Velocity cruz 301 - just got it

[yoda313]

I just got my velocity cruz 301 today. Im typing with it right now. I definetly like it.

Its not as feature rich as a ipad of course but it does quite a bit.

Im looking forward to putting it through its paces.

[stiltman]

If it doesn't have Towermadness HD, it's useless

You can play around with that wanna be Robo Defense

[yoda313]

I don't know how many games I'll be able to do with it. I haven't been able to get the free angry birds to work with it.

I'm a little disappointed with the problems I've been having installing apps. I can install apps but it seems like everything has passed my version of android by and doesn't have an older version available. I'm running 2.2.1 on this and that is the last official version that was released for it. Right now I don't want to even think of rooting it. It does work.

I've had a few glitches here and there but nothing major.

It was refurbed item after all.

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I'm trying to get a bunch of txt fan fiction type stuff I've had for a long time from the internet to work on it.

I can get it to display them but there is no formatting of them. It is just a long long page with no breaks or anything. I'm trying to use Calibre to convert them but I'm not really sure what I'm doing. I also don't know what a good equivalent is to convert them too.

But I can do Kindle and I can even access the local public library for ebooks if you can believe that - I was surprised

Oh and it can do h264 in an mp4 just fine (sd not hd and 4:3 not 16:9). I've been able to play some of the downloaded videos I've gotten off of youtube. I can also stream nicely off youtube with the youtube app.

The nice thing is the dolphin browser I found. I can do FLASH with it So now I can basically browse the net without serious limitations.

For just over 50.00 plus shipping I think I got a good deal. Its last years tech of course but it has enough features to do what I want with it.

Oh and I do like doing that pinch and squeeze thing to zoom in and zoom out of web pages and all that

Edit - oh and its capacitive touch not resistive so its pretty responsive and no need for a stylus

[TreeTops]

Put win 8 on it and report back.

[yoda313]

Put win 8 on it and report back.

Umm... no I don't think so I don't want to even root it yet let alone do that. If thats even possible on this particular unit.

[gadgetguy]

I'm trying to get a bunch of txt fan fiction type stuff I've had for a long time from the internet to work on it.

I can get it to display them but there is no formatting of them. It is just a long long page with no breaks or anything. I'm trying to use Calibre to convert them but I'm not really sure what I'm doing. I also don't know what a good equivalent is to convert them too.

But I can do Kindle...

Plain text by definition is "plain" and doesn't contain any formatting to convert. I use MobiPocket to convert my word docs to prc (for Kindle). MobiPocket first converts to HTML, and then to prc, and it usually takes some cleaning up in HTML (Word is notorious for putting in a bunch of crap behind the scenes). I've been meaning to try Calibre, but haven't gotten around to it yet. But I believe you should be able to import the plain text into Word, apply paragraph styles, save and convert fairly quickly.

[yoda313]

@gadgetguy - I'm not sure how to get the kindle for android app to read or import files other than the ones I've gotten from the kindle app - the freebies - haven't bought any yet.

I tried the send to kindle program but it asks which kindle to send it to and on my computer it asks me to give the serial number for the kindle but it still shows I have a kindle for android reader app registered. Its kind of confusing.

If I were to have it converted as prc would the kindle app on my android be able to import it from the sd card? I can even upload it to my amazon cloud drive if that would help recognition.

But I believe you should be able to import the plain text into Word, apply paragraph styles, save and convert fairly quickly.

I'm not too worried about the paragraphs on most of them - though I think some could stand a tweak. What I want are chapter markers and the ability to frame it like the real ebooks with the page swiping and bookmarking that the real ones have.

Like I mentioned i am able to read the plain files as is but your scrolling forever and there is no bookmarking that I am aware of.

I'm just about done for the night but I'll keep your suggestions in mind.

I'll look up mobipocket the next time I get a chance.

Also I'll see if calibre has a prc output setting. It has a kindle output format but I don't know if that is .prc or not. It does let you output as .mobi. My problem is getting the kindle app for android to find the file.

I also have kobo installed and that does let you import but I'm not quite sure how to do that either.

