Why the Budget Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 Doesn't Stack Up to the Competition

The Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 is likely the most respected affordable tablet at only $199, but although the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 has a very attractive price point, it still lacks lots of features most users look for in a mobile tablet.

Lacking Camera

Usually when I review tablets and smartphones and mention their lacking camera, I'm usually referring to the lacking quality of the device's camera, but the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 is literally lacking a camera '" it has no camera at all. If you're looking for a tablet that'll handle video chat, augmented reality, or one that'll simply take simple photos, the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 isn't for you and it's lacking camera will be a bummer for lots of likely Tablet T301 owners.

Saddled At Android 2.2

It's impressive that a budget sub-$300 tablet features Android at all '" instead of opting for a generic operating system '" but while the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 features the Android OS, it's saddled at Android 2.2. The Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 doesn't offer the latest and greatest from the Android OS and won't be able to upgrade to the current Android 2.3 Gingerbread or future updates either.

It's Missing Fundamental Android Apps

Not only is the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 saddled at Android 2.2 and won't be eligible for future updates, but it's also missing several very crucial Android OS apps. Which apps you ask? Well, if you opt for the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 you won't have access to Google Mobile apps or the Android Market. While most users will be able to do without most Android apps, the absence of the Android Market prevents the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 from being able to download and include new apps that aren't preinstalled on the tablet.

Bulky Form Factor

For a 7 inch mobile tablet, you'd expect the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 to be thin and lightweight, but it's far from those two qualities. The Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 sports a sturdy design but it comes at the cost of a 16 oz tablet and a very bulky [brick-like] design. Most consumers usually opt for a 7 inch tablet because they are usually lightweight, easy to hold in one hand or two, and are sleek and sexy '" but not the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301.

Poor Screen Quality

A tablet's touchscreen is the focal point of a tablet and where 99% of its "magic" will take place, so having a vibrant and responsive touchscreen is a must for any tablet. Unfortunately, the Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T301 has a TFT active matrix display that isn't as clear as most LCD capacitive touchscreens and will surely disappoint most users that have eyed other tablets before.