Application support page, from the vendor:

http://cruzsupport.velocitymicro.com/link/portal/5462/5758/Article/853/What-apps-are-compatible-with-the-Cruz-Tablet-T100-series-or-T301

Gives you a short list of stuff not working, and some apps confirmed working. A starting point, at least...

aaronshall wrote:Nothing in the write up....


are these the 101's or 103's?

If you look closely at the back of the tablet, it says model T301. I was always under the impression that this was the R102 or R103. The R101 is resistive, and marketed as a "reader" (even though it's a full fledged tablet running Android).

does it play flash? Java? what version of android it it using and can it be updated?

I got the T201 from woot months ago (I think that's the right number I'm half asleep) took it out of the box for 5 min and never touched it again. Super slow.... No android market. Super slow. Not a tablet, its a reader but not sure what books to read with no Google reader. Slowwwwww.... Also you have to MASH THE SCREEN WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT. Not like a phone. I got a galaxy tab and never looked back.

KyserSoze wrote:Aren't most movies 16x9? 4:3 is like my crt from the 80's.

No, while 16:9 is a standard aspect ratio for high-definition television, most movies are not 16:9. There are a wide range of aspect ratios in use.
Film aspect ratios

For example, Star Wars is not 16:9. Instead of black bars on the sides, you see black bars on the top and bottom, even on a 16:9 TV.

But, 16:9 is closer to most movies than 4:3 or 800x600, that is for sure.

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.

It comes with a special Youtube app that plays those videos. As default, if you are in the browser on Youtube and try to play a video it automatically loads the separate Youtube app and plays. Then you back up from that app to the browser. No other flash.

No Angry Birds. I had "Angry Birds Free" downloaded from Amazon but never installed and just tried - it won't install.

Usually in the Amazon Appstore, if an app is incompatible, Amazon says something like "Not compatible with your device" and won't download in the first place. Probably 25% of apps on Amazon give this message. I only try the free ones there anyway.

Bought tow for the kids 9&5 for santa to bring. If they don't work, they can be a reader for teh wife and I.

After reading the reviews I think I'll save my $75 for something less flawed.
121 Reviews
5 star:
(21)
4 star:
(35)
3 star:
(18)
2 star:
(20)
1 star:
(27

Needing advice... looking for a cheap tablet for a 6 year old to watch MP4 movies on... will this one do it okay? Don't really look for it to do much more other than some basic web browsing, email and e-reader which I assume this will do workmanlike.
Any advice?

If you update the ROM from the Cruz website like I have (which is easy and automated), you get Android version 2.2.1, Build number "T301-eng 2.2.1 FRG83 eng.szhao.20110513.013344". This is the latest version available on their website as of right now.

I am getting my 3 kindle fires tomorrow for xmas in the mail so no need for this. Sure is cheap for the value though.

KyserSoze wrote:So would this be better than the pocket eDGe?

For what? Hardware can't be compared in the abstract - you have to know the purpose. For example, with its two screens, the PE weighs more, so it's better for smashing over people's heads. If you want a product from a company that's still in business, then a Cruz would be better.

Not sure if my post was deleted (for no apparent reason) or never got properly processed.

I purchased one of these new last week for $69 at Big Lots.

It has a VERY poor screen. Often had to press the screen 3-5 times to get an action to work. Often times (more often than not) pressing a key on the virtual keyboard yielded the character next to the one you wanted.

Also, advertised (in ads AND on the box) that it comes with 100 free books from Borders.

I figured that the site was still active (even though the stores closed earlier this year), but it now redirects to Barnes & Noble (who refuses to honor the offer).

Returned mine earlier this afternoon.

mike123106 wrote:I got the T201 from woot months ago (I think that's the right number I'm half asleep) took it out of the box for 5 min and never touched it again. Super slow.... No android market. Super slow. Not a tablet, its a reader but not sure what books to read with no Google reader. Slowwwwww.... Also you have to MASH THE SCREEN WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT. Not like a phone. I got a galaxy tab and never looked back.

Wrong. It's a full fledged tablet. If you disagree, point me to a webpage which defines what a tablet is and why the T201 doesn't fit. Sorry, a slower CPU doesn't disqualify it from being a real tablet --- no more than a single core CPU disqualifies a computer from being a real computer.

I followed this debate when Woot offered the R101 and people who claimed that it was only a reader were either snobs or ignorant of what a tablet is.

