After reviewing the manual online it states that the recent upgrade of the system to Android 2.2 allows the system to run Flash. It suggests downloading a different web browser, though. The upgrade cured many of the other problems also. Will verify once I receive my device.

chaoticbear wrote:It does have fairly low ratings on Amazon, but this review has some valid opinions.

"If you want an Android tablet running the latest version, able to play all the latest apps and flash video, don't buy this tablet. If you want an Android tablet you can root or upgrade, don't bother, you will not be happy. If you want it to be an Ipad, forget about it.

However, if you want a $250 color e-reader that has a stable OS, long battery life, and a seven inch 800x600 touchscreen you will be pleased. You will be more pleased with the capability to surf the internet, check e-mail and load simple apps. The Cruz comes preloaded with the Kindle reader and most other e-readers can be downloaded from freewarelovers.com. The screen size, the rubber back, touch screen, wifi, and all day battery life make this an excellent e-reader that compares well with the Nook color. The new version of the Android Kindle app (which can be downloaded from freewarelovers.com) also allows you to download magazines in color.

As an e-reader with expanded capabilities the Cruz is a great product and I am very pleased with it. Out of the box, the software is very stable, the battery is 75% charged and the Kindle app is ready to go. As a cutting edge Galaxy or Ipad competitor, the Cruz falls short, but it is much cheaper than those devices. I describe the Cruz to my friends as a Kindle version of the Nook Color. A "Kindle Color" is the best way to describe it.

I have loaded my Cruz with the following apps, all obtained from freewarelovers.com or the web, and they all work well: Kindle, Overdrive Media Console (for library e-books), Kobo Reader, Aldiko Reader, Wapedia, Newspapers, Reuters, Iheartradio, Skyfire browser and Dolphin browser."

TinManCanDo wrote:Refurbished

You are observant.

The lack of a GPS makes ANY tablet at any price a no-sale. GPS capability is a major part of a tablet's cool factor and general usefulness because some of the best apps utilize GPS.

mrjoshsantiago wrote:I want it to read comics. Anyone know about using ComiXology? And what the comics would look like?

Like I noted in a previous post, I bought the R101 and use it as a dedicated comics reader, using ACV. I like it just fine, although the resistive screen on the R101 is a bit of a pain. Given that this one has a capacitive screen, I'd snap it up for a new reader if it weren't for the fact my new Kindle Fire will be waiting for me when I get home today.

When I bought the R101, I found this Amazon review to be very helpful:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R34Y35JOOEQ7LI/ref=cm_srch_res_rtr_alt_1

imajr wrote:I want to buy a tablet for my parents. Is there a big difference between Android 2.2 and Android 3.0?

Difference is night and day. I have a Pandigital with Froyo and a Xoom with Honeycomb and I much prefer the Xoom. The internet was slow even right by a wireless spot, the apps are limited, and it didnt do Netflix. Its on the back burner (gonna modify it) and the Xoom is my main tab right now. Cant wait for the ICS update on it! Hope that helps.

xninjagrrl wrote:Eh, for 50 bucks new it might be a nice alternative to the Sony Dash. Can this thing handle streaming Netflix or are the results terrible?

Doesn't run Netflix, but does stream videos nicely. And yes, it beats "internet appliances" hands down!

Well, even though I repeatedly fail to get a Big ol' Cornucopia, I finally managed to get the tablet I have been wanting to get FOREVER! Thanks woot, now my kitchen cabinet will have a tablet velcro-ed to it so that I can view my recipes while cooking.....YAY!

Reroot it!

marty33065 wrote:Prepare to be disappointed. Updated my T301 to 2.2 and installed android market, so this is as good as it gets. Poor touchscreen response, but maybe because tablet is so slow you can't tell if touch registered. Can't run flash because of MIPS processor. Even worse, browser crashes on sites with flash. Helps if you disable java in browser settings, but then some sites diplay poorly. Many apps, including angry birds, refuse to install. OK for checking email, but frustrating for browsing. Works OK as ereader (using Overdrive/Digital Editions) but heavy and doesn't show page numbers. Basically does many things, but does nothing well.

n1skassmir wrote:After reviewing the manual online it states that the recent upgrade of the system to Android 2.2 allows the system to run Flash. It suggests downloading a different web browser, though. The upgrade cured many of the other problems also. Will verify once I receive my device.

many users suggest downloading the Skyfire browser

atryus28 wrote:Newegg.com has this on sale NEW for $59.99 with free shipping. I'll take new and $15 cheaper myself.

