9/8/06 – Voodoo PC is known for their stylish and high performance prestige gaming systems. I was quite taken aback when I learned that they offered an ultraportable notebook with the Envy a:228. Could this company really produce a high quality system that wasn't geared for gaming? Let's take a look at what they have to offer...
Processor:
While most companies are using the Intel processors for their notebooks, Voodoo PC has decided to use the AMD Turion X2 64 dual core mobile processor for the Envy a:228. It comes with the TL-52 model base and can be upgraded to either the TL-56 or TL-60 for extra power. While these processor don't provide the same power savings as the new Core Duo's, they are still very respectable in terms of their performance.
Memory:
While most companies are offering 512MB of memory with their ultraportables, Voodoo PC puts a standard 1 gigabyte of memory in the Envy a:228. This lets the system run through most memory intensive applications without much problem. If you are running a large number of apps or maybe the Adobe products, Voodoo also offers an upgrade to two gigabytes.
Hard Drives:
Voodoo PC offers a wide range of hard drives with the Envy a:228. The standard drive is a 60GB that is a standard size for most ultraportables. Unlike most though, this drive has a 7,200rpm spin rate for improved performance. Those needing extra storage space have the option of upgrading to an 80GB or 100GB drive with the same speed. If performance isn't as important, they also offer 80, 100, 120 and 160GB drives with a 5,400rpm spin rate.
CD/DVD:
The Envy a:228 ultraportable includes a multiformat DVD burner integrated into the notebook. This is a nice addition that many ultraportables instead include as an external option. This does add to the size and weight of the overall system though.
Graphics and Display:
Since Voodoo PC is known for gaming, you might assume that the Envy a:228 has a dedicated graphics processor but it doesn't. Instead it relies on an integrated ATI graphics processor built into the chipset. This is a step up from the Intel integrated chipsets but users will not be able to really use this system for 3D PC gaming as other Voodoo systems. The 12.1-inch widescreen LCD comes with a standard 1280x800 resolution that is great for watching DVD movies.
Networking:
The Envy a:228 supports the 2.4GHz wireless networking including the 11Mbps and 54Mpbs standard. An optional upgrade allows the system to also support the 5GHz 54Mpbs 802.11a standard. A high speed 10/100 Ethernet adapter and v.92 56Kbps modem are also included for networking. Finally, the system also supports Bluetooth networking and peripherals.
Ports:
Peripheral connectivity is a bit better than average for the Envy a:228. The system comes with a total of four USB 2.0 ports over the more traditional two or three for on ultraportables. Also included are a FireWire port for use with digital camcorders, a Type II PC card slot and a 3-in-1 card reader.
Software:
Software wise the choices for the Envy a:228 are quite limited. It comes standard with the Windows XP operating system, but all other programs are add ons. Users can choose to purchase one of the Microsoft Office versions for productivity applications. Ironically, Voodoo PC is also offering several PC games as optional software applications even though the system has limited gaming potential.
Overall Impressions:
In addition to all the other features mentioned above, Voodoo PC also allows users to personalize the look of the Envy a:228. This includes the selection between of around twenty different colors schemes for the case plus another dozen tattoo designs that can be placed on the back of the LCD panel. This gives the Envy a:228 a level of style and personalization not found on any other portable.
Having said that, the Voodoo PC is probably one of the most expensive ultraportables on the market. Voodoo PC has always been a prestige PC manufacturer and that tradition includes the Envy a:228. Users can easily purchase equivalent performance notebooks for much less than this system.
Another thing to note about the Envy a:228 is the weight of the system. While the size is not much bigger than most competing ultraportables, it does weight between 4 to 4.5 pounds, roughly a full pound heavier than most ultraportables. It does have the advantage of being a complete system by having an integrated DVD burner, but the weight does add up and those traveling will be keen to keep the weight down.
