"First off--the machine. Awesome. The workmanship that goes into the system itself--you can tell, it's a labor of love. It's speedy, very tidy, and drool worthy.

Second--the service. I have never had such a pleasant experience with any other vendor as I have had with Voodoo. The folks there can relate to gamers, they don't force an upsell, and MAN! they shipped out my machine much faster than I thought and got it to me expedited. The guys didn't seem to mind that me, an indecisive customer, kept calling and emailing back changing hardware and kept asking questions about recommendations. The representative, Brendan, respected me as a consumer and even chatted about the industry in general. He went above and beyond what I previously expected a salesperson to do. When I called to change an item, he actually got out of his chair and walked over to the packaging folks and made sure that the original item was removed and replaced with what I wanted instead. They even changed the software on the machine to take the new peripherals and shipped it out the same day. Awesome.

When I met Chris and Tyrell at CES, they were professional, but also very approachable. It was nice to see that the salespeople and techs were similar to their customers.

As weird as it sounds, the whole thing was a great deal. You'll get the DIY zealots who will swear that making it from scratch is going to save thousands of dollars. Then they'll add that building your system from the ground up gives you appreciation for your computer. While I agree that you learn tons from putting together (I've done dozens of machines), owning a Blackbird is similar to owning a Rolls Royce versus building a kit car. To speak on the cost savings, it's really not that much. Adding up equivalent components in Newegg will show that the pricing is very similar. In the end, buying from Voodoo was akin to going to the store with a knowledgeable friend, and not really with a salesperson."

"Working with these guys has been great! After learning that MasterCard charged me 3% on top of my order for a "foreign transaction fee" (translate that as complete bull#*&t!!) Brendan gladly refunded the purchase amount to my MasterCard and re-charged me on my Discover card (no foreign fee). Both Brendan and Jodie have been very helpful in getting this taken care of and much to my surprise, my Blackbird arrived 2 weeks earlier than they estimated when I ordered it. Great experience, THANKS guys, you ROCK!"

"When I began my search for a new computer I had a number of requirements in mind. First and foremost being upgradability, then the use of superior industry standard components, and finally price. Several upper level computer manufacturers met these criteria, such as Alienware, HP/Voodoo, and Velocity Micro. I could have purchased a computer from the other manufacturers stated above that would have been equipped identical to my Blackbird, for hundreds less than HP’s machine. However, perhaps the ONLY reason I purchased from HP was due to Thomas Kerekes. Out of all the companies I had talked to Tom was the only phone representative that seemed as if though he truly enjoyed his job, and this feeling was contagious. Additionally, his knowledge of the Blackbird’s unique characteristics and other gaming machines in general, for a sales representative is exemplary; he could probably pull a double shift in technical support as well! Any and all of my customer requests were met by a, “Yes” or “Sure, I’ll see what I can do.” not “No”. For a consumer getting ready to spend several thousands of dollars, this illustrates to me that I am truly a person (with concerns and questions) to this individual and not just another sales opportunity. Even after the initial sale Tom kept constant contact with me as to the payment processing, production / assembly, and shipping. After the computer arrived at my residence, I had a number of technical issues which I brought to the attention of Tom, he immediately – within an hour or two, put me in contact with a member of the technical support team. This showed me that even weeks after the sale, Tom still cared."

"Wow! This is fast. I am not a gamer, but was tired of slow actions and start-ups. No longer! The best part of the transaction was the hand-holding by Brendan throughout the process so that I knew where everything was at all times. He was a BIG help in all phases of the process. Thanks, B!"

"Marvelous experience, Anupam Bal was patient, informative and helpful to provide me with what I wanted."

"I have just purchased a Voodoo Gaming PC. I interacted with Faezeh Razavi, who was responsive and knowledgeable and have all the time for me. She was very cooperative when I changed order many times. She took enough time to make sure I am fully satisfied with order and invioce. Thank you Faezeh for going that extra mile. What a fine experience, It’s a pleasure to do business with you.

