Velocity Micro Cruz Android Tablet PC, MID and Ebook Reader, Black (R101)

• Full-Color Touchscreen Display
• Android-Based OS
• eBook Reader
• Built-in Applications
• Stay Connected with 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi and Full Browser Support

Reading reviews on the Cruz reader from Best Buy and elsewhere I was initially weary. However, I soon realized the majority of bad reviews were due to the over reaching expectation of an iPad clone. That being said, the Cruz is NOT meant to be an iPad or full fledged tablet. It is what it is, a chimera of an eReader and tablet.

Once purchased and unpacked I was surprised and elated to see that the battery was >75% charged. This allowed me to assess my new toy right away. Out of the box I was able to flawlessly connect to three WiFi networks, home, work and a coffee shop. I was also able to easily download a free eBook from Borders. As many suggest, I then updated the firmware. Once updated, I began to download, install, and personalize my Cruz.

Pros:

-Android OS 2.0

-Vivid color LCD (Text is very clear and easy to read)

-Responsive touch screen (do not need to press hard at all)

-Fully functional web browser

-Ability to customize with a multitude of apps (there is more then the Cruz market)

-Accelerometer makes reading some books (i.e. illustrated children's) easier

-Battery life for an LCD and WiFi device is good (can use for web based apps throughout the day)

-Velocity's tech support is very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful

Cons:

-Limited to Android OS 2.0 (w/out hacking)

-Screen gets smudged easily

-Currently no access to the Android Market

-Even though the battery is good, could be more robust

-Lack of full manual in box

-Currently a lack of 3rd party accesories

What comes in the box:

Device, soft-padded sleeve, quick start guide, cradle, USB cable, Charger, and installed 4gb microSD card.

Buy Velocity Micro Cruz Android Tablet PC, MID and Ebook Reader, Black (R101) Now

I received my Cruz Reader yesterday. This is my first ereader and I picked this model over the Kindle and the Nook because of its ability to read books from multiple sources. I am frugal and like to chekout books electronically from my local library, but I do not like trying to read from my laptop in bed. Although I haven't had a lot of time to play with my Cruz yet, I have to make a comment about other reviews I've read: this is not an iPad and I did not expect it to function as such. The touch screen is fine, especially if you have never owned a device with an iPod touch/iPad type of touch screen. For the price, it is a nice device. I had no problem connecting to my home wifi network and downloading my Borders' library. I like reading with this device. I also used the included email app to set up my gmail account and that worked flawlessly. The Facebook App is also something I will use extensively. I have yet to try playing videos or music on this device, so I can't speak to those functions. If you are looking for a fairly inexpensive device to read ebooks, check your email, and update your Facebook status, then you should consider the Cruz Reader.

Read Best Reviews of Velocity Micro Cruz Android Tablet PC, MID and Ebook Reader, Black (R101) Here

I wanted an eReader that wasn't tied to a single source for eBooks(after playing with my wifes Sony 505). This works for me. I have downloaded and am reading books from Borders (app included), Barnes & Noble (Nook app) and of course Amazon (Kindle app). THEY WORK GREAT! Yes, the screen seems a little "clunky" at first, but you do get used to it. I played with the iPad foe a while at Best Buy, and the screen seemed TOO sensitive. It's less a matter of pushing hard than being accurate with the touch, a stylus helps, especially with web browsing. All three reader apps are GREAT. (no stylus needed for those) The wireless connected to my home network easily. Firmware update was simple (you need a separated sd card and a pc to download the update to do it yourself) or take it to Borders and they can do it. It only takes few minutes. Battery life can be extended by turning off the wireless or by shutting it down, but is seems to recharge quickly. This is my first Android device, and I am very satisfied.

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Coming from the world of the old Rocket EBook, I was looking for a "right" priced replacement that could give me more flexibility than just a reader and not become obsolete. The Cruz Reader does just that. Using the Borders e-reader app is simple and free books abound. Not only are they free, but they look good. I never thought I would start reading the classics like "Treasure Island" but I am. Color is good and diagrams mean more when the author intends for photos to be seen. I haven't been able to figure out how to zoom in on a graphic or photo though within the Borders e-reader app. Battery life is mediocre but given the state of other readers, it's right up there 6 hours in stand-by with the Wi-Fi on, turn off the Wi-Fi and you'll get a standby time of 10-12 hours. I mention stand-by because booting the device from powered off takes about 2 minutes. Ugh, for a reader, you would expect/hope for instant. Wi-Fi Signal is weak as-is from the factory. I found that when I opened the back of the reader there is a mini-PCI WiFi card readily accessible. Further examination showed that there are two ports for antennas to be attached but only one is being used. I purchased these antennas ( Laptop Notebook Wifi Bluetooth WWAN/EVDO/HSDPA Broadband Internal Antenna), separated them, and attached one to the extra port. I then configured the antenna in a large figure-eight pattern inside the back cover taking care to not come too close to the edges or interfere with any cover attachment ports. Used cellophane tape to hold it down and put the cover back on. My WiFi connection quality nearly tripled. The screen uses resistive technology which means you press two membranes togther to register a screen touch. As a reader, this is a good thing. Accidental touches and grabs of the device do not register. All in all, get for the reader qualities, but do not expect to use it like an Apple IPad. Browsing the web, E-mail, and Twitter functionality is acceptable. Seems a bit under powered. I love the 4x3 portrait display format, seems more a like a book than the Cruz Tablet 16x9 landscape which actually has fewer pixels available than this model.

Color screen tablets should be the thing to give for this holiday season..I don't recommmend this for those that cant do computer things..If your still using floppy disks and windows 98..dont try...Out of the box, it needs to have the software updated..and 3 programs loaded..slideme, alkido and act1 (a market,bookreader and videoplayer).Print the pdf manual...read it.. things are easy to do..its a great machine once you get it updated...

Its not as polished as an ipad.buts its small and easier to handle.

Look on ebay, they sell a case with a keyboard for those that dont like the resistaive touch screen.(look under: android tablet keyboard case...i paid 30.00 post paid.

This model comes with a stand..the 299.00 one doesn't..

Video needs to he formated as if this were an ipad.. I use Magic dvd ripper..i set the file output to ipad and the movies play fine..you can also buy them already in ipad format from MOVIEDIR.COM