14 DAY TRIAL // Even though the hype surrounding slate PCs somewhat subsided after Apple launched the iPad, the market is steadily growing in popularity as new devices emerge and companies announce plans to join the fray sooner or later. As such, it is not exactly a surprise to hear that custom PC builder Velocity Micro is also putting together a slate-type device, currently known as the Cruz. In fact, the PC builder seems to be more upfront than its peers and has decided to go ahead and make the slate formal before details have a chance to leak.
So far, when it came to slates (and all other types of unreleased products, actually), information usually came one piece at a time and as part of leaks or rumors, except for the few cases where companies made official announcements or released video demonstrations. Velocity Micro, however, does not appear keen on waiting for market watchers to blow the whistle on its product, which is why it has already set up a special website for it, complete with basic specifications.
The Cruz is based on an 800MHz CPU which, although not mentioned, could be the Qualcomm Snapdragon. Also, the configuration will include a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display with an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9. Unfortunately, the amount of memory, the graphics capabilities and everything besides the existence of an SD card slot is not elaborated upon. Still, the product description does mention that the Cruz will have a “full browser with Flash 10.1.”
The Cruz will be part of “the world's first family of affordable touch screen color ereaders and tablets,” according to the site, which means that, after the slate itself comes out in the third quarter, Velocity Micro will periodically update the lineup. As for software support, the Cruz will run Android 2.1 and will have access to apps, games and, perhaps, ebooks through the Cruz Market. The price will be of under 300 Euro.