"I was excited to read the PC Gamer review the Blackbird received,the highest in the magizines history, So I immediately ordered one. there were some problems in the order process that caused a delay, how ever i was able to contact a real person immediately and the problem was resoled to my great satisfaction. Christ Sutton and his entire team in the Blackbird voodoo sales and service department are doing an amazing job, and by the wway I LOVE MY BLACKBIRD LIMITED EDITION!!! ty Chris and team, and ty HP.
Sincerely-Allan D. Spanaway Wa."

"Brendan and Renae (spelling) helped me on two different occasions. One by phone and the other by e-mail. They were both very thorough and had outstanding customer service skills. They new the product and did not make me feel silly for asking a million questions. I am very pleased with my HP Blackbird 002 LC.I will be using my super pc to work in and study CAD products. "

"UPDATE:

Unfortunately I must change my opinion on this. The information I was given was inaccurate, in fact so inaccurate that had I taken the offer without reading it, I would have paid an extra $3000 for my system. As it is I have cancelled the deal as I have no faith in this company to deliver what they have promised. If you would like further information, I do have the email strings whic I can forward to you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I was very impressed with the help Thomas gave me, he was able to answer the questions I had and get me the required paperwork very efficiently, I cannot wait to get my hands on my new toy"

"Worked with Thomas who was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, helpful and most importantly you could tell he really enjoyed helping you and finding out information if he didn't know himself. Helped me build a Blackbird computer with everything I needed, and not the things I didn't. Highly recommended."

"I recently bought a Blackbird 002 from Anupam (AB) Bal at Voodoo/HP and it was a great experience. I was upgrading from a Dell XPS 600 to a gaming rig that really lives up to the extraordinary reviews that it is getting. I am a knowledgable PC user and AB was able to work with me to get an order placed that could allow me to "recycle" come of my components. He also kept me informed as my box went through production snd even project managed some small issues that I had after I got the rig. The whole experence was excellent and I love using my bird."

"Because I am buying a Blackbird for someone else, I can only comment on the sell portion of the experience, which in my opinion was especially good. I had a problem with my credit card and the website yesterday. I called the 877 number, got a "live" person quickly, Tom, and he walked me through the entire order over the telephone and hung in there with me until my order was successfully placed. His helpfulness was instrumental and much appreciated - my frustration tolerance was rather low yesterday."

"Many thanks to the incredible customer and technical support team at Voodoo PC. Rob, in particular, has been a great help working through recent issues, while the entire team has been fantastic, patient and proactive over the years.

In all of my interactions with sales and support, I've been consistently treated as part of the team, with cheerful, respectful and intelligent support. That's huge.

My first dream machine was absolutely brilliant... it was well worth the wait for an
amazing, screaming fast, and reliable system.

When that desktop was stolen, I was devastated. I had absolutely no hesitation calling Voodoo for a replacement. It's not just the hardware.

The folks at Voodoo went out of their way to ease the pain as much as possible, helping me to keep my cost down, retain all the warrantee extras and get a new system built quickly.

Unfortunately the new Omen turned out to be problematic from day one. We needed a new power supply, the raid system needed to be redone, video was intermittent, connectors were loose, etc.

In spite of great support, and a lot of attention from the team, the system never worked properly. Rob has been spectacular in helping me to resolve the issues, right through the holiday season.

After all is said and done, I'm essentially getting a new system, although I'm also taking the opportunity to upgrade while my Omen is spending some quality time in Calgary :-)

I think this kind of thing can happen when dealing with new technology; it comes with the territory. What's important is how well Voodoo PC pushes the envelope while maintaining quality control. And even more important to me is how responsive Voodoo has been to my interests and concerns as a customer.

Again, thanks to Rahul and to Rob for escalating this issue, for being so proactive as always, and very special thanks to everyone at Voodoo PC for your world-class support.

Best regards,
Robert
"

"Anupam (AB) is a true sales professional and offered very helpful consultation with respect to building my system. Very good communication throughout the entire process and delivery occurred when promised. Have been very happy with my Blackbird 002 so far and highly recommend it for anyone considering a high-end system."