With Promo Code: EMCYTZT915

You'll need to sign up with an email to retrieve the code and any future codes. Surprised to see woot so outclassed on this one.

Please everybody ~ the R-103 and the T-301 are NOT the same. R= Reader; T = Tablet.
Apples and oranges...

For an ereader most importantly, but also any other 'bells and whistles' (my mom is relatively internet savvy and does internet browsing, multimedia, social media, email, etc), which do you think is better - White Pandigital Novel 7" Color Multimedia eReader for $68 on Amazon or this? The Pandigital does have a firmware upgrade on its site. Does say to what, but says will add full android app/tablet capabilities. I'm guessing it upgrades to 2.2? http://www.pandigital.net/ANDROID

MrJazz wrote:Please everybody ~ the R-103 and the T-301 are NOT the same. R= Reader; T = Tablet.
Apples and oranges...

yes, definitely not the same!

Just ran into this link on how to root it and install the market on it: http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/21572-guide-cruz-t10x-t301-rooting-dalvik-turbo-removing-bloatware-gapps-market-more/

I have a 7" tablet - the Pandigital Novel, now being touted as the 7" Android Tablet rather than just ebook reader.

Over on slatedroid.com there is a lot of development work on making it better etc. Runs 800Mhz with an ARM processor. I can stream video to it no problem (not flash, but mp4 based, like video streamed to your itouch) Run pandora, surf the web, read forums etc.

I have it set up with Android, and get to the android market place no problem.
Have lots of smart games (chess, bricks, sudoku, puzzles etc) loaded, and they run fine.

Ebooks - read fine… I use "aldiko"

Comics - 7" for me is a little small… I would rather use 10" for comics. Personal preference.

Amazon has it for $77 today. It regularly goes on sale around the net etc…

Resistive vs capacitive - having used both types of screens - you do need to press "more". But its not a mashing down of the finger. If you equate an itouch to rubbing gently, then on the resistive (PDNovel) its more of rubbing firmly, about 2x the pressure from capacitive. I find it reasonable and not at all difficult to move between the two types of screens.

I would pass on this offering if you want to really play with it. If you just want to use it as is, its an okay deal. At $50-$55 I would buy one or two, at this price its not attractive enough, given how many new tablets are coming nowadays.

chaoticbear wrote:It does have fairly low ratings on Amazon, but this review has some valid opinions.

"If you want an Android tablet running the latest version, able to play all the latest apps and flash video, don't buy this tablet. If you want an Android tablet you can root or upgrade, don't bother, you will not be happy. ....."

This review does look nice, however about the flash video. According to Walmart, the first brick and mortar store i found, it does have flash video support. It may be poor, due to limited ram/cpu, but it has it.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Velocity-Micro-Cruz-T103-7-Capacitive-Touchscreen-Entertainment-Tablet-eBook-Reader-with-Google-Android-2.0-OS-4GB-SD-Card/15529752?ci_sku=15529752&ci_src=14110944&sourceid=1500000000000003142050

I'm looking for something to surf the web while I'm at the coffee shop. Is this the right product for me? Check my e-mail, play on Facebook etc...

dfyb wrote:Bought it -- plan on finding a way to make it water proof so I can use it in the shower, write down ideas, etc.

LOL, what are the other shower activities covered by the "ETC." ?

sdc100 wrote:Those who have read my previous reviews of the Sony Dash know that I am a huge advocate of the Cruz over any Chumby device -- especially at this price. For every Chumby app, you'll find many more Android app that do the same thing with many more features. Simply leave it on 24/7 (disable auto-off) and plugged in, and you'll have an Internet device that actually allows you to surf the web (unlike the Dash which as VERY limited web functionality). I recommend Dolphin HD, which rivals the power of many desktop browsers.

