Velocity Micro Cruz T408

“Velocity Micro is known for well-priced, high-performing PCs, so I understand why the company would want to apply that ethos of craftsmanship and quality to tablets. Unfortunately, the Velocity Micro Cruz T408 suffers from the same problems that plague most discount tablets: an awful screen, an OS designed for phones, and a lack of the Google apps that most people expect from Android devices. While the Cruz T408 performs well, it's too user-unfriendly for the masses.”

“It's pretty obvious who the Cruz T408 is aimed at: people who just want a tablet -- any tablet -- and don't mind settling on Gingerbread so long as the device is dirt-cheap. Problem is, without Gmail or even Android Market, even these folks are likely to be disappointed. While GetJar and the Amazon Appstore offer viable alternatives, it takes only one or two missing-in-action apps to create a frustrating experience. And why should you subject yourself to that, when the Archos 80 G9, another 8-inch tablet, runs Android Honeycomb 3.2, Android Market and all, and costs just $100 more? And let's not even get started on the Kindle Fire, which will hit the same price point as the Cruz T408 when it ships later this fall. Sure, maybe you favor Gingerbread over the customized Amazonian UI, or absolutely need a Skype-acceptable camera or must have a microSD slot. But absent other reasons, simple bargain-hunting is becoming a weaker and weaker excuse to settle for something this forgettable.”

“It adds up to, well, nothing very impressive. But fortunately the Cruz has a major ace in its sleeve in the form of pricing that can undercut its competition by half. If price is your primary concern, it may be worth a look. But then again, if you’re that broke you probably shouldn’t be buying a tablet in the first place.”

“The $239 Velocity Cruz T408 tablet's affordable price will be very attractive to students and frugal tablet shoppers of all ages. And unlike with the Kindle Fire, you can use this slate to make video calls. However, the slate's somewhat sluggish performance and low-res display are turn-offs, as is the awkward skinning of Android. While the Cruz T408 is certainly worth a look, you'll probably be better off picking up the $199 Kindle Fire. Amazon's slate will have a faster dual-core CPU, a zippier browser, simpler interface, and easy access to more content.”