"After going the rounds with Epson and trying to figure out how to network a printer, check IP addresses, I called Voodoo today. I still can't figure out how Epson can support a printer but not know how to enable it on a network but that's another story! Today, Rob at Voodoo, fixed the issue for me. It took time and me going from one computer to another but he stuck with me and got it fixed. The issue turned out to be the wireless network was not set up correctly and only allowed internet access, not file and print sharing. I also got good advice on firewalls, and what exactly my router and modem provide on their own.
Over the 2 plus years we have had our Voodoo, a few issues have come up now and then. (user error no doubt not hardware!) I have always gotten excellent support from the Voodoo technical team. I can call with software issues, hardware issues, network issues and they help or tell me what to do or who to call. After dealing with other computer manufacturers, software and hardware dealers, I actually think Voodoo has the best tech support team in the industry.
When I have a problem with my computer, I do NOT want to call all over the world. I want to call one place and I want that place to have a team that is knowledgeable and doesn't rush me. That is not too much to ask and I am quite sure I am not alone. It is far too cumbersome to call various "support" teams dealers and one often gets conflicting advice which only makes the problem worse.
Thank goodness for the Voodoo store and tech team. I am a loyal and thankful customer! "

"After only minimal usage of their Voodoo ENVY 15.4" Notebook the mouse pad malfunctioned. They are now charging me $160 for shipping cost to repair it. I will buy a Dell computer in the future."

"It has not been easy, but I think they may have finally gotten it right. After several months, I have my system back and so far (5 days and counting) it is running the way I hoped it would "out of the box"."

"I returned my computer to Voodoo to have a failed hard drive replaced (3rd one)and to trouble shoot a ram failure. Voodoo received the machine on 17 May 2007. As of today, 23 June 2007, It has not been picked up by UPS.

I made repeated phone calls and several asking for status. No phone calls or emails were ever returned.

On the rare occasions that I did get a real person on the phone the responses were given by people that didnt want to be bothered. Here is a list.

1. Havent received it. (over a week after they had received it.)

2. Waiting on parts (my most frustrating call was on Monday, 18 June. I was told they were still waiting on parts, after I had instructed them the week before to install what they had in stock and I would pay for the parts, just get it fixed. The did not do that. Once it was supposedly repaired, it failed QC check, it will another 3-4 days. I got a call back in 30 minutes and was told it was ready to ship but wanted my credit card to pay. I gave it and it still hasnt shipped. Just amazing.

Maybe I am an isolated case, but I also own a Dell, which I have been using since I sent the Voodoo in for repair and Dell's customer service on a few issues I had was OUTSTANDING. I never thought those words would come out of my mouth.

I guess in the end it all boils down to BUYER BEWARE.

I purchased the machine soley based on comments in this website. (their prices would not attract any customers) The customer service was supposed to be the best in the business. Maybe it is, just not in my case.

Glenn Lentz"

"My VoodooPC Experience

It all started in 2005. I was in search of a new laptop gaming computer. And my dream was to be able to find one in pink, which at that time, I thought was impossible. Through all of my searching, I came upon VoodooPC. And since that time, I have personally purchased 3 laptop computers from them, and my brother has purchased an awesome desktop. When I’m in need of another computer, there is no question but that I will be purchasing it from Voodoo. This is truly an outstanding company, and, without a doubt, the best PC company around.

To name four of Voodoo’s All-stars (I’m sure there are many more, I just have not dealt with them directly):

Rahul Sood: I was VERY fortunate to be able to work with Rahul on my first laptop. Rahul was amazing. He always took time out of his very busy schedule to provide support, problem solving and technical advice in an immediate, interested and cheerful way. He walked me through many things over the phone and I was able to learn so much. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! This I have to say is one of the most amazing things about Voodoo. The fact you can actually talk with the person who is working on your computer. And usually, right when you call! I could not believe it. It is something I never expected, and is one of the most outstanding things about this company.

Ryan Handy: Ryan! I cannot thank you enough for everything you have helped me with over the past two years (and hopefully many more to come). You are always so pleasant, happy and patient, and take the time to explain things to me. I am SO appreciative of this. And I know I may ask sometimes, what may seem like silly questions! Even the scary things like opening the bottom of my laptop! Thank you so much for your kindness and patience with all of my questions and concerns. That’s another thing… The knowledge embodied in the employees at Voodoo and the intimate knowledge of their products. I may not know much about the technical side of things, but so many questions I had, they could answer just like that! ::Snaps fingers:: Ryan directed me through many things over the phone, and then I’d be up and running! Just amazing! ::high five’s Ryan:: :)!

