Computers
Voodoo's Envy 133 Is Thinnest Notebook Alive; Based On Intel Metro Concept Laptop
Posted by Wilson Rothman at 6:00 PM on June 10, 2008
Voodoo's new Envy 133 will be the thinnest laptop on the market at 0.7". It matches Intel's most holy Metro concept laptop, and with good reason: Says Voodoo, the Envy 133 was "developed using the smallest available Intel Centrino technology and elements from an innovative Intel reference design." This means that, when it goes on sale, the Envy will bump the MacBook Air—at 18mm thick in the middle—off the throne. Before you jump to the comment box, YES, there HAVE been even thinner notebooks, though none with this little compromise in power.
Available in good or evil—I mean, white or black—the Envy will weigh 1.5kg, heavier than the bulimic Metro, but still respectably light. It's also got a healthy 13.3" display, and for a starting cost of US$2,100, it had better. For being so thin, it's also got a surprising number of tricks hidden in its carbon-fibre 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 customisable 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 manoeuvre 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, personalised styling and unmatched technology innovation." Sounds good to me, although some gamers I know might not agree.
Introducing Voodoo Envy 133[Voodoo]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 customise 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 recognises 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 recognises 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 adaptor - 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.
• Colour - 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 fibre 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 fibre 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 adaptor (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


















Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
NightBlade
Posted 6:50 PM 10/6/08
Take that Apple.
NightBlade
indydrew
Posted 6:38 PM 10/6/08
This does not really look that thin. Well long live the Air....
indydrew
scuba_steve
Posted 7:38 PM 10/6/08
I guess I'd be classed as an Apple fanboy and I already own the MBA, but I think this really does look stunning... In a lot of ways I prefer it to the MBA. I just wish it had OSX on it.
scuba_steve
Weihovah
Posted 8:39 PM 10/6/08
so it's thinner than the air. good luck cutting your elbows w/ this thing
Weihovah
Kaiser-Machead is in your Macbook Pro!
Posted 8:28 PM 10/6/08
Apple really needs to can the 1.8 crap drive and include the SuperDrive external as standard in the box.
Kaiser-Machead is in your Macbook Pro!
OMG! Ponies!
Posted 9:12 PM 10/6/08
@ChoadNamath: All the Korean models were busy, so they had to go with Jerry Yang's mongoloid brother.
OMG! Ponies!
ChoadNamath
Posted 9:02 PM 10/6/08
I know nerds might be Voodoo's target audience, but couldn't they have found a better model for their promo shots? This is a sexy laptop, but that was one frumpy dude.
ChoadNamath
OMG! Ponies!
Posted 8:46 PM 10/6/08
This must be the Voodoo "Fuck you, Apple, and all your smugness; given half a chance I'd nuke Cupertino" thin-and-light I've read so much about.
OMG! Ponies!
Mio
Posted 10:09 PM 10/6/08
@mumin: Apple didn't make this. Giz doesn't care.
Mio
mumin
Posted 10:06 PM 10/6/08
so nowadays you don't actually need to tell people what's actually running the laptop? you know... minor details like CPU and GPU...
mumin
k4ffy
Posted 9:58 PM 10/6/08
that wifi-from-the-power-brick actually sounds quite neat.
k4ffy
Drvec
Posted 9:55 PM 10/6/08
Interesting that the other announcement is the "Elite Book" and this one is just a number short of "133...7"
Drvec
MastaFalse
Posted 10:36 PM 10/6/08
AIR IS BETR OMG WUT R U AL DUM DAT'S SO UGLEE. I R SPOILD HOR.
Voodoo is a name I haven't heard in the longest time. Kudos to them for a spectacular comeback.
Ha ha, VD.
MastaFalse
CutePuppyz
Posted 10:22 PM 10/6/08
processor speed? saying it use centrino doesn't say much
CutePuppyz
kibets
Posted 10:17 PM 10/6/08
I may have to buy one of these ...
kibets
takemetoyourtoaster
Posted 11:08 PM 10/6/08
thats awsome
takemetoyourtoaster
alexpr
Posted 11:37 PM 10/6/08
it doesn't even look thin. It's look just hair thinner than my regular macbook.
alexpr
Wilson Rothman
Posted 11:17 PM 10/6/08
@mumin, Mio, CutePuppyz: Voodoo isn't talking numbers because Intel isn't talking numbers. My guess is that we'll have to wait for the Montevina Centrino 2 launch in July. Patience, my little ones, patience.
Wilson Rothman
disillusioned
Posted 12:10 AM 11/6/08
The unit here is 1.8GHz, Duo. I'm not sure what it'll release at.
disillusioned
disillusioned
Posted 12:09 AM 11/6/08
For what it's worth, it really IS that thin. The display is gorgeous.
And as for the proximity sensor, it only activates when BOTH hands are on the keyboard; if just one hand is on, the touchpad still works. (As you'll usually leave, say, your left hand on the keyboard.)
It's also fully configurable.
