HP's Blackbird 002 gets exclusive configuration for retail launch

Just because you haven't seen one on every street corner doesn't mean that HP's Blackbird 002 gaming rig hasn't been around the block a time or two. Still, those of you who haven't found the nerve (or spare change) to pull the trigger can look forward to being tempted even more this summer. Starting soon, the Blackbird 002 will be available in an exclusive configuration at Amazon, NewEgg and select Best Buy, Circuit City, J&R and Micro Center locations. This launch marks the first time the unit has sashayed into B&M outlets, and packed within will be an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 processor, dual NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT graphics cards, 4GB of Corsair Dominator RAM, 500GB SATA drive, 7.1-channel onboard HD audio, a 15-in-1 multicard reader, 900-watt power supply and an nForce SLI motherboard with RAID support. Said config will run customers $3,299, and a list of locations from which to buy it will be made available on June 29th.

[kccboy2004 @ Jun 9th 2008 10:10AM]

a little on the pricey side for me.

[DefPo3t @ Jun 9th 2008 10:11AM]

i you forgot to mention the $$$ this will add to you energy bill

[farfisa @ Jun 9th 2008 10:21AM]

"an exclusive configuration at Amazon, NewEgg and select Best Buy, Circuit City, J&R and Micro Center locations"

That's pretty exclusive!

[MastrCake @ Jun 9th 2008 10:32AM]

Very nice config, and a good price for what you get. Doesn't really sound like an "Amazon, NewEgg and select Best Buy, Circuit City, J&R and Micro Center" kind of deal to me, though.

I am thinking, however, that Amazon and NewEgg will sell this thing for a lot less than the $3,299 price listed above.

NewEgg especially.

[peternj @ Jun 9th 2008 10:43AM]

I bought the dedicated edition last year and have not had one day of regret. Having spent everyday working on DVD-animations and other multimedia projects with getting in an evening of relaxing FPS I can vouch that coming out of the Apple world the Blackbird 002 makes my MacPro look and act like a beige box.
Vista found all the updates to USB dongle software on a holiday weekend, which Leopard could not, meaning a gaming box from HP-Voodoo saved the day. Indeed the shock as a longtime Mac user was how easy it was to navigate around, set the computer up and enjoy the raw power of having GPU in SLi mode. To have a head turning cutting edge design is nothing to sniff at.
And it's built to be upgraded off the shelf. Non of the stupid waiting for Apple to provide a GPU upgrade on a year old box. The internal space has enough room for larger motherboards. QT plays well on the BB and on the MacPro it stutters like an old powerbook.

I use both platforms. the MacPro is for FinalCut Studio and was for animation but I find everything from web design to Toon Boom Digital Pro works so much better on a quarter of the RAM and one 4 core CPU with 1.5GB of GPU power.

Can you build uglier and cheaper? Yes and faster.

This is worth the money. It's good for work and many hours of play.

[Abuzar @ Jun 9th 2008 12:01PM]

I wouldn't say Uglier. I can build something just as good looking and faster.

I have to admit though, the Blackbird does look GREAT.

[Randy @ Jun 9th 2008 10:44AM]

I wonder if the price includes liquid cooling.

[FT @ Jun 9th 2008 10:47AM]

When I first looked at the photo this thing looks eerily similar to a giant ipod nano placed sideways and on a stand.

And no, I am not an apple fan or fanboy....

[J @ Jun 9th 2008 11:28AM]

Damn you! Now that's all I see... lol

[Endejas @ Jun 9th 2008 10:47AM]

That is one good lookin' rig.

[initialxy @ Jun 9th 2008 10:56AM]

GeForce 9800 GT? that sounds new to me.

[LowTeckh @ Jun 9th 2008 5:48PM]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[Rick @ Jun 9th 2008 11:30AM]

Either that is a bad photoshop or the design is very odd. Angles are off everywhere.

[naz @ Jun 9th 2008 12:35PM]

all the angles are the design

suppose to make it look more sinister

[BowserUSC @ Jun 9th 2008 2:50PM]

I love how it says at select J&R stores. Since there's only one location besides their online store I hope they have it.

[Keykey @ Aug 16th 2008 9:29PM]

This is up on newegg for $2999 + you get a free 24" LCD monitor in a limited edition deal. Definately gonna buy that.

[Dean Lucid @ Aug 24th 2008 4:20AM]

Price Update: $2999 + Samsung 24" HDMI Monitor & additional $300 off with promo code: EMCAJCBAE. Pretty much have to buy it now I guess. $2,749.98 Shipped! Ends August 27th