The bottomline is that this runs Android 2.2, and has the ncessary hardware for it to run. That's a tablet. And for people who don't need a lot of speed, like my parents, this is just fine. Comparing your $300 Galaxy with this $69 tablet is pointless, just as comparing your Galaxy with a $600 iPad is.

Wholesaleforless wrote:
Returned mine earlier this afternoon.

I don't blame you if you didn't like it -

BUT I think Big Lots had the R101/R102, not this T301. They look absolutely identical except on the back labeling. But the R series had the hard press resistive pressure screen, this T301 has the capacitive screen where only a very light touch is needed. And the battery life is much improved.

xxooss wrote:does it play flash? Java? what version of android it it using and can it be updated?

I believe flash needs Android 2.3, and this may not be upgradeable to 2.3. I know that the R101 is not easily upgradeable, although it's pretty easy to hack. If YouTube is your major need, Flash is not necessary. It comes with a YouTube viewer which plays YT videos just fine.

There is also a browser which runs websites through their server. The server translates Flash into HTML (I think) before delivering it to your device.

dliidlii wrote:After reading the reviews I think I'll save my $75 for something less flawed.

What is less flawed? I have two nephews that want tablets for Christmas but I can't see paying $$$ for something that may be broke or lost in 6 months. What is cheaper that CAN play app flash based games like angry birds and do basic browsing and youtube and has access to android stores?

I see a big market for kids that the manufacturers are not filling. WHY?
Not everyone wants to spend electronic megabucks on kids.

This might make a nice virtual comic book device...

Does anyone know if it will run Comixology Comic Reader smoothly? (Not the "Droid comic viewer" listed on the manufacturer site)

ojohn wrote:No Angry Birds. I had "Angry Birds Free" downloaded from Amazon but never installed and just tried - it won't install.

I've never attempted to install Angry Birds but one Wooter said that he plays it on the R101, which is the cheapest Cruz (same specs as this but resistive screen). He admits that it's slow though. Check out the previous Woot offerings if you want to see his reviews.

jmiller2225 wrote:Needing advice... looking for a cheap tablet for a 6 year old to watch MP4 movies on... will this one do it okay? Don't really look for it to do much more other than some basic web browsing, email and e-reader which I assume this will do workmanlike.
Any advice?

YES! That's one of the major uses by my parents. The native player will not play H.264 MP4s, but XVid MP4s play fine. The lower the resolution, the smoother it plays. My parents rarely use fullscreen so it plays very smoothly. If you need to play a CODEC or container (i.e. RMVB) that is not built-in, simply surf the web for another player. The most powerful viewers are from China so the interfaces are often clunky, at least for someone who can't read Chinese.

I would also suggest installing some board games to exercise the kid's mind, i.e. Reversi (Othello), jigsaw puzzles, etc.

CORRECTION: According to the description, this T301 is able to play H.264 MP4s, so you should be be fine. I was referring to a lesser model that I own, the R101.

frugalfreak wrote:What is less flawed? I have two nephews that want tablets for Christmas but I can't see paying $$$ for something that may be broke or lost in 6 months. What is cheaper that CAN play app flash based games like angry birds and do basic browsing and youtube and has access to android stores?

I see a big market for kids that the manufacturers are not filling. WHY?
Not everyone wants to spend electronic megabucks on kids.

Amen! BTW, this Cruz can do full fledged browsing, not just basic browsing. I prefer Dolphin HD, whose tabbing rivals many desktop browsers. If fact, it allows to switch between the mobile version and full version of most websites. For example, when I manage my YouTube channel, I use the full desktop version to access every feature. I also prefer the full version of eBay.

The tablet market is changing at a rapid pace. The recently released Amazon Kindle Fire will transform the entire game. And color eInk and similar technologies are just around the corner. So why invest $300 for something that will be old technology next year? $69 is great deal for the casual tablet user.

Wholesaleforless wrote:I purchased one of these new last week for $69 at Big Lots.

It has a VERY poor screen. Often had to press the screen 3-5 times to get an action to work. Often times (more often than not) pressing a key on the virtual keyboard yielded the character next to the one you wanted.

I think you're referring to one of their R models, i.e. R101, which has a resistive screen. This has a capacitive screen, which doesn't require any pushing.

I was poking around the Black Friday sales and found 3 things for Velocity Cruz.

http://bfads.net/Search/velocity%20cruz

I'm being lazy and not easy linking...

The Kmart offering is an R model so not the same. But $69.99

The Sears Friends and Family Sale has an unidentifiable Cruz model for $89.99.

