has anybody tried using this as a cbr reader? i understand that its very slow and unresponsive, but thats such a simple function and really all im looking for...if it could work well for that purpose, it would be worth the investment for me.

dborders wrote:69.00 new at walmart/ just saying!

And not even worth that, new. This tablet is just going to frustrate people...You can spend not too much more and get a 'name brand'.

I wouldn't buy one of these for $5.

Thats like paying $5 for a non stop headache and lots of time wasted when you have to solve an 'issue' every 5 minutes of use.

Far too many reliable tablets for not much more $$'s....Just cant see why anybody would buy this at any price just for non stop headaches....especially when there are some awesome deals on 'real tablets' for not much more moola then this JUNK.

gak0090 wrote:The processor is actually 600 mhz. This is the CPU it uses:

http://en.ingenic.cn/product.aspx?ID=58

http://www.hdhorizon.com/en/CRUZ%20T301.php

**don't be mislead by by "dual core or multicore"- it only has 1 CPU core, the other cores are VPU/GPU- kind of false advertising. The cheap tabs do this to make their product look more impressive.

Good info, but it's strange & unfortunate that web sites do NOT agree on the processor speed & if it has a Single-Core or Dual-Core CPU.

Velocity Micro Cruz Tablets says it has a 800MHz CPU

Geeks.com says it has a 528MHz Dual Core CPU

Walmart says it has a MIPS 528MHz Dual Core CPU

How did you manage to get Pandora on this? I got one of these in a previous woot and without access to the Android marketplace I couldn't really add any useful apps.

(makes a great alarm clock though!)

bkd69 wrote:So this is like the Sony Dash, but without the Netflix, Hulu, and Crackle? Does it at least do Pandora?

Yes, Pandora works -- although my first T301 had an audio bug that prevented any usable audio. Remember, these are all previous returns. I worked with the Cruz service dept. for a replacement and came to the conclusion that they are not checking their returns well, just dumping them off as fast as possible.

sean1967 wrote:to answer questions posted, it can't be used for flash or Youtube, it can't be rooted ect.

It is good for reading books, so if you wanted to get a nook you may as well go this route.

I just bought a refurbished one from a local dealer whre I live for my son's 10th birthday. You can't play netflix or youtube from site BUT there is a YouTube app!! I have yet to find anything for netflix. I paid $75 for my son's and thought that was an awesome deal! This price listed here is crazzzzzyyyy. It comes with a stand and a sleeve cover, too.

Of course it isn't as fancy as an ipad or even my HP touchpad, but it does what it was made to do... get online, check emails, ebooks, etc. We haven't had any issues as far as the screen response, it's been great!

My son left it in the car yesterday morning, and I actually had it in the sleeve, inside my purse all day long and didn't know the difference (even checked my email at McDonalds). It's small, convenient, and man this price is nuts!

joechrz wrote:How did you manage to get Pandora on this? I got one of these in a previous woot and without access to the Android marketplace I couldn't really add any useful apps.

(makes a great alarm clock though!)

I put the iheart radio app on my son's and it's great. No issues what so ever.

pnixon wrote:I've read about rooting and custom ROM but am afraid to make it even less stable as a result. Has anybody found a tried and true method to improve the stability? I can deal with slow performance but having it freeze frequently drives me nuts!

The "custom" ROM available for it was made by the guy who works for MIPS, and he has the original source code. He actually fixed a couple wireless issues. It's much more stable with that ROM.

borntohunt wrote:Good info, but it's strange & unfortunate that web sites do NOT agree on the processor speed & if it has a Single-Core or Dual-Core CPU.

Velocity Micro has released several tablets/readers that all look *identical* but are different. The reader was an ARM CPU under-clocked from 800Mhz down to 528Mhz, but folks use apps to "overclock" it to the normal speed.

This one runs at the 528Mhz, although some report overclocking it. But I've also seen others saying they cannot overclock it. But, my experience has been the stock speed feels like the 800Mhz reader.

If one uses the custom ROM it is fairly lean and works much better than the stock ROM. But, if you are uncomfortable with that idea, the tablet probably isn't for you.

