Processor:
Since Voodoo's computers are all about gaming performance, the Envy H:171 centers around the Intel Core 2 desktop processors. Users have the choie of either a E6600, E6700 or the Exreme X6800. All of these provide lots of performance but a major power draw that impacts battery life. Voodoo also offers the systems with the AMD line of processors, but it is unlikely that users would select them over the more power Intel models.
Since Voodoo's computers are all about gaming performance, the Envy H:171 centers around the Intel Core 2 desktop processors. Users have the choie of either a E6600, E6700 or the Exreme X6800. All of these provide lots of performance but a major power draw that impacts battery life. Voodoo also offers the systems with the AMD line of processors, but it is unlikely that users would select them over the more power Intel models.
Memory:
For being such a high end notebook computer, one would thing that Voodoo would opt to use the fastest memory possible. Instead, they offer three configurations of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory rather than PC2-6400. The memory capacity can be either 1GB, 2GB or 4GB. Most users will elect to go with at least the 2GB setup rather than the very minimal 1GB that is really going to hold back the performance.
For being such a high end notebook computer, one would thing that Voodoo would opt to use the fastest memory possible. Instead, they offer three configurations of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory rather than PC2-6400. The memory capacity can be either 1GB, 2GB or 4GB. Most users will elect to go with at least the 2GB setup rather than the very minimal 1GB that is really going to hold back the performance.
Hard Drives:
One of the big things with the Envy H:171 is the hard drives. Most notebooks only feature one and some desktop replacements can have two. Voodoo has packed enough space to fit three notebook drives inside this system. In fact, the system can be designed with RAID for improved data reliability or speed. Six differen drives are available with capacities ranging from 80GB up to 250GB. Those at 160GB or lower use a fast 7200rpm desktop rotation speed while larger drives feature either a 5400 or 4200rpm spin rate.
One of the big things with the Envy H:171 is the hard drives. Most notebooks only feature one and some desktop replacements can have two. Voodoo has packed enough space to fit three notebook drives inside this system. In fact, the system can be designed with RAID for improved data reliability or speed. Six differen drives are available with capacities ranging from 80GB up to 250GB. Those at 160GB or lower use a fast 7200rpm desktop rotation speed while larger drives feature either a 5400 or 4200rpm spin rate.
CD/DVD Drive:
Voodoo's 17" notebook chassis comes with a single optical drive selection, a 8x dual layer DVD burner. For such an expensive system that features a high resolution display and such performance, it's somewhat disappointing that it does not come equipped with a high definition optical drive. Either a HD-DVD or BluRay drive would be a welcome addition for such a stylish system.
Voodoo's 17" notebook chassis comes with a single optical drive selection, a 8x dual layer DVD burner. For such an expensive system that features a high resolution display and such performance, it's somewhat disappointing that it does not come equipped with a high definition optical drive. Either a HD-DVD or BluRay drive would be a welcome addition for such a stylish system.
Graphics and Display:
Since the Envy H:171 is designed as a gaming notebook, the graphics play an important role. The 17" screen has a very high 1920x1200 resolution that can be difficult for those without near perfect vision. Driving the display is either a single GeForce Go 7950 graphics processor or an SLI configuration that uses two processors. While they don't support Direct X 10 graphics, they are the fastest graphics cores for notebooks currently available for Direct X 9 games. A 1.3Mp webcam is built into the bezel of the display and an optional USB TV tuner is available.
Since the Envy H:171 is designed as a gaming notebook, the graphics play an important role. The 17" screen has a very high 1920x1200 resolution that can be difficult for those without near perfect vision. Driving the display is either a single GeForce Go 7950 graphics processor or an SLI configuration that uses two processors. While they don't support Direct X 10 graphics, they are the fastest graphics cores for notebooks currently available for Direct X 9 games. A 1.3Mp webcam is built into the bezel of the display and an optional USB TV tuner is available.
Networking:
Connectivity shouldn't be much of an issue with Voodoo's H:171. It features the notebook staples of a v.92 56Kbps modem and a gigabit Ethernet. In terms of the wireless features, a draft-802.11n card has been included that is also backward compatible with the 802.11a/b/g standards. In addition to this, they have also included a Bluetooth 2.0 transmitter for use with Bluetooth peripheral devices.
Connectivity shouldn't be much of an issue with Voodoo's H:171. It features the notebook staples of a v.92 56Kbps modem and a gigabit Ethernet. In terms of the wireless features, a draft-802.11n card has been included that is also backward compatible with the 802.11a/b/g standards. In addition to this, they have also included a Bluetooth 2.0 transmitter for use with Bluetooth peripheral devices.
Ports: For being such a large notebook system, the Voodoo Envy H:171 has a fairly standard set of ports on the system. Like most systems, it comes with four USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port, 7-in-1 media card reader and an ExpressCard/54 slot. In addition to this, it also features a DVI video output connector for those who want to hook up and external digital display.
Software:
Voodoo doesn't pack much software in with the purchase of any of their computer systems. Users will pretty much get a single operating systems unless they are willing to buy extra software. Users can select either the base Windows XP Professional operating system or Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Editions. They will install a second operating system if so desired. Several versions of Microsoft Office are availalbe as are a number of popular PC games.
Overall Impressions: Voodoo doesn't pack much software in with the purchase of any of their computer systems. Users will pretty much get a single operating systems unless they are willing to buy extra software. Users can select either the base Windows XP Professional operating system or Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Editions. They will install a second operating system if so desired. Several versions of Microsoft Office are availalbe as are a number of popular PC games.
An important thing to remember about Voodoo's computer systems is that while they provide some of the best performance available, the real reason for them is the customized design and bragging rights to owning such a system. These are clearly some of the most expensive notebook computer on the market. The Envy product name pretty much sums up what Voodoo is aiming for. They want their systems to be the envy of the marketplace.
So, what does the high price tag get you with the Voodoo products? The big thing is the highly customizable chassis design. After all, there is a selection from over twenty different colors for the H:171 notebook alone. The limited edition colors can bump up the price significantly. A total of thirteen different graphics or tattoos can also be placed onto the system for an extra fee.
In terms of the Envy H:171 itself, it seems a bit out of place with other desktop replacements. Sure, it provide plenty of performance as is an excellent mobile gaming platform. The problem is that all the space for the desktop components and the extra hard drives make this a very bulky notebook. It is almost an inch thicker than most notebooks and a good three to four pounds heavily. With this much bulk, it is kind of surprising that Voodoo didn't decide to use a 19” display screen instead. Of course, battery life is going to be severely limited as well.
Of course, the price is also something that most people won't really be able to justify. With such a high cost for this system, consumers can buy two more generic gaming notebooks that provide almost the same level of performance. Better yet, a gaming desktop platform and a mobile platform. They won't look as nice, but they will be just as functional. And that really is what it is all about. You purchase a Voodoo notebook more for its appearance.
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