Voodoo's Envy 133 Is Thinnest Notebook Alive; Based On Intel Metro Concept Laptop

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 0.76" 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 3.4 lbs., heavier than the bulimic Metro, but still respectably light. It's also got a healthy 13.3" display, and for a starting cost of $2,100, it had better. For being so thin, it's also got a surprising number of tricks hidden in its carbon-fiber microweave case, like a Linux alter-ego, a "multiple gesture" touchpad and a secret Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet bridge.

Introducing Voodoo Envy 133

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 customize 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 recognizes 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 recognizes 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 adapter - 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.

• Color - 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 fiber 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 fiber 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 adapter (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

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Dell Studio Hybrid Mini-PC Officially Makes Hippies Smile for $499

Dell's Hybrid mini PC is pretty much their worst kept secret ever (which is kinda sayin' something!) but as of now it can officially adorn the desktop corners of eco- and space-conscious college freshmen or slip into entertainment centers for $499. It's 80 percent smaller than a standard desktop while slurping 70 percent less power, and 95 percent of the packaging is recyclable, plus it comes with a system recycling kit.

This seems like the future of traditional consumer desktops that aren't gaming/performance beasts or servers (since the desktop is otherwise being supplanted by laptops in the consumer space). Definitely a winner from Dell's design department—but let's see how well these sell.

The studio hybrid is about 80 percent smaller than the typical desktop minitower, and uses up to 70 percent less energy. In addition to being extremely energy efficient and Energy Star 4.0 compliant, the Studio Hybrid’s unique packaging was designed to be environmentally responsible:

· Reduced packing materials 30 percent by weight.

· Packing materials are also 95 percent recyclable.

· Reduced printed documentation 75 percent by weight.

· System recycling kit is included.

The Studio Hybrid is available today on www.dell.com/hybrid and will be featured in select retailers later this fall.

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Iriver's touchscreen Spinn gets priced for pre-order

You read that title correctly, iriver's Spinn is apparently touchscreen (not D-Click as mentioned in the FCC leaked user manual) and features haptic feedback to boot. Now that it's officially spec'd on iriver's Korean site, we're also seeing a slightly degraded audio lifespan of 24-hours (not 27) and the apparent removal of the mini SD slot -- it's no longer mentioned in the specs and we don't see a suitable slot on any of the pictures. Otherwise, it's the same sleek slab of 10.7-mm thick metal and plastic sporting a 3.3-inch, 480 x 272 pixel AMOLED display, T-DMB TV, Bluetooth, and new analog SPINN Wheel we've seen kicking around since CES. Currently on pre-order for South Korea with the 4GB model fetching 259,000KRW (about $259) or 8GB for 299,000KRW (about $299). That's right, it maxes out with just 8GB of flash. Check the gallery while we all anxiously await iriver's international launch plans including the rumored August UK release.

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Dell Introduces Their Smallest, Greenest PC Yet

Michael Dell, the king of Dell, just previewed his company's smallest and greenest desktop PC yet at FORTUNE Brainstorm: GREEN. There's no name for this mini green PC, shown rendered above, but it's 81% smaller than a mini tower and 70% less energy-consuming. It's also shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging, and look a whole lot like those cheapo Sun workstations that colleges love(d) to use. As long as this machine is at least as powerful as a laptop (we don't mean an Eee PC), we're all for Dell's enviro-conscious direction.

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About

Amazon Shock™ is a blog with the sole purpose of writing about tech and gadgets as fast as possible. Started in Jan 2008, Amazon Shock™ is bringing in upwards of 50k page views a month in traffic. We post about a variety of gadgets, including computers, cellphones, video games, cameras and anything else you can push a button on.

If you have any comments, concerns or juicy inside info, feel free to pass them along to amazonshock@gmail.com. Enjoy Reading!