I place mine on the easel next to my bed. I have a great alarm clock app, Pandora, movie viewer, etc installed. I also use it to surf the web before sleeping and have even used it to word process in bed. And of course, it's also an eReader.

And unlike the Dash or Chumby, I can always unplugged it and use it room to room, running on battery. For example, I can bring recipes into the kitchen.

It's a great stocking stuffer, especially for younger children or older non-techie relatives. The only issue is that this is REFURBISHED, which may be inapprpriate for gifting. No, removing the Refurbed labels is not good enough because it'll show up as refurbed if they register the Cruz online.

zzzzzzzzz-----------------
Which movie viewer app are you using?

So my birthday was yesterday (Happy Birthday to me!!!) and I love to read and my boyfriend loves Androids, so when he saw the CruzR102 tablet on a closeout sale he bought it for me as a gift. UNFORTUNATELY, the touch feature was impossible to use and the product was heavy and so very slow. PDF viewing was page by page and had poor loading time that was very slow, we gave up on reading the instructions after a few minutes of this. The internet connection was also quite poor and slow. It's going back to the store and I went online this morning to try to find a better droid tablet at a good deal... I was amazed to see another one of the Cruz tablets on Woot today. Here's hoping this one is better than the one I got for those of you that decide to purchase it.

Looks like a great way to roll $70 plus $5 shipping right down a rat hole

I'll pass. Velocity Micro do not provide the source code that they're legally required to for the various parts that make up Android (the Linux kernel being a big one).

Ok so any people who really know a lot about android tablets, please tell me between the one on woot today and these two, which one is best? I need one for hubby to play some games on it, check his facebook, and possibly use it for web browsing. I need help as noone I know has any idea on which is better or which would work for what I need.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM2240653403P?blockNo=23&blockType=G23&prdNo=23&i_cntr=1321461845471

http://www.ahappydeal.com/products/product_46825.htm

Is this 1.10 lbs with or without the stand?

We're going to Disney for Christmas...can I download my hundreds of pictures off my SD card and then share them on FaceBook? That's really all I want it for...and reading on the plane!

r0ksana wrote:While I was thinking about getting this for my mother to introduce her to technology, I know that she won't really enjoy it if she can't go on YouTube and play funny pet videos. She sure loves those funny cats.

Video is a bust :c(

Thank god this was on the top of the discussions. Kept me from pulling the trigger prematurely. (Not that that happens often)

jamina1 wrote:This is actually on sale at Newegg today for $59.99 with promocode EMCYTZT915

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858274015&nm_mc=EMC-GD111611&cm_mmc=EMC-GD111611-_-index-_-Item-_-58-274-015

Good luck.

Perhaphs the sale is over. From your link I see that the Reader R103 is on sale for $89.99

No deal here, Brand new for $59.99 with coupon & free shipping at newegg I posted the deal under
http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/fba7b15d-683e-4856-b6e8-e60077bac2df/velocity-micro-cruz-reader-r103-7-android-tablet-with-wi-fi-4gb-microsd-card#0

dynamoned wrote:Not quite. Your link is for the R103 model, with the resistive touch screen. The Woot! model is the T301, which has a capacitive touch screen. Admittedly, they look identical, but be careful of the model numbers.

That said, the NewEgg deal would be perfect for those who prefer resistive touch screens.

What is a resistive touch screen?

Is it possible to add the barnes and noble ebook app or some other non/kindle reader? Can the Overdrive library lending app be loaded and download directly and read (epub)?

dfyb wrote:Bought it -- plan on finding a way to make it water proof so I can use it in the shower, write down ideas, etc.

A voice recorder is much better for that. With any tablet, there is a bootup period where you can easily lose your train of thought. Voice recorders are cheaper and much easier to use for this purpose. And if you need video, get a cheap handcorder like the Flip, Vado or Kodaks. Some will even allow you to play MP3 and videos.

smmell wrote:Is it possible to add the barnes and noble ebook app or some other non/kindle reader? Can the Overdrive library lending app be loaded and download directly and read (epub)?