Considering I've only had this for literally a day I think I've done pretty good maximizing my uses for it. Considering its limitations that is - no android market support (google play) and the like. But I am finding it quite capable as a web browser and media player.

I'm even hopeful it will play mkv files - it said on its webpage support that it will try to play a file even if the extension isn't officially supported so long as it is encoded with a codec it supports. I think that rules out wmv as it doesn't do that but a h264 mkv file should be playable. I don't know if it will play a hd file at all though since its only 800x600 - it might have an auto reducing feature??? Hopefully??? Anyway I know its not high def and I really don't need it to be but it would be neat if it could at least play it back in lower res without converting - I know its probably a pipe dream and thankfully I really don't have many files that would fit that category.

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One other note - that little hiccup I mentioned - turns out its googles fault not the tablet. There was some javascript change google implemented in early May. That causes the cruz tablet to spontaneously crash with google or websites with google searches embedded in it - though oddly not videohelp.com - anyway.

Turns out you can disable javascript and google will work normally without crashing the browser.

It also mentioned removing google as the default search engine until some fix comes along which it hasn't. Hopefully something will work for the older models soon but at least I know its not the fault of the unit.

There was one apparent shutdown that happened for no apparent reason. But I have had it on for a considerable amount of time this afternoon with no signs of a repeat.

Oh and I did reinstall the firmware. It turns out it did ship with the current firmware (2.2.1) But I wanted to make certain there wasn't something funky with the OS.

So all in all I think this little toy will do very well. Once I get the formatting and uploading situated on those txt files I should be well on my way to a fully useable tablet. (I do have some doc files as well but I want them in the "good" ebook format not just scrolling away with no bookmarking.

One last bit I did start reading one of my downloads that I did from the local public libray. It was Hunt For Red October using the Overdrive Epub app. That works really well. I've got two weeks now to finish reading - actually I've read it before but I wanted this to be my test for the library's download system and now I've got all my components set up to do it (including my login to the library with my card number all saved).

I do think I miss some of the niceties of being able to have a full fledged android tablet with the full marketplace/google play access but I have a pretty good assortment of goodies and tools at my disposal in a nice compact portable. (fyi this is the first tablet I've owned - I do have a psp but it is so old that its browser really can't be called a browser by todays standard).

Oh and the screen is really nice and vivid too. I haven't seen the ipad 3 so I don't know what the "best" is but for the money the screen is bright enough and sharp enough for my tastes. All in all I rate the t301 as a good unit from last years tech (well whenever 2.0/2.2 was available).

@gadgetguy - I'll probably chime back in when I dig deeper into the txt/doc formatting and transferring issues arise. Thanks again for the info.

[gadgetguy]

I do my own formatting for my books and I'll help if I can. The PC Kindle app uses a local folder named "My Kindle Content" to hold the prc/mobi docs. There might be something similar for your android and all you should have to do is copy the file to that folder for it to appear in the app.

[yoda313]

I do my own formatting for my books and I'll help if I can. The PC Kindle app uses a local folder named "My Kindle Content" to hold the prc/mobi docs. There might be something similar for your android and all you should have to do is copy the file to that folder for it to appear in the app.

Thanks.

Thats a good place to start. I'll try to track down the save folder for it and see if I can get it going that way.

[yoda313]

Bump

I know its not good form to bump ones own thread - especially the same day - but I have to give props to gadgetguy.

I moved my test .mobi file to the kindle directory on the flash drive from the sd card on the cruz tablet. It worked perfectly! It looks great and scrolls from left to right. It has chapters too and I can put bookmarks in. This will be great.

Unfortunately not all of my files are in this nice of shape for easy conversion. I'll have to do some manual tweaking for some of them but now I know the process.

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I do have another question - how do I get kindle to read files off the sd card? I know this is a kindle for android specific question so I'm probably gonna have to go online for that. But I want to be able to read files off the sd card not just the internal memory. Space isn't a problem but I want it to be removable and swappable.

Thanks again gadgetguy. With your help I'm nearly set with my goals for this tablet. Too bad it doesn't have full app support but I knew going in this wasn't a top of the line model so there were going to be restrictions. But at least it seems to be an average to above average ereader and web surfer.

