Voodoo Computers Inc. or VoodooPC was a luxury personal computer brand and company. Voodoo was originally started as a niche PC maker in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was founded in 1991, and acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2006.[1] Voodoo specialized in desktop high performance computing. By 2013 the Voodoo name was no longer used, and was replaced by the brand name Omen, which used the same logo until 2020.[2]
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 |
| Fate | Retired. Brand reformed into Omen by HP. |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California |
Key people | Rahul Sood (Founder and CTO Voodoo Brand, HP) Todd Bradley (VP, of HP PSG) |
| Products | Enthusiast Personal Computers |
| Parent | Hewlett-Packard |
| Website | http://www.voodoopc.com/ (Archived Apr 28, 2005) |
Desktop offering
editVoodoo PC was most well known for its desktops. They experimented with liquid cooling partnering with CoolIT Systems at one point.[3] On June 10, 2008, the Omen computer's complete redesign was revealed, showing a new brushed metal case and mounted 7" auxiliary screen.[4]
History
editThe company was founded in 1991 by Rahul Sood, and in 1999 Ravi Sood (brother to Rahul) joined the board of operations. Prior to the acquisition Voodoo employed roughly 40 people between their Canadian headquarters and their web development office in Bangalore.
Acquisition by HP
editOn September 28, 2006, Rahul Sood announced on his blog that HP would be acquiring VoodooPC for an undisclosed amount. Rahul Sood will be assuming the position of Chief Technology Officer for HP's Global Voodoo Business Unit.[5]
In August 2007, HP announced the HP Blackbird 002 gaming PC with the label VoodooDNA inside the case, and was released on September 15, 2007.
New direction
editSince the acquisition of Voodoo in 2006, the business has been re-developing the brand of Voodoo. This was culminated on the 10th June 2008 with the revelation that Voodoo will focus on high-end, top spec computers rather than gaming machines. Voodoo will also continue with Voodoo DNA machines with HP.
For the launch of their new brand direction they used the tag line of 'Blending Art, Innovation and Performance;' confirming the businesses future as a HP brand.
In 2009, HP used the Envy line as a high-performance computer without the Voodoo branding or Voodoo DNA.[6]
Products
editDiscontinued
edit- Rage (gaming desktop)
- Aria (media center)
- Hexx (gaming desktop, small form factor)
- Vibe (media center/Xbox combination)
- Eden (fanless/silent gaming desktop)
- Omega (canceled)
- HP Blackbird 002 (high end gaming desktop with VoodooDNA)
- HP Firebird (lower end compact gaming desktop with VoodooDNA)
- HP Firefly (dual screen laptop/cancelled)
- Envy 133 (premium ultraportable notebook) with Splashtop instant-on OS.
- F Class
- Fury
- EGAD
- DOLL
- Idol
- Epic
See also
edit- HP Omen
- Maingear, VoodooPC url redirect
- List of computer system manufacturers
- Hewlett-Packard
- Alienware
References
edit- ^ "HP buys VoodooPC".
- ^ "HP hits the Omen reset with a new logo, new gaming desktops, and a 27-inch IPS monitor".
- ^ "CoolIT Systems Leads the Way with Liquid Cooling". Businessincalgary.com. 30 April 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
- ^ "Voodoo Omen: Voodoo Omen Gaming Desktop Is Most Beautiful Ever, Only $6500-$20,000". Gizmodo.com. 10 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-15.
- ^ "Hewlett-Packard acquires VoodooPC". Techtaxi.blogspot.com. 2006-10-08. Retrieved 2009-08-10.
- ^ "HP Envy 13 exhumed lacking Voodoo DNA". 14 September 2009.