1/21/08 - Voodoo's previous entry into the desktop replacement market was based upon desktop processors. While the Envy H:171 provided strong performance, it lacks any meaningful battery life or real portability. The newer Envy M:172 is designed with mobile parts in mind that will provide strong performance without the limitations of the H:171. Let's take a closer look at what they have to offer ...
Processor:
Intel's Core 2 Duo T7000 series processors are used with the Envy M:172 laptop. A wide range of models are available from the fairly low end T7300 dual core on through the T7700 version. Vodoo also offers the Core 2 Extreme X7800 dual core processor which is curretly one of the fastest models available. The Extreme versions also have the ability to be overclocked in some instances.
Memory:
As with most notebook platforms right now, the Envy M:172 uses the PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that is currently the fastest supported by the mobile chipsets. Users have the option between 1GB, 2GB or 4GB configurations. 2GB is really the size that most people will want to select. The 4GB configuration will add some performance boosts but will have some restrictions due to the 32-bit operating systems limitations.
Hard Drives:
Voodoo's hard drive selection relies primarily upon the 7200rpm high speed drives that spin faster for improved performance. The base 100GB drive has limited storage but options are avilable for 120, 160 and 200GB versions as well. For those wanting a big more space and don't care as much about speed, a Western Digital 5400rpm hard drive with 250GB of space is also available. The system only hold a single drive and no solid state drive options are available.
CD/DVD Drive:
No choice here at all for consumers as Voodoo only ships the Envy M:172 with a standard dual layer compatible DVD+/-RW drive. There isn't even an option to upgrade the system to either a HD-DVD or Bluray drive unit.
Graphics and Display:
Since graphics are so important to gaming, one would think this would be a key point for the Envy M:172. The display is a very bright 17-inch screen with a very high 1920x1200 resolution. The glossy coating helps keep the colors bright but can increase glare. The problem is that the graphics are limited to the GeForce 8700M GT 512MB dedicated graphics. This is a good processor, but it will struggle to keep up with the diaplay. It would be nice to see Voodoo either put a second processor for SLI or go with the newer 8800M for better gaming performance.
Networking:
Notebook networking has become fairly standardized now and the Envy M:172 features everyone one might expect. It features the new 802.11n draft standard wireless networking with support also for the 802.11a and 802.11g standards. A gigabit Ethernet port handles wired connectivity while a standard 56Kbps modem is there for those that need dialup. There is a Bluetooth 2.0 compatible module for connecting with other devices and preipherals as well.
Ports:
For a 17-inch notebook, the Envy M:172 has only an average number of expansion ports. It comes with four USB 2.0 ports and a single FireWire port for peripheral connections. A DVI port resides on the back for those wishing to hook up an external display. Also included a single expansion card slot and 4-in-1 card reader. One of the nice features for the ports is four audio connectors on the front. This allows three audio output connectors for 5.1 surround audio along with a microphone connector.
Software:
Voodoo tends to keep their systems free of application software. Uses do have the choice of three different operating systems include the newer Vista Ultimate or Home Premium or the old Windows XP Professional. Those wishing to have two versions of Windows on the system can elect to do so for increased compatbility. Three different versions of Microsoft Office 2007 are also available for those requiring productivity software.
Overall Impressions:
The Voodoo Envy M:172 is really a response to the H:171 model. The H:171 was a much larger notebook computer system that used desktop processors to power the system. The M:172 reduces the bulk of the system by instead going with a mobile specific processor. This does help the battery life somewhat and reduce the size, but it still is on the heavier side compared to other 17-inch notebooks on the market.
While the Envy M:172 is geared towards PC gamers, the system really does fail to live up to many gamers' expectations with its graphics. The display is certainly a very high resolution and gorgeous display, but the graphics processor is very limited. The Envy H:171 only used the GeForce Go 7950 but its ability for an SLI configuration gives it higher overall performance than the M:172's single GeForce 8700M. Gamers will be able to get higher performance 3D graphics from other less expensive notebook systems.
Price of course is the big issue with the Voodoo PC systems. The Envy M:172 is no different from other Voodoo systems in terms of price. For the base cost of the Envy M:172, it is possible to purchase two systems from more generic companies that provide almost equal performance. So why on earth do people buy notebooks like the Envy M:172? It's the ability to get a custom paint job that provide a very unique laptop system. Twenty different color options that can also be matched with purchased peripherals and graphics make for one truly unique notebook provided you can afford the cost.
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