All in all I'm definitely satisfied with this little gizmo.

(I am thinking it might be as simple as creating a "kindle" folder on the sd card and put the .mobi files there and the kindle app will find them - I hope its that simple )

[gadgetguy]

Yeah, I'm not sure about reading from the SD card directly, but you might be able to associate the file type with the app so that if you select the file it will automatically open the app with it loaded up. Beyond that, I don't know what to try, not having one of those devices.

[yoda313]

Yeah, I'm not sure about reading from the SD card directly, but you might be able to associate the file type with the app so that if you select the file it will automatically open the app with it loaded up. Beyond that, I don't know what to try, not having one of those devices.

Yep thats what I read in some thread somewhere.

It suggested to use the file browser and find the book that way. Then it would load correctly. However I have quite a few ereader apps installed and it loads one app but it just sits and spins when I click on that converted file.

I'm not sure how to change the kindle app to the default ereader to do it that way.

For the time being I am just going to use internal memory. I'm sure I'll find a way but for right now I just want it to work.

Thanks again for the help

[stiltman]

I have the iPad2 and the Kindle Fire
I think what I hate the most about both is the 4:3 aspect ratio. You would think they could come up with a good 16:9 tablet? I spend most of my time on the iPad. It does a great job doing RDP and VNC. My son and wife use the Fire all the time. My son most of the time uses it to search the web when they mention websites during shows on TV. I think the biggest game changer about owning tablets, is that I now relegate my computer to video encoding 90% of the time now. That and it's a lot easier than my laptop. Heck I can't remember the last time I even turned it on. Funny because I lay my iPad on top of it.

Have downloaded the file browser Astro?

[yoda313]

Have downloaded the file browser Astro?

Nope.

It was preinstalled

Yep a nice piece of software that was.

I hate the most about both is the 4:3 aspect ratio. You would think they could come up with a good 16:9 tablet?

Is the ipad 3 finally 16:9 or not?

There are a lot of android 16:9 tablets out there. Since this wasn't solely for video the fact that mine is 4:3 wasn't a limiting factor.

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FYI I think I have a found a good solution to my sd card ebook issue.

I have used calibre to make epub files. I then open them with the overdrive media console. Actually I use the file browser to got to the file and then open with overdrive media console. It works very well.

Its not as ideal as I wanted it to be but it is doable.

The weirdest thing is though that calibre doesn't like the doc files I got off the net. I did convert one to rtf and then was able to load that into calibre and got it working.

I'm nearly set and like what I've gotten.

Thanks everybody.

[yoda313]

Ok I gotta nothing brainstorm on what I can use my tablet for.

GAME GUIDES!

Yep I was used it once for youtube for a battle sequence on a game I'm playing. Now I've realized I can use it for all those digital strategy guides that are online. Some games don't have printed strategy guides. So now I can do that.

This will work out really nicely

[intracube]

I read the title as "Penelope Cruz 301 - just got it".

Anyways, how responsive is the user interface yoda? Any stuttering/delays during normal operation?

I've been thinking about getting my first Android phone for a couple of months, but tbh, I'm not into facebook/twitter/etc so a lot of the functionality wouldn't get used.

Can you browse YouTube directly, or only though a special app? Does the YT app have any limitations compared to the standard site? I like the idea of sitting in bed with a tablet and doing basic web browsing/YT viewing.

[yoda313]

how responsive is the user interface yoda? Any stuttering/delays during normal operation?

Its not instant but its not a big delay either. Its pretty smooth.

You can check youtube for a review. Just search for velocity cruz t301. You can check some unboxing videos.

Can you browse YouTube directly, or only though a special app?

Yep its a custom app. This particular tablet doesn't do flash natively so it needs a special app. Some browsers like skyfire and dolphin can do it.

The limitation for this particular tablet is sd only apparently. But there are hd android tablets available.

I like the idea of sitting in bed with a tablet and doing basic web browsing/YT viewing.

It would do a good job for that.