And the carbon fiber is NICE. It passes the one-handed flex test; pick it up and it's stable throughout and light but doesn't feel cheap. It's also a powerful beast and the Ethernet-802.11n bridge in the AC adapter is a smart touch.
And yes, I have one sitting in front of me as I type this.
disillusioned
Joseph
Posted 12:01 AM 11/6/08
That cocaine white laptop looks really nice, but I'd get that thing too dirty.
Joseph
Thoth74
Posted 11:52 PM 10/6/08
@indydrew: @alexpr:
That's right fanboys and fangirls. It's all about the looks. Let's just forget about the actual measuring and whatnot and write this off as a bloated beast. I mean come on...that monster must be at least what...5 or 6 inches thick?
Thoth74
Sottren
Posted 7:33 PM 10/6/08
As always, you have got to give it to Apple for stirring beautiful designs from other companies.
I mean, backlit keyboards and multi-touch touchpads should become standard in all laptops. I hate scrolling on PC laptops when the 2-finger movement has become 2nd nature on the Mac.
One thing though, Proximity Sensor is pushing it...it's like "raise your left hand please" if you want to move the cursor.
Sottren
TKWarrior
Posted 12:38 AM 11/6/08
That's a simply stunning laptop.
And it's hilarious to still see uneducated comments like Sottren in an article like this. Like Voodoo didn't think/start devolving this model until after the saw the MBA. Ugh.
TKWarrior
Brandson
Posted 12:18 AM 11/6/08
Since it's not mentioned in the press release, I take it this has the same old Intel integrated graphics? If that's true, I don't see why I'd want this over one of the new cheapo ultraportables like the MSI Wind for example. The Wind is cheaper, smaller, and lighter. It's slower obviously, but you wouldn't be able to do anything that intensive with the Envy either. $2k is a lot to pay for crappy performance these days, and I'd be a lot less worried carrying a cheap laptop around vs. something this expensive.
Brandson
godwhacker
Posted 12:57 AM 11/6/08
@disillusioned:
how big is the HD?
godwhacker
ANoel
Posted 1:51 AM 11/6/08
You ever watch fashion TV?
You oggle all the models, their attractive proportions and beautiful and often unusual features. The allure of the almost priceless, certainly unobtainable.
Then you watch them walk, well more like sashay, one foot swings around in front of the other, then the next, and next. Looks kind of disjointed actually. Then you notice their legs... not a skim of fat under their perfectly waxed skin. And, where are the muscles? Hell you could snap their elegant lithe little legs between your thumb and forefinger. These are appendages only fit to walk forward 50 paces, swivel with a air bump, walk back, and for wrapping around the necks of wholesale fashion buyers.
You will never see a hairy-legged Gramma in army boots on a runway (unless I direct the show).
/just an observation.
ANoel
autonomousgerm
Posted 1:50 AM 11/6/08
The MacBook Air is waaaay to expensive, unlike this one.
autonomousgerm
HeartBurnKid
Posted 1:45 AM 11/6/08
*gasp* You mean, you can make a thin notebook and still have USB ports and a removable battery? I thought that was un-possible!
Will it... will it... will it still fit into a manila envelope? If it does, I may just have to cry!
HeartBurnKid
Singlespeed
Posted 1:26 AM 11/6/08
anyone else only see one usb port?
Singlespeed
Voohoo
Posted 2:31 AM 11/6/08
@ChoadNamath: Samsung is hogging all the hot ones.
Voohoo
Kaiser-Machead is in your Macbook Pro!
Posted 2:28 AM 11/6/08
@ANoel: Yeah, but I won't be fantasizing about lovin' up any computers, so bring on the thin-as-hell.
Kaiser-Machead is in your Macbook Pro!
Sottren
Posted 2:20 AM 11/6/08
@TKWarrior: True, probably uneducated. But it's because the Powerbook G4 already had features I like seeing on the Envy that I say you got to give Apple some credit.
Oh, and Voodoo "devolving" something sounds wrong...
Sottren
Pheromonal
Posted 2:17 AM 11/6/08
Oh wow.... beautiful. If I wasn't so comfortable with my OSX I would absolutely get this. It's stunning, and so shiny!
Pheromonal
MrBlahBlah
Posted 2:08 AM 11/6/08
I own a macbook air, but Voodoo, well done. The ethernet jack in the power brick is genius.
Although, I still like my MBA :)
MrBlahBlah
wesrubix
Posted 2:56 AM 11/6/08
also, no true gigabit ethernet? garbage.
wesrubix
wesrubix
Posted 2:53 AM 11/6/08
wake up. You can't have customization in a flash-rom based OS. That's too much overhead and error proofing work.
wesrubix
kevman90
Posted 4:03 AM 11/6/08
just looked at the specs.
HA...8 gigs of ram? Thats it?
kevman90
Pantone
Posted 4:00 AM 11/6/08
Take that. APPLE *shoves* YEA WHAT NOW?!