I cannot even begin to say what a piece of crap this is. My brother in law got one for Christmas (69 at Big Lots ZOMG) and despite having successfully rooted a couple of android devices (most recently nook colors) I figured "heck, how hard can it be?"

The answer to that question is that I chipped in the difference between what his wife paid and a refurbished nook color, and set that up for him.

This thing is RUBBISH.

It didn't help that during the entire holiday season the Cruz store, website, and support desk were all 100% down.

Just don't.

Does it have any input to hook up an external source, say a DVD and use it as simple monitor?

I purchased one of these at staples early last year. It is not user friendly. If you are technically challenge, don't bother getting this. The touch screen is more like touchless. Its very difficult to manuver using your finger or a stylus. The "market" doesn't carry much. You can however, download the amazon app, but that take some time. Pandora can also be downloaded. WiFi is crappy!

kurtm wrote:
If one uses the custom ROM it is fairly lean and works much better than the stock ROM. But, if you are uncomfortable with that idea, the tablet probably isn't for you.

From the last couple years reading, experiencing, & learning from others I trust about Google's Android O/S, currently an Android Device is NOT for me (or as a gift to someone else) & I'm NOT comfortable with it & it's not worth considering "to me" unless it has at least a MINIMUM of:

Andoid 2.2 with 600MHz CPU & 512MB RAM or more

OR

Android 3.2 with 1GHz CPU & 512MB RAM or more

OR

Android 4.x with 1GHz CPU & 1GB RAM or more

Anything less than that it may be worth considering as a basic simple eReader (not web browsing), otherwise folks are just asking for more problems & trouble unfortunately, and probably they will not be satisfied, but of course others will have higher or lower expectations & standards for themselves. As new Android O/S versions are released, these min. specs are only expected to grow or increase.

I wish Google would step up to the plate and provide MINIMUM & RECOMMENDED Android Operating System specification requirements (at least for CPU, RAM, Storage, & Graphics) for each version of their O/S.

Good luck to everyone in their purchase decisions.

kamnet wrote:Well, biscuits! I just dropped $250 on a Nook Tablet + screen protectors + case and spent a weekend learning how to install CM7 because I thought this was the best bang-for-the-buck deal, and now Woot puts this up for sale! Maybe I should just return my Nook and get this instead? In for one!

Trust me, the nook tablet is 100000000000x better. the velocity tablet has a sh***y screen, its resistive meaning that you need to apply pressure to it, but the tablet doesn't register the touches very well

Bought it it Sucked. You will not get good use out of it. Junk

avoid like the plague. The power button is annoying all on its own. I keep accidently turning the thing off.

mrict2002 wrote:Does it have any input to hook up an external source, say a DVD and use it as simple monitor?

Doesn't look like it. It's USB port is not used for any a/v interface.

http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/velocity-micro-cruz-tablet/4505-3126_7-34451903.html

mrict2002 wrote:Does it have any input to hook up an external source, say a DVD and use it as simple monitor?

I don't think ANY modern tablet will let you do that.

I wish Google would step up to the plate and provide MINIMUM & RECOMMENDED Android Operating System specification requirements (at least for CPU, RAM, Storage, & Graphics) for each version of their O/S.

At least the Android operating system allows the freedom to choose different devices. Watch what you wish for otherwise Android will develop into another Apple. I like the fact that I can choose garbage if I want garbage, and at the same time I have high end brands (Samsung, Asus, Acer, Motorola...)fighting each other trying to achieve their own innovative edge. The bottom line is Caveat Emptor. Read the reviews before you buy. This forum on Woot is a perfect example today. Anyone who would read these comments and still buy this tablet is a fool, except for those few who realize what they are purchasing is garbage, but they just want a go at it. I just wish Woot went back to the days of offering items that were more substantial at a competitive price. Why is it that I need to go to ebay, or Ben's outlet or 1saleaday to pick up that Acer iconia a100? That is the kind of stuff I want to see here. Unfortunately when that stuff does show up, it's not competitively priced like it is at those other sites.