This particular tablet is android 2.2 but its a mips processor from my understanding. That means it doesn't do the majority of android stuff. Most are designed for the arm processors.

You'd probably want at least android 3 or newer. 4 just came out recently. Not sure when.

Make sure its an arm processor and says it is compatible with google play for maximum compatibility. Google play is the new android marketplace. It has a list of compatible tablets and stuff that work with it.

There are mips marketplaces but they are limited.

But for just over 50.00 plus shipping I have a pretty decent web browser and the Kindle app.

If you don't really need a phone and like the one you have they do have that android media player I see in the best buy ads all the time. I'm not sure what it is exactly but I think its a samsung model. But it is only android 2.3 and I don't know if its upgradeable. And i don't know if its on google play or not. PLus its the size of a smartphone not a tablet size model.

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One thing I'm looking into are emulators that can trick arm apps to run on mips tablets. Something about magic code. However I only bumped into it today and I'm not too versed on it. It might work.

But you can play h264 files (sd only) and do youtube so you are in good shape.

Regarding youtube I couldn't do the filter you can do in the main site. I tried "show title, long" to bring up videos longer then 20 minutes like you do on youtube.com but it didn't do it. Maybe there is a different lingo for the app version.

But all in all its pretty decent.

I'd test drive a few at the store long and hard before settling.

If you go the tablet route decide if you want 16:9 or 4:3. If you will use lots of widescreen videos look for 16:9 to avoid letterboxing obviously.

[intracube]

Can you browse YouTube directly, or only though a special app?

Yep its a custom app. This particular tablet doesn't do flash natively so it needs a special app. Some browsers like skyfire and dolphin can do it.

My Humax set top box can access YouTube using its own front-end, but it's incredibly basic. After watching a video, there's no way to look at a users profile/other videos. I'm sure there are videos on YouTube demonstrating the tablets YT app.

This particular tablet is android 2.2 but its a mips processor from my understanding. That means it doesn't do the majority of android stuff. Most are designed for the arm processors.
..
Make sure its an arm processor and says it is compatible with google play for maximum compatibility. Google play is the new android marketplace. It has a list of compatible tablets and stuff that work with it.

The processor architecture aspect is a bit of a gotcha - thanks for the info.

But for just over 50.00 plus shipping I have a pretty decent web browser and the Kindle app.

It's definitely great value for money, compared to devices like the ipod classic (over $200).

But you can play h264 files (sd only) and do youtube so you are in good shape.

Lack of HD video support wouldn't be an issue. A lot of the time I'd be listening using headphones with my eyes shut.

[yoda313]

@intracube - just as a reminder this was a refurb unit so it was a bit lower than if it was bought new.

Also regarding this unit - if you want to go with a tablet over a smartphone and the screen responsiveness is important to you you need a "capacitive" touch screen NOT a "resistive" touch screen.

I haven't tried it yet but I think the youtube app I'm using does let you sign in with your id. But I don't know if you can access your channels and stuff that way. I've only used it a few times. It might like the regular browser version but I don't know.

I'd be listening using headphones with my eyes shut.

One thing I haven't checked out yet are the headphones.

I have a cheap dynex (I think) 7" portable dvd player that works well but the headphone jack is so full of noise its practically unuseable that way. Its rca outputs work ok so its not useless but not as a portable player with headphones.

I would check the store and ask if you can use your own headphones to test the unit.

My dvd player might be because a - its cheap and b - the connector might not be shielded properly.

Now for a tablet thats different since you aren't dealing with moving parts and stuff like a disc drive. But the quality of a headphone jack would be something to consider. Again a realworld test would be needed to know for sure.

Good luck and be sure to read reviews and most importantly check the official website. THe website should have all the last updated info on the unit. If a bunch of reviews complain about something there might be a fix that hasn't been mentioned if its recent.

Also remember you get what you pay for. If you buy last years equipment it won't be top notch. And make sure you know what its upgradeable to and what native support it has.

I should have done more research on the android market support but I should still be able to get good use out of the unit.

Good luck.

And like I said check out youtube for videos on the actual unit - seeing it is better than just reading about it.

