Velocity Micro Cruz Reader, Black (R101)
- Crystal clear 4:3, 800 x 600 full-color touchscreen display is ideal for viewing eBooks and eMagazines, Web pages, and movies
- 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and full browser support–download remarkable content, astonishing applications, and amazing games
- USB and SD card slot for upgradable storage; includes a 4 GB SD card
- Built-in dictionary, notepad, calendar, alarm clock, contacts, games, and other useful apps
- Access to over 2 million eBooks via included Borders eBook library portal application, as well as Cruz Market
The Velocity Micro Cruz Reader – the world’s first affordable touch screen color ereader. Cruz through books, magazines, and newspapers on this revolutionary device’s crystal clear 7” display. Plays video, music, and browses the web in full color. Backed by Velocity Micro’s expert US-based support. The Cruz Reader to be as stylish as it is functional. At just under one pound, he .6” thick Cruz Reader goes everywhere you do and fits perfectly in one hand. Get ready to attract attention
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(out of 16 reviews)
List Price: $ 219.99
Price: $ 189.69
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Review by S. Scoles for Velocity Micro Cruz Reader, Black (R101)
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I have an iPad and I bought the Cruz eReader for my son. He is an avid reader and wanted a backlit, color screen instead of a Kindle or Nook. He was also excited about the Cruz’ advertised ability to play music, video and surf the internet. The user guide is not included with the Cruz (just a quick-start guide) but can be downloaded off the Velocity Micro Cruz website. Unfortunately, we are both pretty disappointed in the Cruz eReader, especially when you compare it to the iPad. Hopefully the Cruz Tablet will compare more favorably.
It does work well as an eReader though IF you download the Kindle app for android. The Borders app requires a wifi internet connection to read through the book for the first time, then it will become available off-line. This is incredibly ridiculous! That’s why you buy an ereader: To take books on the road, read them in a plane or wherever. It’s crazy to require an internet connection to read their books. Fortunately, Amazon.com has a Kindle application you can download for Android that works well. You can find it through the Cruz market, but it’s not easy. Search for the Cruz on Amazon.com and read the discussion forum and it will tell you how to find the Kindle app that works on the Cruz.
I had difficulty connecting to my home’s wi-fi also. The iPad found my home network and connected quickly, once I entered the WEP code and connects automatically whenever I’m in range. The Cruz however, didn’t recognize the SSID of my home network, so I had to set it up manually. It has lost the connection several times already and I’ve had to manually set it up again.
Web browsing is noticeably slower than the iPad and the screen resolution isn’t as nice, but I can live with that (after all it is $300 less than the iPad). Video playback, however is unwatchable. Video is very choppy and the audio is out of synch. The Cruz will play my itunes songs, but inexplicably, the sound has just stopped-twice. Both times, I had to power off and restart the cruz before the sound would return. Itunes music videos did play, but were choppy as described before, but a movie I had downloaded from itunes would not play at all. I’ll probably return the Cruz eReader and wait for the Cruz tablet. It has a faster processor so video playback and web browsing should go smoother. If all you want is a color, backlit eReader the Cruz should work nicely for you, but if you also want to surf the web and play movies and games, I would wait for the Cruz Tablet or buy an iPad.
Review by poolguy for Velocity Micro Cruz Reader, Black (R101)
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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.
Review by iron maniac for Velocity Micro Cruz Reader, Black (R101)
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This is a great little e-reader/mini tablet for the price. It takes some getting used to and can be a bit frustrating at first but don’t give up. Finding the right apps is difficult BUT absolutely essential for this unit to work correctly. I updated my OS software first thing(the most current is from October 1st 2010). Back up your apps because you WILL lose them in the update. I had considerable difficulty finding the Nook, Adobe, and Kindle apps for standard download but they are there if you look for them. The droid comic book reader app, better keyboard app, and mvideoplayer app are essential as well. Once you get these apps installed it will be much easier to use. The touchscreen is not sensitive enough in my opinion. The battery life is surprisingly good but adds substantial weight to the unit.
I highly recommend the Cruz Reader.
Review by Jonathan Laubin for Velocity Micro Cruz Reader, Black (R101)
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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
Review by Quilter Girl for Velocity Micro Cruz Reader, Black (R101)
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I purchased this from Borders in the middle of September as a birthday present to myself. I had at the time also purchased the Pandigital Novel and compared them. Liked the Cruz so the Pandigital went back. I really enjoy the reader for what it is. However, I have to admit I find it somewhat difficult to do things other than read. I have had to do a hard reset because it crashed once. I have been unable to figure out how I can get it to download books from my local library. I also am very discouraged at reading the other reviews and finding everyone enjoying the Nook and Kindle apps. I have been totally unable to find them or add them to my reader. Velocity has given me a way to get the Nook by downloading the app from an Android phone but I don’t have an Android phone and have no potential for getting one so I’m going to my mobile provider with an SD card and appealing to them for the app.
I have had to uninstall and install the Borders app 2 times. I am not very tech savvy so I’m going to have Velocity walk me through the firmware update.
With all this I will say Velocity customer service has been really great with me and working with me on the help. I still feel it’s the best out there as evidenced by the reviews its just me having a hard time. Hope that I can find help.