I hope this thing works with Google Voice... According to Amaz00n there is a mic but no mic jack.

Purchased to use as an XBMC remote. The included stand makes it worthwhile.

I don't know, I will have to add this to hundred others that said the same thing.

Do not buy

Spend another 65 dollars and get that refurb Fire at the parent store. And this comes from the guy who dislikes the Fire a lot.

You will need thank us ones the joy of a new toy wears off in a couple of days.

risad wrote:I just bought a refurbished one from a local dealer whre I live for my son's 10th birthday. You can't play netflix or youtube from site BUT there is a YouTube app!! I have yet to find anything for netflix. I paid $75 for my son's and thought that was an awesome deal! This price listed here is crazzzzzyyyy. It comes with a stand and a sleeve cover, too.

Of course it isn't as fancy as an ipad or even my HP touchpad, but it does what it was made to do... get online, check emails, ebooks, etc. We haven't had any issues as far as the screen response, it's been great!

My son left it in the car yesterday morning, and I actually had it in the sleeve, inside my purse all day long and didn't know the difference (even checked my email at McDonalds). It's small, convenient, and man this price is nuts!

Yeah $65 for a refurb is nuts when you can get it new at walmart for 70 and take it back if you decide it isn't what you want or its defective.

drxo wrote:How is this done? Do you mean it has a DLNA client? I'm looking for playing my music files on a tablet-like device.

Also, does anyone know if the calendar syncs with Google Calendar? I do not have Android experience, it sounds like various such devices can leave out core features liks sync.

1. Set up your pc as a web server.
2. Got to your server in the browser
3. Click on song

OR

Connect to your network thru astro
click on your song

tljx wrote:Anyone know if this can be rooted and/or are there any custom firmwares available for it? If so, I'm definitely in for one.

It can be rooted, but I have not found any custom firmwares yet.

I had one from Big Lots around Christmas; it was my introduction to Android Tablets. I was able to upgrade and root the operating system and get it to do most of what I wanted it to do. After a few days I decided that I wanted a more capable device that would be more compatible with Android Apps.

I bought a used Sprint Galaxy Tab 7 through Ebay. It was three times as much, but it has a much better screen, the processor is twice as fast, it has GPS, bluetooth, will hook up to Sprint or Boost and is compatible with virtually every app that I have installed.

The Cruz Tablet is not really as bad as some people have made it out to be here. It just left me wanting for more.

Cannondale400r wrote:It can be rooted, but I have not found any custom firmwares yet.

http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/21572-guide-cruz-t10x-t301-rooting-dalvik-turbo-removing-bloatware-gapps-market-more/

this gets you the Google app store and some other things - there are guys working on custom roms

Okay I think we have trashed this woot enough. I am ready for the next item but it won't be around for another 3 hours. This is the torturous part of Woot!

I bought one last Christmas for $79 from here but I ended up getting rid of it after a little bit of use. It's nice that it comes with a stand and a pouch but the sluggishness of the performance just killed me. I've also tried the HP touchpad and it wasn't quite right for me either. Sadly, I'm a lot happier with my Samsung galaxy now. When a software is done right, it makes a whole lotta difference.

Does the one at WalMart include all the accessories that this one comes with?

Are there audio books available?

So, what I'm reading pretty much across the board is with this unit, NO Flash, No Silverlight? This price is right for a toy, but if the toy doesn't deliver, I'm probably going to throw it through a window, perhaps harming a perfectly innocent person. Perhaps even an elderly person. Considering that women live longer than men, my guess would be that statistics would bear that an elderly person would be female. I don't want to toss electronics out of the window at the geriatrics. I'm known for shenanigans, but bumming out the elderly really isn't my gig. Heck, I feel bad about the grandmother VCR event of '02.
So, buy? Or chuck at a grey-hair? That's really all the guidance I'm seeking.

I don't want that kinda responsibility.

Not worth it. I have one, paid $20 more... got it to do some development work in android.

It is not responsive, very laggy. I currently use it as a remote control for my mythtv install on my desktop and for instant messaging. It isn't powerful enough to much.