Yes for digital editions/overdive; no luck with nook (doesn't install).

dfyb wrote:Bought it -- plan on finding a way to make it water proof so I can use it in the shower, write down ideas, etc.

MichaelSF wrote:That would be cool, but impossible IMO.

I have had to settle for simply playing radios. I really like that, being able to listen to the news while in the shower.

One score I found in the thrift store, for $5, was a new-in-box "waterproof" CD player, radio combo device. Never have used the CD player, but I thought the concep was cool, a water resistant CD player.

This one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jensen-Jcr-550-Am-fm-Shower-Radio-Mirror-JCR550-/270835844264?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0f1304a8

The easiest way to waterproof a device is simply enclosing it in a ZipLoc™ bag, squeezing the air out. The problem is that this uses a capacitive screen, which requires skin contact with the screen (as far as I know). Humidity also plays weird tricks on the touch panels. My inductive stovetop has a capacitive touchpanel and when it gets very humid from cooking, buttons get activated without touching. If you want to do the ZipLoc™ thing, buy a resistive tablet, such as the lower end Velocity Cruz R101.

I just picked one up.

I must say that when the iPad came out, took over the hearts and souls of the world, who then turned the other way towards the iPad 2, I was skeptical at best. I already have a laptop, a Droid, an iPod touch and an iPod shuffle - how connected do I have to be, mobile-y speaking?

But that was a $500 iPad. Not a $75 Android tablet.

Let's hope it works.

rasputing wrote:Can you do a remote desktop connection with this device?

I think there's a free Android program that allows the access of files through WiFi. Maybe the paid version gives full desktop access.

chrisstefan wrote:On sale at newegg for $59.99 shipped free.

Uh..if you wouldn't mind posting a link? I tried searching for it and the listing (recertifed..not refurbished) says discontinued. It was $89.99 with $7.51 shipping.

Can this play the same games as I have on my Android Phone? Not just Angry Birds, but Diversion and such??

tampabay10 wrote:No deal here, Brand new for $59.99 with coupon & free shipping at newegg I posted the deal under
http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/fba7b15d-683e-4856-b6e8-e60077bac2df/velocity-micro-cruz-reader-r103-7-android-tablet-with-wi-fi-4gb-microsd-card#0

Dude for about the 5th time...New Egg is selling the R103...not the T301...entirely different tablets...The T301 (woot) is much better...it's a (T)ablet not a e(R)eader...

AND..it's $89.99 with $8 shipping for the New Egg lesser quality reader...you really need to check you stuff before posting..

joec56 wrote:Why would buying this not make more sense.....new,4gb card,will ship to home,easier return policy to an actual brick & mortar store for $25 more?

You don't need any of that if you're buying this as a gift. $25 more is a 36% increase over Woot's price. 4gb SD cards can be found for about $5. I believe Walmart also charges more for s/h, especially if you buy 3.

And Woot also ships to your home so I'm not sure what you mean. Finally, my experience has shown Woot to have a generous refund/exchange policy is something is wrong, although it's true that they won't accept Buyer's Remorse. But again, these are not issues if you're buying these as gifts.

.

MichaelSF wrote:Your's is the most quality and helpful post in here.

But I don't know what "refurbished" means. Can you explain that term. And please, limit your response to one word or less.

Thanks in advance for your help. People on Woot are lucky to have people like you to enlighten us.

bugzappers1212 wrote:Used
or
Unwanted

No no no no no! It certainly doesn't mean unwanted, and often doesn't mean used. About 2 years ago, Woot staff posted a definition of "refurbished" and often, the item was never opened. Search for it.

[quote postid="4720780" user="sdc100"]You don't need any of that if you're buying this as a gift. $25 more is a 36% increase over Woot's price. 4gb SD cards can be found for about $5. I believe Walmart also charges more for s/h, especially if you buy 3.

I'm confused on the built in memory.
On Walmart's site they state 4mb built in storage. Cruz site says 2mb built in storage. I googled "Cruz T301 tablet internal memory or sd card" and came across Cruz's site that described an alternative firmware update that results in partition the 4gb to 2gb for apps. So I'm guessing the Woot's tablets here have updated firmware that maybe has a split 4gb built in memory? Can anyone clarify this?