...oh wow... I'm sorry... I don't know what got over me. *slowly walks away*
Pantone
bpapa9013
Posted 5:09 AM 11/6/08
@Pheromonal: Oh wow.... beautiful. If I wasn't so comfortable with my OSX I would absolutely get this. It's stunning, and so shiny!
Steve Jobs' secret formula for success:
1. Over simplified OS
2. Lost of 'Shiny'
3. Liberal dose of Group-think
4. PROFIT!
Unfortunately other companies are quickly learning this as well... Good job Voodoo.
bpapa9013
The Magnificen7
Posted 5:08 AM 11/6/08
Uh, it's the Voodoo MacBook Air! Seriously though, nice machine, but it does scream Macbook Air. And technically, the air is still thinner. Apple designed it like a teardrop to keep that title. They don't like changing their marketing.
The Magnificen7
Rick36
Posted 4:52 AM 11/6/08
Trouble is only two versions for now, 80 GB HD for $2100 or whatever and the 64 GB SSD is $1000 more!
Do you want to be the first on your block with one?
Rick36
chonnes
Posted 4:47 AM 11/6/08
So you can get a MacBook Air with (1) USB port for $1800 or this Voodoo Envy with (2) USB ports for $2100. Seems to me that $300 is a lot to spend for an extra port.
Other than this difference, is there anything TRULY more compelling about it? The wi-fi/ethernet bridge is cool and the removable battery could be a convenience for some people, but neither seems to be a real dealmaker.
chonnes
CutePuppyz
Posted 4:42 AM 11/6/08
@disillusioned: Yea, 1.8GHz. Saw it on Engadget.
CutePuppyz
N@tedog
Posted 5:47 AM 11/6/08
Um Voodoo has an HDMI port, backlit keyboard, and a fully-replaceable battery... a FULLY REPLACEABLE BATTERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No brainer.
N@tedog
disillusioned
Posted 6:21 AM 11/6/08
@godwhacker: Erm, I want to say 60GB but it may have been 80GB. I know those specs weren't locked yet. (Sorry, I'm back at my hotel now, but I can check when I go back tomorrow.)
disillusioned
aec007
Posted 6:16 AM 11/6/08
@The Magnificen7:
"And technically, the air is still thinner...."
LOL
Yeah..yeah... keep dreamin'
aec007
BrianJ7
Posted 7:28 AM 11/6/08
Any word if they will be selling the power brick/router hybrid separately? If it has a standard connector they could make a killing off of those alone.
BrianJ7
dekigo92
Posted 11:23 AM 11/6/08
Yes, but when can I get the tablet version?
I've always been extremely impressed by voodoo's computers and this looks to be no different. They've always been a little bit overpriced, but sometimes it seems like it's worth it.
dekigo92
disillusioned
Posted 7:37 PM 11/6/08
@BrianJ7: They'll be selling them as replacements I think, but I don't know if they'll be marketing them on their own. They have their own software to mate with the power brick AP, but he mentioned you could flash the firmware on the power brick to make it an open AP/install other stuff to it. In theory. They were locking it down pretty tightly.
The dual-boot Linux option surprised me on a machine "ostensibly" from HP, but kudos to that.
I can ask Raul what the price will be on the adapters... It's definitely a nice concept. It also allows both cables to be disconnected, so they could technically sell it such that it's compatible with any laptop. (That uses the same voltage, etc.) Realistically, you won't see that happen because the Voodoo brand isn't really geared towards component sales, namsayn? Maybe HP will sub-brand their own. The logo glows with network activity, even.
disillusioned
Metkis
Posted 10:28 PM 11/6/08
*There's no internal optical drive, but every 133 ships with an external drive in the box.
What the hell, that's not a good way to make money?!
Metkis
Metkis
Posted 11:02 PM 11/6/08
@chonnes: Yeah, but it is carbon fiber weave, has an external drive with it, HDMI, is technically thinner than MBAir, Replaceable Battery.
I'm betting with that carbon fiber it's lighter than the MBA too.
But meh, if you're in that high of a market, why not, right?
Metkis
phoomp
Posted 12:18 AM 12/6/08
@indydrew:
The only reason it doesn't "look" as thin as the MBA is because Voodoo didn't pull any of the industrial design trickery that Apple did by tapering the MBA at the edges.
phoomp
Bitstuff
Posted 11:58 PM 11/6/08
@Metkis:
Love, love the sarcasm.
[www.voodoopc.com]
Has the specs. Just download the PDF.
And...whoa: last time I was on that website (yes, two years ago) they had a good selection of computers to choose from. Now, everything is "coming soon." I'm not going to be biting my fingernails, camping the website type of crazy about this machine, but I will keep an eye out, very likely without making a purchase. I'm just not in the market at this time.
Bitstuff
shakes
Posted 2:11 PM 11/6/08
ewwwwww....white
shakes
uhohpolio
Posted 7:08 PM 10/6/08
oh look at that. 1 usb. Bummer.
But it does look pretty sweet.
Now all i need is 2100$
uhohpolio