Thanks, Apurva Desai
"

"So far I've had a good experience with HP/Voodo PC. I ordered a Blackbird 002 model. I had some problems on the Blackbird web site in trying to configure a computer so decided to call them direct and that was a great decision. I spoke to Anupam (AB) Bal at HP and he guided me thru my configuration. I have to admit I'm not a gamer but a gadget guru who likes the best/fastest/smallest electronic "toys". I do a lot of photo/video editing and heavily use Office Word/Excel/Powerpoint and usually have several applications open at a time which was causing problems with my older computer. I was in the market for a new computer and went to the HP site and started looking for a super fast computer and the Blackbird, with it's new liquid-cooled CPU, fit my needs. Anupam did a great job in determining the configuration I needed and didn't try to sell me more than I needed that maybe a gamer would need when choosing a graphics card, processor speed, etc. Once I ordered my computer, he kept me updated with e-mails and phone calls on the status and delivery date. My computer shipped in less than 3 weeks after I placed my order and in time for Christmas. I have been very pleased with the Blackbird 002. The machine is not small and is solidly built weighing in at about 75lbs. It easily handles multiple programs and has extremely fast response time when working with photos. I did have one issue with my Blue-ray/DVD optical drive not reading a Blue-ray disc. I had great technical support from HP/Voodoo. I was able to talk to a technical expert right away and he talked me thru some trouble-shooting steps before determining I had a bad drive and sent me a new drive. The drive was sent on a Friday and I received it on Monday. Replacing the new drive was super easy. Just open the side panel by releasing a lever, disconnect the two wires to the drive and then push the drive out of the bay. It took a few more minutes to remove the two rails from old drive and screw on to new drive and then slide the new drive back in, connect the wires and close the side door shut. Maybe 5 min job. The instruction book had great pictures and instructions on how to remove/replace the optical drive. The drive now will play a Blue-ray movie. If you want a fast computer that you can configure to your needs, I'd recommend the Blackbird. The computer is pricey--but you get what you paid for."

"I bought a Blackbird 002 - what a fanastic computer - great design, great performance. I did have some problems with it at first, but I got great support, particularly from Stephan Olson, who actually sold me the computer. My Blackbird is operating beautifully now - probably the best desktop compute I've even owned."

"I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY VOODOO!
I was looking for something powerful enough to handle large architectural files and need something with the capacity to work FAST regardless of the file size. Voodoo computers were among a few companies that I was told to check out. I sent out an email for further information and had a response later that day. Stephan helped me through the entire process. The poor guy . . . I had so many questions and continually sent more and more questions and inquiries to him to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted and what I needed. I sent him the specs of what programs required and he made sure I had exactly the right components to make the system work best for me.
I decided Voodoo was the best choice for what I needed and placed my order and was told it would be about 30 days before the system ended up at my doorstep. I actually needed the system ASAP and Stephan was great! He was very responsive in keeping me up to date with every step of the building process so I knew exactly where we stood. He even called to let me know there was an issue with my second hard drive not being in on time. He made sure the issue was resolved 2 days later and I got my system right on time with no delays!!
The best part . . . opening up the package! The light activated sound system placed in the box made the whole thing! AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING EXPERIENCE FROM THE START!
Stephan did actually help me in choosing the color. I had originally wanted to go for classic black (city girl) but he suggested the gun-metal silver. I’m so glad he gave me that advice . . . I’m ready to make love to my system every time I look at it! It’s so completely sexy!
The system itself is amazing! The price tag was a bit overwhelming . . . but by far the best money I ever spent! The system handles about 5-6 times larger files than I ever could have run on my previous computer (of course that's just because I haven't had time to make the files even larger!!) The quality of the product definitely lives up to it’s name!
It’s going to be hard to ever own a different computer!
"

"Have Purchased a Voodoo Omen machine and was prepared to pay a premium based on the top spec and good customised service I had heard about I was not disappointed I dealt with Anupam (AB)who was responsive and very knowledgeable going that extra mile to make sure I was totally satisfied and working with me to make sure I was fully aware of spec options and timelines - a pleasure to do business with , highly recommended"

"I was very pleased with the service I received from both Anupan and Faezah. They were courteous, helpful, and informative. My computer actually came earlier than I had expected. I'm still in the process of setting it up and I am having a few difficulties but that's only because of a new and unfamiliar operating system.
Thanks to everyone at HP Blackbird for making my experience enjoyable and stress free.