Devon McCartney: I have worked with Devon for quite a while now, both with building my laptops (and hopefully more in the future!), and with technical questions. Always so helpful, always so pleasant, and always so knowledgeable! Oh! Something else to add to the list of reasons (which is already quite long) why this is such an amazing company: Any question you ask, if they don’t happen to know off the top of their head (a building status, a paint question, etc.) They find out, and they find out so fast! Like everybody else I’m sure, I love knowing what’s going on with my computers, and Devon was ALWAYS there to help me with just about anything. The computers at Voodoo are treated like offspring! What could be better than that? Thanks Devon!!

Param Dhaley: I very recently had the pleasure of working with Param on my latest laptop order. To make a long story short, I ordered a small laptop for a business trip I was going on, they thought they were not going to be able to get it to me in time due to some painting issues. This presented a huge problem for me. I spoke with Param and explained how desperately I needed the computer for my trip. He called me back, said they were building the computer WHILE the shell was being painted, and would overnight ship it the next day AND submit all kinds of paperwork to make sure it did not get stuck in customs, to get it to me in time. Well here I am on the next day, the day before the morning I leave on my trip. The computer arrived at my house at 10:30AM. ::jaw drop:: Again, I can not thank you enough for all of the hard work you, and anybody else that worked on this issue put into getting my computer to me in time. The painter, the actual builder of the computer, anybody I don’t know by name and I have not mentioned above.

Also, my biggest gaming laptop I was receiving as a Christmas present, but I was unable to order it in time for Christmas. Well, you know what they did? They had another pink painted shell the same model as the one I was ordering, but with a different tattoo than the tattoo I had chosen. They rushed it, repainted it, built it, and had it to me by Christmas. This is not something any other PC company would do. This is not even something a good PC company would do. It’s something an outstanding PC company would do.

These have been a few of the MANY excellent experiences I’ve had with Voodoo. And why I will continue to purchase my computers there. If anybody asks me where they should buy a PC, I will answer without hesitation, VoodooPC.

To everybody at Voodoo, thank you for making my original dreams, and many more, come true.

Christine"

"Voodoo PC OMEN Review

So – it took Voodoo 4 weeks and 4 days to build, and ship my OMEN to me. This is my review of the Voodoo OMEN.

Ordering Process

Param was my sales rep (although Devon actually took the order). Money was sent by credit card to Voodoo and that was that.

The Voodoo website has become much better recently, although they should still have more information on the components of their products. All Voodoo employees phone manner is excellent.

In summary, the ordering process was remarkably easy for me and I would give it a 8 / 10 – the point docked for the slow answer to my power supply question and the not-so-hot website.

Packaging

So the computer arrived on Friday. The packaging was on a different planet.

Overall for the packaging I have to give a 10 out of 10. Simply outstanding in every respect. There are not many companies that can make opening a box an experience!

OMEN Aesthetics

The OMEN is quite simply, stunning. This is not just some random box. The case is absolutely fantastic - but big.

The main feature of the case is the windowed panel on the side. Above the panel sits the Voodoo logo, and below that, you can see the innards of the computer. Normally the inside of a computer is horrifically ugly with wires everywhere. Not in a Voodoo.

The BAM (brushed, anodized, machined) finish looks great, and combined with the colours and lights that are all over it, it’s a machine that looks fantastic in light, and looks even better at night.

I would give the OMEN a 9.5 out of 10 for aesthetics – the half a point being docked because of the sheer size of it.

OMEN Startup / Installation of Programs

The first thing I noticed was that a strange sound came from the PC. I was worried, but everything happened normally, and then I realised that it was the water moving around the PC. It was kind of eerie at first, and then I realisde that it would be necessary.

One thing that surprised me was that the OMEN was louder than I expected.

Boot-up time into Windows was is extremely fast. Voodoo’s systems don’t come with bloatware. So, the initial setup of the OMEN – I would give a 9 out of 10 – with the point being docked for the noise of it.

Audio Application Performance

So far, I’ve been using Sonar. I’ve been using Cubase for so long I’ve lost track of time, but Sonar is one of the few workstations that can seriously utilise 64-bit computing, so until Cubase comes out with a new version – I am using Sonar.

In short – the audio application performance is outstanding – though – I want to see how it does over a period of time for better judgement.

For now, I will give this a 17 out of 20. I need to leave room for improvement, because it hasn't been tested on a 64-bit platform.

