VoodooPC shines out new 30" monitor

Calgary (CA) - VoodooPC is beginning to make some use of the products of its new owner, Hewlett-Packard (HP). The boutique PC builder announced the availability of a new 30" flat panel monitor, describing it is a high-performance monitor that consumers can purchase with select desktop computers.

Apple has one and Dell has one, too. But there wasn't really a need for a 30" high-end LCDs for the desktop computers HP is offering. However, with VoodooPC on board, there is now a reason for Hewlett-Packard to offer a few more products that go beyond basic computing needs - such as the LP3065 display.

The LCD delivers a 2560x1600 pixel resolution, a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a brightness of 300 nits. The device also includes with a built-in USB hub, three dual-link DVI-D inputs and a movable base to move the screen both side to side and up and down.

Rahul Sood, co-founder of VoodooPC and now chief technologist of HP's global gaming business unit, said that the LP3065 is a "category killer" that will enable the "most intense entertainment experience ever" when paired with a Voodoo Omen desktop PC.

Voodoo's entry into the 30" LCD market will cost customers about $1900. VoodooPC will continue to offer Samsung's 46" gaming LCD for about $5500.

While the performance data of the monitor are up to standard in the class, we will have to get used to the HP logo next to a PC that can approach a price of $10,000 - without a monitor. At least subjectively, the rather plain design of the LP3065 looks out of place next to a decked out Omen PC.

A fancier 30" LCD is offered by Apple - for not much more cash ($2000). But if money is an issue, then Dell may have the better offer at this time: The 3007WFP is currently offered for about $1275 through the firm's website.