Michelle St.Sauveur
Coventry, RI USA"

"Sellers Ratings content:

This was the most pleasurable over-the-phone experience ever configuring and purchasing a desktop PC. Sales Agent (AB) was very knowledgeable and helpful in determining the system specifications for my needs. Even after the purchase the sales agent has responded to all questions via email promptly. I am very anxious to receive my new HP Blackbird system. Highly recommend speaking with their sales team if considering purchasing a new PC.

Update - 01/28/2008
Received my system several days earlier than expected. The packaging was very well done. After opening the box the first item noticed is a large layout explaining how to unpack the computer and setup. The computer was even bigger than I expected and looks amazing in person.

Since I already owned an LG 22" monitor my order consisted of the computer, G11 keyboard and G5 mouse. Along with all the extras (CD's manuals,...) was a large black 002 mouse pad to compliment the case design. I opened the case before setting it up and felt proud to own such a well engineered machine.

System specs: Intel core duo 3.0Ghz E6850, dual Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT 512MB video cards, 2 GB 1066Mhz CORSAIR PC2-8500 SLI ready memory, ASUS Striker Extreme 680i MB, Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, 160GB 10000 rpm HD, 900 Watt PS, Dual DVD lightscribe drives, MS Vista Ultimate

Impressions - I have been completely satisfied with this system. There have been a few minor issues but nothing an updated driver hasn't resolved or my HP sales rep (AB) helped me with. One issue is the second DVD is not always recognized in Device Manager. I have been told this is a windows Vista problem, and should be resolved in a future update. Usually a reboot of the system fixes it. The key on the G11 stopped working and HP promptly sent me a replacement. The Sales and technical folks have been outstanding.

The big test was how well the rig would play Crysis. I can say that it handles this game with no problem. I haven't measured frames per second, but there isn't any noticeable slow downs, choppiness, etc. In fact, the game analyzed my system and set all options to High.

I would recommend this system to anyone looking for a high end gaming machine. The level of support alone is worth the investment. You will not be disappointed with the HP Blackbird.
"

"I have experienced many companies’ customer service and tech support services. Although, Voodoopc is by far the best.
I would the mention Judith in customer service; Ryan and
David in the tech support crew are the very best in the business.
It was far easier to deal Judith (customer service) than going to administration. What an easy going and delightful person to deal with.
Ryan and David, I felt I could build a computer over the phone. They are the best in the business.
Thank You Voodoopc for having great people to keep your company strong.

Tim K.
"

"Overall a mixed experience when purchasing a Blackbird Dedication Edition. Problems with shipping it on time and they never followed up. When I called I got 3 different reasons for the delay and finally an email later giving more description.

Loved my new computer for 10 days when one of the video card fans blew out. I returned it within the 30 days and the fun began. Initially, a customer service rep (CSR) told me I might be charged a restocking fee and that HP hadn't really put in place procedures for returns yet.

They assigned me a sales manager who told me they were in meetings deciding how they would handle my situation, which I did not understand since I was returning it within the 30 day guarantee. Needless to say this caused me untold grief. My new $5500 machine didn't work and I'm getting the run around.

I spoke with another customer rep (Anupam) when my assigned customer service manager failed to call me back or update me. Anumpam was the exception to my experience. He took ownership and kept in constant contact with me. He pushed for answers and was a perfect example of what Customer Service should be. If he was the sole representative of the Company I would not hesistate to do business with them again.

If not for Anumpam, I would never do business with them again. If you're going to put a new machine on the market (especially at over 5K), a company as large as HP/Voodoo should get their ducks in a row before selling it to the public.

Like a said, a mixed experience. Great computer when it worked (also Tech Support was good), Anupam Great, HP run-a-round, not so much."

"What can I say? I have purchased and built many computers and nothing has ever come close to the BLACKBIRD I just purchased. The sales support was fantastic, Brendan was a professional and has answered every email I have sent him in a very timely manner.I would recommend this company and sales rep to anyone looking to buy a high end gaming machine."