Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet finally goes on sale for $299.99
The Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet was first spotted in April of this year promising to bring a decently spec'd budget Android tablet that American consumers could easily purchase from the shelves of major retailers, rather than having to resort to the more roundabout method of specialist importers and international shipping in order to buy similar devices from the other side of the world. The company has finally been able to deliver on that promise with the announcement that the MID is now available for sale direct from Velocity Micro online or Newegg at the originally quoted price of $299.99.
As a reminder, the Cruz Tablet features a nice minimalist black design, runs Android 2.1, has a 7-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen, b/g/n WiFi, 512MB RAM, 4GB local storage expandable via SD card (an 8GB card is included), an accelerometer, a user replaceable battery, and a built-in range of basic apps including a dictionary, notepad, calendar, alarm clock, contacts, and games. The identity of the processor, previously said to be a unit clocked at 800MHz, is still uncertain but judging by the price is likely to be an ARM11-based unit rather than something more powerful. Unfortunately, the Cruz like many other tablets is unable to access Android Market with Velocity Micro's Cruz Market standing in as a substitute.
Although it isn't a flagship Android MID, I think the Cruz Tablet is still a very respectable entry into the budget tablet arena with a well thought-out design, decent specs, and a good price. The fact that it is easily available in the US should also prove to be popular among consumers eager to jump aboard the Android tablet movement.
