Af for a flimsy hp chassis, that is completely not ture. The new voodoo laptop is made out of complete carbon fibre which prevents any flex. ALso, their new desktop couldn't have a more solidly designed chassis and design. Although you feel like voodoo is doing the wrong thing, there not. Your just upset because you feel like you will no longer be the only one on the forums with a voodoo since more people can now afford them.

 

May I ask why there are people talking about os x when this topic has absolutely nothing to do with os x in any way, shape or form????? Matter of fact, it has nothing to do with discussion of OS's. This is about a voodoo pc and the innovation of it features/looks wise. This is not a comparison of os x vs. vista!!!! Just stop with the os x talk! Don't get me wrong, compare it to the macbook air all you like, as that is more on topic. It's driving me nuts.

Just to get back on topic, I hope they have a 1440 x 900 resolution option as i noticed the x300 has that with LED backlighting. By the way, I believe some of the most innovative ideas in this was the placement of ethernt port on the power brick also acting as point-to-point access. So they were able to keep the unit very thin while still managing to have internet access for it. That is sexy. Unlike the macbook air that forces you to use a dongle that you will always forget at home, making it a useless 1,800 - 3,100 dollar paper weight. Another is the aggressive cooling system which sports two vents, one on each side of the unit. And yet another being the esata port combined with the usb port. And yet another being the fact that the unit is carbon fiber weaved inside out, top to bottom, back to front, side to side, making is super strong and super light.

Also I love the fact that they decided to include the dvd player in the configuration and not charge extra for it.

 

I agree, a bit disappointed to not see a 1440 res screen on there. Will wait and see, as well as what Lenovo comes out with their revamp next month.

 

1. The design has significantly changed since the Intel Metro. The Metro was a concept and actually had a different build. Go look at the pictures if you don't believe me.
2. This design was developed with Intel after Voodoo saw the Metro. They wanted to try something similar.
3. The notebook will be available to be painted.
4. This isn't using any of HP's pre-existing designs or "flimsy" chassis (which, might I add, I've never noticed on my HP laptop).
5. You can get custom designs on it, just as with any other Voodoo product.
6. Your opinion of the Omen and Envy are just that -- your opinion. Given the technology press who were actually invited to the event have been lauding both, I'm going to be a little more on the optimistic side.
7. I haven't noticed any drop off in the customer service aspect of Voodoo's service.
8. It's not using the Imprint finish, from what I've read. Could be wrong on that.

I'm probably in the minority, but I don't want an 1440 x 900 screen on anything under 15.4".

 

Wow, this is by far THE best looking (ultra)-portable notebook and it's even pretty well priced for a Voodoo at $2100 including the dvd burner. If I had that kind of money lying around, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

I agree, the fonts would just be too small.

 

Yeah but think about it like this, if they put a screen panel option with the highest possible resolution, one can set it at any setting they wish. High, medium, low. So, essentially all will be satisfied. person 'a' would set his res at 1280 x 800, and person 'b' would set his res at 1440 x 900. its a win, win situation.

 

i dont want to get u mad but even if lenovo has more options or better options, they just look so damn ugly. And now when Voodoo comes out with these hot ass systems, they just blow me outta the water.

 

Not quite. LCD screens don't look great at anything other than their native resolution, even if they're technically capable of displaying another resolution.

 

Then if that is the case... they should offer as options. option 1,2,3... That will satisfy everyone.

 

1440x900 is pretty decent on a 14.1, but it might be a tad high on a 13" - I have yet to actually use a Lenovo X300 (the only WXGA+ 13.3" notebook on the market) so I can't say for sure at this time.

 

I'm wondering if it will be refreshed to take advantage of the Montevina platform when it comes out next month. It seems a bit strange that they are in a hurry to release it when Montevina brings a lot to the table - especially in terms of integrated graphics, portability etc.

Although if it uses the same custom processor packaging as the MBA it could be that Intel is trying to get more life out of that product and scale down the initial development costs.