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Sony Ericsson HBH-GV435 Bluetooth Headset - DPY 901537/2

Clear Digital Sound and lasting comfort The sound and design features of the HBH-GV435 allow you to wear the headset at all times. Whether you are in a busy office or a loud factory, this headset makes sure that you can hear your caller loud and clear and that you can be heard too. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) makes the sound crisper and clearer. Fast automatic volume adjustment makes the required change to the volume depending on the situation, while Bluetooth 2.0 guarantees the best and most stable link to your phone possible. Optimal ergonomics If you have a working day filled with phone calls, this is the ultimate Bluetooth headset. The new discreet design hides snugly around your ear without a visible boom, leaving your ear canal uncovered so that you can talk clearly to people face-to-face as well as via your handset. Easy to put on, it is so comfortable that you might forget that you are wearing a headset at all. Keeps its promises Even through prolonged use of HBH-GV435, you won't be caught short with up to 8 hours talk time and up to 300 hours standby time. The headset facilitates Auto pairing and redialing, exploiting the latest technology to make using HBH-GV435 is easy and secure.

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Sony Ericsson W980i 3G Phone Review

The Sony Ericsson W980i is a 3G Walkman® music phone which comes in a highly attractive clamshell opening handset. The casing is both fashionable to look at as well as practical to use. The external casing comes with easy to use external music keys which are circular in design & situated on the front of the W980i which adds to the overall design of this stunning music phone. It comes with an external colour screen which allows the user to view their music information & calling information without opening the handset. This external screen displays 262k colours on a TFT display with a 176 pixel by 176 pixel screen resolution. The casing is slim & comes with a smooth piano black coloured coating which makes the handset smooth to hold & adds to its sleek design. This clamshell opening phone is only 17mm in depth, 46mm in width & 92mm in height with a total weight of 100 grams.

A subtle but effective see through section situated at the bottom of the clamshell casing makes this handset stand out in design. When the Sony Ericsson W980i is opened the user can view the large 2.2 Inch colour screen which has a screen resolution of 240 pixels by 320 pixels & displays up to 262k colours on a TFT screen. The circular theme continues when the W980i is in its opened position with a circular navigation key, short cut keys, circular call keys & a keypad with individual circular keys. The Sony Ericsson W980i is a member of the Walkman® collection which includes other W range music phones including the Sony Ericsson W910i, Sony Ericsson W950i & the Sony Ericsson W960i.

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World's Thinnest MP4 Player

The above is the MP4 player which is at the moment claiming to be the world's thinnest at just 4.5mm thick. Yes, that's less than half a cm in length if you take out your ruler! Though there isn't any info on its weight, which I suspect wouldn't be too much, the 4GB CVSJ-1304 has a 1.8 inch touch screen that boosts a resolution of 160 x 128 and supports media formats MP4, MP3, WMA, ASF, and WAV. Other features also include FM tuner, rechargeable battery and USB connectivity. It's hard to believe but it's already on sale for just $39.95, which is round about 20 quid and it seems if you buy more you get an even cheaper deal!

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GrandTec GLW-1000 Virtually Indestructible Keyboard

The Virtually Indestructible Keyboard, a silicon-based flexible computer keyboard, features a unique combination of durability and soft, comfortable feel. The washable, “roll-able” keyboard has been called “the best thing to happen to typing since the backspace key.”

The VIK combines state-of-the-art technology with practical design to produce the perfect keyboard. The unique layout offers quick, reflexive typing action that is not only silent, but also more comfortable than standard hard plastic keyboards. The “flat-out” design eliminates negative-angle wrist stress, an unfortunate and impractical holdover from the archaic days of manual typewriters.

The silicon-based material is impervious to most anything including water, coffee and cleaning solutions. From the classroom to the factory floor, the Virtually Indestructible Keyboard is poised to revolutionize how the world types.

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Sony SNC-RZ30N IP Network Color Camera (NTSC) with Integrated Pan/Tilt/Zoom

Combining network functionality with Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) capability, the SNC-RZ30N camera takes remote monitoring and general IT applications to the next step by offering the flexibility to see almost anything within the camera's range and field-of-view over an ordinary TCP/IP network. By simply using a popular web browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer, images and the PTZ movement of the SNC-RZ30N camera can be controlled using a PC at any location and at any time without the need for any additional software or plug-ins. In addition, installation and operation of the SNC-RZ30N camera is easy thanks to its browser based set-up menu and user-friendly GUI (Graphic User Interface). The versatile and flexible SNC-RZ30N is packed with incredible features and comes in a sleek, compact and lightweight design that can be ceiling mounted or placed on a flat surface. The SNC-RZ30N is an ideal choice for virtually any IP remote monitoring application!

