Velocity Cruz T301

An Android Tablet for $199

Matt Schirano

The Velocity Cruz T301 is a tablet which gives you quality technology at a low price ($199). Compare this to some of the more popular tablets on the market, which can cost up to $830, and you can see why the Velocity Cruz T301 is such an enticing alternative. If you're not sure if you need a super expensive tablet or can get away with a cheaper one, just think about what you want to do with it. If all you want to do is check your e-mail and browse the Internet then a Velocity Cruz T301 is fine. If you want to play a ton of games and watch high definition movies, one of the higher end tablets might be a better option.

The 7" TFT Capacitive Touch display gives you a crisp image with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 800x600 resolution. Not the greatest resolution out there but still nothing to laugh at. In terms of physical dimensions they are 7.5"x5.6"x.57". The .57" thickness makes it a little thicker than the competition. Once again, a little over half an inch thick is not the end of the world. Unless you want the sleekest tablet out there. In that case get an iPad. Weighing in at 16 ounces it is a little heavier than other tablets but only by a slim margin. It comes with 2GB of storage which once again comes in at the lower end of the market. This really isn't an issue though because of the ability to purchase an SD or SDHC memory card and insert it into the expandable memory slot. Considering the (relatively) low price, you can afford a memory card. You can get 8GB for $15 at a Best Buy. You can connect to the Internet using the built-in Wi-Fi capability, and continually use the tablet for about 6 hours on a single charge. This is right in the middle of the pack in relation to other tablets. Some go up to 8 and even 10, but there are some who can barely make it to 5. It has 256MB RAM which puts it slightly below the top competitors but right there with tablets competing at lower price points. This tablet also comes with a stand included, a feature not many other tablets offer right out of the box.

The Velocity Cruz T301 tablet uses the Android 2.2 operating system. Simple, efficient, and intuitive are all great descriptors for Android 2.2. You're not going to get the extreme multitasking capability of webOS3.0 or the cutting edge sleekness of Android 3.0, but you're not missing out on anything crucial. So what can you do with it? Well if you read eBooks and/or already have a Kindle, download the Kindle for Android app so you can download and read eBooks. Browse the web with the pre-installed browser. Play games, listen to music, or watch movies and television shows. If there's anything else you want to do just shop around the Amazon Appstore to find one of the thousands of Android apps available. I like to say that it's going to be harder to find apps they don't have than apps they do. Many of the games will take advantage of the built in accelerometer which is sensitive to movement.

There are plenty of accessories available for the Velocity Cruz T301 so you don't have to worry about there not being many options, or having to wait a few weeks for them to become available. There is a gel skin case which will offer protection and chic design without increasing the size and bulkiness of the tablet. If you want further protection purchase the portfolio case which not only protects the back but also the screen. If you want, purchase a second wall charger so you can leave one at work and one at home. Travelling? Purchase an extra battery so when your first one dies you aren't left in the lurch. A mini USB cable is necessary if you want to connect to your computer and transfer files.

Sources:
http://www.cruzreader.com/t301.php
http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/velocity-micro-cruz-tablet/4505-3126_7-34451903.html
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

Published by Matt Schirano

Matt Schirano is a freelance writer living in Glendale, Arizona. He has a Bachelor's in Journalism and a Masters in Library Science.  View profile

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