Gaming Performance

It didn’t disappoint. Whilst I had a few problems with installing mods for Oblivion, in general, the experience was outstanding. Oblivion looks fantastic, and plays fantastic. It simply is absolutely stunning. Other games I’ve tried out are Prey, and FEAR. I’m going to try out Command and Conquer 3 soon when it gets here.Loading up Half Life 2 was also a joy. This game now looks like it might completely replayable due to the enhanced graphics experience. It looked simply stunning – especially with the levels they’ve set up HDR for.

Gaming performance is a 20 out of 20. I simply haven’t experienced games like this before. It’s a whole new level.

Stability

Well, to put it simply, not a single crash, not a single random exit to desktop. Not a single driver fault. Nothing. 10 out of 10.

The Voodoo Experience

Voodoo claim that buying a computer from them is an experience. That is true every step of the way. From ordering the computer, through to paying for it, the wait (I was very lucky in this department!), the packaging, the opening of the box, the first time you turn on the machine, the first game you play. Everything is just a great experience. Add into that the superb level of support, the Mutthaboards, and the fact that basically your computer has come from a small family, rather than a huge corporate entity (technically not true anymore!), and that it has been hand-made, it makes you feel special.

For most computer buyers, this isn’t important. But then, most computer buyers don’t spend $8800 CAD on a PC.

10 out of 10.

Final Thoughts / Conclusions.

Pros.

Stellar performance.
A thing of beauty.
Rock-solid stability.
It’s a Voodoo.

Cons

It’s big.
It’s loud.
The price.
…but do I care??

The Voodoo OMEN rightly is the flagship of Voodoo’s systems. It is simply an outstanding system, and whilst it was an awful lot of money, I don’t feel that a penny of it was wasted.

Final Scores.

Ordering Process – 8 / 10.
Packaging – 10 /10.
Aesthetics - 9.5/10
Startup – 9/10
Audio Application Performance – 17/20.
Gaming Application Performance – 20/20.
Stability – 10/10
The Voodoo Experience – 10/10.

Total – 93.5 / 100

Congratulations Voodoo."

"I had been checking out Voodoo since 2004 and I had always planned to purchase from them at some stage. I had previously used a Boutique company in the UK called SavRow whose service was simply incredible. Unfortunatley they have stopped trading so that gave me the opportunity to check out Voodoo.
I was really excited about my i534 purchase.
I tranferred the funds from my bank on the 1st Sept and it was cleared on the 4th Sept. I thought I could go on holiday for a month and when I got back to work the laptop would be there waiting for me?
Anyhow things seemed amiss as I never recieved confirmation of my wire transfer. Unfortunately I was busy touring some of the comunities effected by the 2004 Tsunami in southern Thailand and really had poor comunications with the outside world. Eventually I managed to get through to them on the 18th Sept by setting my alarm clock for Midnight my time and then spending about 15 minutes trying to achieve a phone connection to Canada. This phone call lasted all of a minute as they confirmed they had recieved my funds on the 4th and would now begin the fabrication process!!!
Anyhow this is getting a wee bit long winded so I'll get to the main points.
1/ During the purchase of this laptop I recieved zero e-mails from Voodoo about anything. I instigated all 21 contacts by e-mail myself. I also instigated the only phone call. I even posted to their forums several times and recieved no reponse from a member of their staff. At no time was I updated about delays with the paint shop unless I inquired.
2/ Delivery took 85 days from the date I transferred my money.Some of that delay is my fault but the original window of 60 days I gave them to build and ship my PC could not be achieved.
3/ The PC they sent me is different to the one advertized on their website.
4/ The Voodoo logo on the top of the laptop is 5/16" further to the left hand side?????
(How the hell do you miss that unless your QC sucks).
6/ No one has even apoligized about the Logo.

Now on the bright side the laptop works perfectly and I am very happy with it.

On another side I was planning on buying a desktop next Christmas for my Condo I'm building but this experience has left abit of a bad taste in my mouth.
Perhaps they simply don't need overseas business and can afford not to supply the same type of service that they do for North America which is by far their biggest market.

Recieved a call from Voodoo at 11:51 pm my time (thanks Param) concerning my review here. Apologies were made and accepted.
I have been asked to send photos of the off center Logo for their review so as far as I'm concerned the matter is settled unless you fancy sending me some more gaming chocolates!!
I'll give them another chance in the future as the PC build quality is excellent."