Features and Benefits:

• 25x Optical Zoom Capability
• High-resolution CCD sensor
• Built-in PCMCIA card slots
• Analog composite video output connector
• High quality image/selectable parameters
• Image transfer using FTP/SMTP
• Activity Detection/Alarm Trigger
• Analog Composite Video Output
• RS-232C/485 Transparency Interface
• Simultaneous Access
• Network Security-IP Filtering
• Network Security- Password Protection
  

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Nokia N78 - The 3G, GPS-equipped candybar cameraphone really wants to be your best-ever travel buddy

Nokia’s latest N-series "multmedia computer" bundles a 3.2-megapixel camera, music player, satnav and maps into a sleek go-anywhere, do-it-all device.

The N78 is certainly a classy looking handset, and the smart touch goes much deeper than its looks. Its sleek, gloss-black front may at first glance resemble the touch-sensitive minimalism of LG’s oft-copied Chocolate series, but in use, all is not as it seems.

To press the illuminated buttons you actually press the plastic casing inwards. The cover bends to accommodate your thumb rather than reacting purely to your touch. It might seem like a low-tech alternative, but in practice it seemed more reliable than the touch-sensitive option, which in our experience can be a bit temperamental.

Nokia’s solution is a good combination of style and practicality. The numeric keypad is actually four raised plastic strips, with the numbers backlit just above them. It looks lovely, but takes a bit of getting used to, and it has to be said that this keypad is far from the best for rapid or prolonged texting.

The face of the phone oozes minimalist class, but strangely, the back feels like its made from low-grade material and creaks in your hand, which detracts from the cool image. There’s another surprise hidden in the square navpad. Rubbing your thumb around the edge activates what Nokia calls the "navi-wheel", which moves the cursor around the screen without the need to press the pad.

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Motion Computing launches new models

Motion Computing has a couple of new devices in the form of the C5 mobile clinical assistant (MCA) and the F5 semi-rugged tablet PC. The former boasts integrated mobile broadband and solid state drive (SSD) options that will certainly help it go the distance in the environment which it is used, while the latter comes with improved capacity thanks to the inclusion of an 80GB hard drive without you having to fork out an additional penny. More information on both devices will be available after the jump, so read on.

The C5 features optional integrated mobile broadband that enables mobile clinicians to improve productivity by accessing important patient information such as digital images and patient history details on-the-fly. This works great as a mobile point of care application, as it enables better collaboration with other treating clinicians and helps cut down on travel time by enabling the immediate transfer of documentation after every patient visit that will see a reduction in processing delays as well as improved billing cycle times. With the choice to throw in SSD, you can further maintain data integrity as accidental bumps and knocks won’t leave your heart in a lurch.

As for the F5 tablet PC, that semi-rugged device will now come with 80GB of storage space as mentioned earlier, making it suitable for mobile field forces in construction, government, field sales and service, and manufacturing where large amounts of data require safekeeping. While not as stable as SSDs, at least it offers a cost-effective method. Other peripherals from Motion Computing also include the Motion Mobile Dock that allows the C5 or F5 owner to juice up their devices virtually anywhere they are, as long as there is a power source nearby. In addition, the Motion Mobile Dock offers full port replication for your convenience away from the office.

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Me Too Gadget: The Stix Brings Motion Controls To the PC

Continuing in the grand tradition of shameless gadget imitation for the benefit of the consumer public, manufacturer GoLive2 has come up with the latest version of the Wii-mote: The motion-sensing Stix, for the PC.

The wireless GoLive2 Stix are 'touch sensitive' controls that will be compatible with hundreds of PC games, and will be conveniently offered at their own game portal, Sphere. The company will also support third party and independent game developers and help them adapt their games to the Stix scheme.

Oddly, there will be three different types of Styx with increasing levels of features, the Stix 200, the 400 and the 100. (Did they not learn anything from the Vista potpourri feature-set pricing plan?). The Stix 400 will be compatible with all of the approved games, including all the Games for Windows.

But will the motion control scheme have an impact on PC-based gaming?

As of now, the answer is probably no. This is especially the case since the control's success has been limited to the one Wii console, and even some Wii games have not coordinated with the control scheme that well.

Another reason for our skepticism is that PC gamers are uncommonly attached to their keyboard and mouse as their instruments of choice. Would you blame them? The rapid (but precise) shuffling of a sensitive gaming mouse in the middle of a Crysis bust-out is exciting stuff.

The Stix will be available at the end of August.

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