The Radio Shack offering is not just for a case but also for a Cruz Tablet for $99.99. (Says save $50 so guessing its tablet not reader.) A leather case for $29.99 save $10.

So save the hassle of the crowds being insane this Black Friday... Even the off brand tablet offerings from others are more expensive than this...

Lots of tablet offerings this year, many of them look to be bad choices compared to this.

migelito wrote:Capacitive touch screen means no using with gloves. in case it's winter or something

Nor is a capacitive screen good for precise drawing or character recognition unless you buy an expensive stylus. I actually prefer a resistive screen.

Bay Area John wrote:Very hard to find a site that admits to the processor speed, but I found one that said it is just over 500 mHz... too slow for satisfying operation of many apps. Anyone for a relaxing game of LAZY BIRDS?

The CPU is underclocked to save energy. There are easy hacks to increase it to 800, I believe. Virtually nothing my parents run needs speed: Websurfing, word processor, eReading, Monopoly, Chess, Sandoku, backgammon, etc.

sdc100 wrote:The CPU is underclocked to save energy. There are easy hacks to increase it to 800, I believe. Virtually nothing my parents run needs speed: Websurfing, word processor, eReading, Monopoly, Chess, Sandoku, backgammon, etc.

so in terms of speed...where does 800 lie in terms of how good it is? also how hard is it to hack? I'm looking for a decent tablet but don't want to waste money on an ipad if I don't plan to use but if its slow...hmmm...so where does 800 lie in terms of other tablets?

Bought this last year from Best buyz for $99. It reads comics just fine but do not expect to do anything useful from the android market. No angry birds does not work and either does netflix.

So what if I wanted to upload a few text files and such? Will it do PDF files? I play music for a living, and would love to be able to print up lyric sheets and chord charts in MS Word or Pages, and find a way to open them on a tablet like this...

DuneMech wrote:so in terms of speed...where does 800 lie in terms of how good it is? also how hard is it to hack? I'm looking for a decent tablet but don't want to waste money on an ipad if I don't plan to use but if its slow...hmmm...so where does 800 lie in terms of other tablets?

I've never actually hacked mine or my parents because our apps don't need speed. In fact, my parents prefer long battery life. Mine is usually plugged in beside my bed on its easel as a hi-tech alarm clock. But I'm simply too lazy to hack it. In other words, I can't tell you how much faster 800mhz is. But I've heard that it's easy to adjust the speed. Search the web.

It is definitely slowish, so you'll have to see what your needs are. My parents websurf, watch YouTube, watch videos ripped off DVDs (not on fullscreen), read eBooks, do word processing, and play backgammon, chess, monopoly and other board games. They've never complained that it's slow.

Do not need. Bot 1 anyway.

Here is the walk-through on how to get this tablet running right.

[GUIDE] Cruz T10x / T301: Rooting, Dalvik Turbo, Removing Bloatware, Gapps & Market & More:

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

Now my viewsonic g-pad has a little brother!


we love our gadgets. woot!

If this add is correct then Radio shack will be selling for a much higher price:http://www.2011blackfridayads.com/radioshack/

fretlessman71 wrote:So what if I wanted to upload a few text files and such? Will it do PDF files? I play music for a living, and would love to be able to print up lyric sheets and chord charts in MS Word or Pages, and find a way to open them on a tablet like this...

Yeah, it opens PDFs just fine with its built-in PDF viewer. It can also view and edit Word files, as long as the formatting isn't too complex.

If you want to upload a sample PDF to Mediafire, I'll put it on my Cruz R101 and take a photo of the display for you. The R101 is the lowest model but the display is identical to this.

Here is guide on how to enable wifi tethering to your (older) phone via ad Hoc network:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11828472&postcount=4

Not the simplest to follow, but it' will work.

I'll probably end up buying three as gifts. At the very worst, these will make great digital photo frames and alarm clocks so they'll never be obsolete even when Android apps surpass their capabilities.

atmicrat wrote:Bought this last year from Best buyz for $99. It reads comics just fine but do not expect to do anything useful from the android market. No angry birds does not work and either does netflix.

Define useful. My parents use it daily to schedule their lives, websurf, play games, read ebooks, etc. Why are those tasks not useful? They're certainly more useful than Angry Birds.

Walmart has it for 99.99
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-Bundle/19392635#ProductDetail

The header picture is wrong. This is a SQUARE tablet, not rectangular. Big difference, i.e. the BIG part is missing.

Woot is beginning to disappoint me.

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

TinManCanDo wrote:Refurbished

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.