Voodoo Blog

[#1]

 

Since we launched the HP Blackbird 002 just over a year ago, one question has popped up over and over again from both fans of the system and the media: will the chassis ever be sold on its own?

The Blackbird has won a number of awards over the past 15 months, and almost always the system’s design is called out as groundbreaking. It’s been said that it looks more like an element of installation art than a PC tower, it’s been called sexy beast, and it’s been deemed intriguing. Basically, people really like it.

With overwhelming success, we made 25 chassis available for sale back in September as a part of a program with Maximum PC. But clearly, the demand wasn’t satisfied. So, for those of you who have asked, we have listened.

Starting today the HP Blackbird 002 chassis kit is available to buy for a limited time. The kit includes the award-winning Blackbird 002 cast-aluminum chassis itself, plus a slimslot DVD RW+/- optical drive and 1.1KW power supply, and is selling for $599.99 (add $99.99 for shipping).

Call 1.877.776.4752 to place an order or request additional info. Have at it.

rs

www.rahulsood.com

[#2]

This is ridiculous.

I was told the Blackbird case would NEVER be sold alone. EVER. Well, the first time you guys put it up for sale, I understood because of the Rig of the Year, and the price was pretty high as well.

Now, nearly a year after I purchase my Blackbird, the case is even lower in price?

Gee. I could have kept my internal components from my previous build and just bought the case standalone, considering THAT computer hasn't had any problems since I built it, but my Blackbird has been sent in for service TWICE.

I thought the Blackbird meant a sense of elitism, that's the reasoning I received before I bought my Blackbird POS edition, and now anyone can just buy the case and not have ANY of the issues I've had with mine. Some elitism.

I feel that after all my issues I've had with my Blackbird, and the lack of communication, run arounds, and in this scenario regarding the case, lies, that I'll never not only purchase another Voodoo product, but also an HP product as well.

I look forward to a few more months when the Blackbird case is sold for even a lower price. Like the old Voodoo adage "it's coming" and "soon." This is one time that I have zero doubt it won't happen.

I mean, great idea there: offer cases for the people who just want the case, and not the trouble with the internals that I've had. Fantastic plan, sell the case that was never to be sold standalone, but don't sell an upgraded warranty for the Blackbird that was hinted that it was "in the works."

So what I've learned from this is that Voodoo and HP do the exact opposite of what they say they do.

Awesome.

After all, "we asked for" upgrades on the warranty, "we asked for" i7 brackets for the LCLC solution, but we didn't get those.

-MnemonicSyntax

[#3]

Man. Some people are never satisfied!

Users have been begging HP to sell the Blackbird case separately from the day it was introduced. THe first day I was on this forum, someone posted a bogus "I dropped my Blackbird, can I buy a new case?" message to try and get one.

The price is even reasonable considering it includes an HP-certified 1.1kw power supply and a slimline DVD drive; you'd pay about as much for a high-end Zalman case with a power supply and optical drive.

[#4]

You're absolutely right. You know what I've been through Dramsey, so your comment is warranted.

Forgive me for ordering a high end gaming computer that hasn't worked correctly for over half of the time I've owned it. Next time I'll just remain quiet and not have an opinion.

Again, my apologies.

-MS

[#5]

The fact that Voodoo's now offering the Blackbird case as a stand-alone item has precisely nothing to do with the problems you've had with your machine. You're just looking for an excuse to vent. Which is fine, but expect people to point out the logical disconnect.

[#6]

What "logical disconnect?" I guess you didn't read my original post completely. My problems with my Blackbird DOES have everything to do with this. Let me break it down so you can grasp it better.

1) I wanted the Blackbird 002, just for the case.

2) I called HP/Voodoo, and they stated the Blackbird case would NEVER be sold standalone.

3) I sold my previous pre-Blackbird build to a buddy of mine, and bought a Blackbird 002, just for the case.

4) Blackbird 002 works fine for the first few months, then after that it's problem after problem, and have it sent it in twice.

5) Previous pre-Blackbird build that friend has now suffers from ZERO issues, and has since I built it.

6) Voodoo offers the Blackbird case, at first for the Maximum PC Rig of the Year offer, and then now, at a lower price. Meanwhile, my Blackbird 002 is in the shop. Blackbird case was never to be sold alone.

7) If I had Blackbird 002 case standalone, and previous build parts, then I wouldn't have any problems.

8) Let me just do that one again. Previous build internals + Blackbird standalone case =

9) ??????????

10) Profit!

But, you didn't know any of this, because you'd rather be quick to point out my complaints. In the past, I've complained on the boards and the general consensus by the patrons was to take it to email or IM. I've done that since then. I've had so much trouble with my Bird, but I kept it quiet because "some people are never satisfied."

Yes, during my issues, Ryan has taken great care to take care of me, and I am greatful. However, it stems back to the case being sold standalone, then I wouldn't have these issues because the previous build is still working like a champ, while my Blackbird hasn't.

The Blackbird is supposed to be a top of the line gaming rig, unique in many ways, but the case itself stands out. However, my issues aren't just only my own, the other problems I've brought up, such as the extended warranty and "rampant speculation" regarding the LCLC i7 bracket are real, and seemingly put on the back burner.

I'm not trying to take this out on you, but I feel that my complaints are related and completely valid.

MS

[#7]

Very cool, now people can put whatever they wan into it. Its a very nice design.

I was still hopong for an announcent on the new HP Voodoo product Mr Sood has been hinting at for the past few months. I guess its not happening this year now!

[#8]

Not to be cynical, but the only reason people buy blackbirds IS the case.  With this deal, no one would have a reason to buy a blackbird.  Their target enthusiast gamers are usually ones with enough computer savvy to build their own system anyway, so making a BB from scratch would not only offer more freedom for options, but would also be much more cost effective (plus, your guaranteed the multi-year warranties the products you buy individually would usually yield).  I understand syntax's gripe.  Previous BB owners will feel cheated somehow, since many of them wouldve paid an arm and a leg just for a spectacular case and some high-end (but over-priced) components. This may have just doomed the BB line as a pre-configured system.  It's a good day for the hard core DIY guy, tho.

just my 2 cents.

[#9]

USER HAS BEEN BANNED - //iMaxx

HAha i registered just to post this.

POOR POOR MnemonicSyntax.

poor guy.yes your computer has problems get over it. People on this thread dont care about your personal problems.

It is too bad HP changed their minds isnt it?  I have never changed my mind, and i never will.  How dare they, they should be taken out back and shot, those mind changers.(read with extreme sarcasm)

Hey look on the bright side, you bought it just for the case right?  So now you have exactly what you wanted. A case.

No your post has no relavence here, your complaint is: you paid $xxxx for a case which happened to have a computer in it.   and now the case is on sale.  Dang sounds like you bought something when it was new a paid a premium for it.  And as it is with all new items some have issues.  DO YOU SEE HOW THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE QUALITY OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS CASE?

Message Edited by iMaxx on 12-05-2008 03:54 PM

[#10]

Nice of you to register here just to make a post to me. At least I can say I brought one person to the boards, regardless if the outcome was positive or negative.

[#11]

ScareCrow, appreciate your input, thank you.

MS