One last thing weight is an issue. Mine is supposed to be 3.5 pounds and its a 7 inch screen. Its surprisingly heavy. Your wrists can get tired holding it at odd angles. It does have a stand you can use. Also if you were laying in bed with it you could just prop it on a pillow or something I suppose. Just something else to consider.

But remember an Ipad isn't a featherweight either.

[Joe The Dude]

I was wondering of you tried reading guides at GameFaqs.com with your Velocity Cruz 301, yet.
Now, that would be pretty handy, and save ya tons of $ on ink and paper. XD

I've never owned a tablet, but would like to get one, someday in the future, expressly for that purpose (and the occasional eBook or RPG).

EDITED TO ADD:
In case ya haven't heard yet, Final Fantasy Dimensions is slated to come out in the US next month (July) for iOS and Andriod.

[intracube]

Thanks for the additional info yoda.

I'm not planning to buy anything imminently. I'll keep an eye on the market and watch the developments.

[yoda313]

Thanks for the additional info yoda.

You're welcome.

I was thinking if you are just using this for a web browser and youtubing have you considered an ultrabook or maybe a thin laptop?

An ultrabook might be more substantial than a tablet. It might also be lighter to handle too.

If you don't need a tablet for ereading than you might look into other devices that do video streaming and web browsing. Its tricky finding the right combination.

I'd set a budget and star there. Know what you want and don't want. Personally I kinda use the if its under x dollars (or pounds in your case) I don't care if its a no name or not. If it gets to be real money than I'd want something with a good track record and a good reputation.

There also those cheapy sylvania ce laptop thingys that the drugstores carry that are supposed to do youtube.

I would try to be open minded and keep your options open.

I might have jumped too soon because I didn't know about the limitations mips tablets had with the marketplace app situation. But overall I am pretty pleased with my unit. Both as an ereader and a mulitpurpose tablet.

I was wondering of you tried reading guides at GameFaqs.com with your Velocity Cruz 301, yet.
Now, that would be pretty handy, and save ya tons of $ on ink and paper. XD

Actually I think I posted that in my other thread that I was thinking about that.

I actually did. I signed up for a 3 month prime membership and grabbed a bunch of pdfs. IT WORKS!

I may have to get a different pdf reader app as it doesn't seem to be that high of quality but it does work and is legible. The good thing is if it has pictures in it you can zoom in to see them

And it came with a stand so I can lay it vertical or horizontal and use it while playing.

EDITED TO ADD:
In case ya haven't heard yet, Final Fantasy Dimensions is slated to come out in the US next month (July) for iOS and Andriod.

Thanks but I think I am not able to do that. The mips limitation for this tablet pretty much knocks it out of most popular apps. It seems like it might have the horsepower to be a decent but limited gaming device but it doesn't have the right architecture.

I guess it would be like having a nintendo gameboy advance but you only have ds games to play with. You got hardware that can play good games but you don't have software you can play anymore.

[Joe The Dude]

Ah, so some tablets come with a stand?
That's good to know.
Sounds like ya have a pretty sweet setup for your tablet, while gaming.

Hopefully, at least one of the many Android Emulators will work with the new FF Game,
so all of the FF Fans can have the option to play it on a computer.
If we're really lucky, it might be gamepad compatible, and we could play it through our HTPCs on our HDTVs.
We'll have to wait and see...

[yoda313]

Hopefully, at least one of the many Android Emulators will work with the new FF Game,
so all of the FF Fans can have the option to play it on a computer.
If we're really lucky, it might be gamepad compatible, and we could play it through our HTPCs on our HDTVs.
We'll have to wait and see...

The almighty dollar will speak. If they can make a buck they'll port it. It'll probably be on steam in 6 months.

Ah, so some tablets come with a stand?
That's good to know.
Sounds like ya have a pretty sweet setup for your tablet, while gaming.

I don't know how many do but mine did so that was good

Once I dive into it more that will be a nice feature to have.

If you have any kind of laptop you could achieve the same thing. It probably only needs to run WIn 98 to do pdf files. Though it might be a pain if it runs really slow and getting from page to page at a crawl.