The apps are outdated, you can install android store and get some better ones but most won't support it.

mattgen88 wrote:Not worth it. I have one, paid $20 more... got it to do some development work in android.

It is not responsive, very laggy. I currently use it as a remote control for my mythtv install on my desktop and for instant messaging. It isn't powerful enough to much.

The apps are outdated, you can install android store and get some better ones but most won't support it.

So with extra memory via SD or Micro SD, you can't jack this bugger to run Ubuntu, Firefox? I'm sure there are others I'm not aware of like Unicorn, or Manatee, or something. But no extraneous OS will work on this?

I have this, got it as a door prize from a raffle (and I can see why it was donated). It sucks. Don't considering buying it thinking you will be getting a cheaper version of an iPad. This thing is now a paperweight on our shelf. I really tried like it, accepting it for it's limitations. I was even willing to keep it in the kitchen drawer to use only for looking up recipes. Because of the limited RAM, now even the browser won't work (it closes automatically after any search result is clicked). And like the YouTube vid shows, it's not part of the official Android mkt, so downloading any android app was futile.
Too bad, was excited when I won that door prize, too.

kamnet wrote:Well, biscuits! I just dropped $250 on a Nook Tablet + screen protectors + case and spent a weekend learning how to install CM7 because I thought this was the best bang-for-the-buck deal, and now Woot puts this up for sale! Maybe I should just return my Nook and get this instead? In for one!

I personally owned this tablet and it is horrible! First of all, there is no real access directly to the market. Cruz market is horrible as well.
2. THis tablet will not run some of the most simple of games including angry birds!
3. THe sound quality is horrible and this tablets screen is not as responsive as it should be.
4. A lot of apps available through amazon appstore will not even work on this tablet.
Overrall this tablet is okay if you want to watch netflix or pandora through headphones but other than that it is totally worthless.
I much prefer my Nook over this which I purchased after I sold my T301

risad wrote:I just bought a refurbished one from a local dealer whre I live for my son's 10th birthday. You can't play netflix or youtube from site BUT there is a YouTube app!! I have yet to find anything for netflix. I paid $75 for my son's and thought that was an awesome deal! This price listed here is crazzzzzyyyy. It comes with a stand and a sleeve cover, too.

Of course it isn't as fancy as an ipad or even my HP touchpad, but it does what it was made to do... get online, check emails, ebooks, etc. We haven't had any issues as far as the screen response, it's been great!

As a previous owner I can say that this thing SUCKS for ebooks period.

My son left it in the car yesterday morning, and I actually had it in the sleeve, inside my purse all day long and didn't know the difference (even checked my email at McDonalds). It's small, convenient, and man this price is nuts!

I bought this the last time Woot had it up. It is a total piece of crap. Will not work with Android market. Will not load Netflix. Slow as hell.

Then Woot didn't want to take it back. It is sitting in the box collecting dust in my closet. I can't give it away.

I got this last year used off of Gazelle/Ebay. I upgraded to Froyo 2.2, rooted it and removed the bloats and it still runs the built-in browser slow. With 256M of Ram, you pretty much need a good RAM Management tool to release memory to avoid apps/browsers from not working.

However, with Android Skyfire browser, you can run some Flash videos but I find most videos freeze after one minute of play. Interestingly enough, even though the headphone port has a known defect (plays stereo music monaural left speaker only) the ILUV speakers I got off of a recent woot-off actually makes the sound of the Cruz a lot better.

For now, I use it as an ebook reader, music player, and a stopwatch to cook medium boiled eggs.

Synchron40

Got this in November.

Cons:
Audio jack is dodgy on some units.
Had to send first one back to get this fixed.
Browsing often quits back to home page after 2-3 minutes use.
Apps selection is abysmal.
It just not a user-friendly reliable device for doing anything productive with an internet connection.

Pros:
For the price it does the job as a back-lit reader (my kindle has gathered dust since I got this). It's fine a a back-up media player for a flight, kids in car.

As a tablet its a POS
As a reader/media player it's just about worth the $ (if you are cheap, like me).