Velocity Micro, the brand behind the 7-inch Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet, just started taking preorders for the two Android-based slates they previewed last month. Scheduled to ship next month, they’re a couple of the first few mainstream Android tablets to be released, so you might want to check ‘em out if you’re looking for cheaper, more compact touchscreen slates that don’t come with an Apple logo at the back.
Asus CEO Jerry Shen confirmed in an interview that they’re readying an Android-based version of the Eee Pad for a March 2011 release. It’s a long ways from getting to market, but the price is just about right at “less than $399.” That’s a cool $100 less than the iPad—never mind that we could be hearing about a new iPad by that time, but unless Apple comes out with a sub-$400 slate, it’s all good for Asus.
Asus updated their launch plans for the 8-inch Eee Tablet, announcing an October launch and a price that’s sounds a little bit too crazy for an ebook reader. Previously estimated to cost around $199 to $299 back in May, the new announcement now pegs the price at “below $599.”
Amazon’s new Kindle reader should prove that there’s still a healthy market for dedicated ebook readers amidst slew of iPads and other Android-based tablets. The upcoming 3rd-gen Kindle features an improved design that’s 21 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter than the previous model while maintaining the 6-inch screen size and a profile that’s as slim as a pencil. Performance should be way better too, with a new E Ink Pearl display that offers better contrast and faster page turns, and a battery that’s listed to last for a month if you turn off the wireless antennas.
These iPad-looking devices make up Velocity Micro’s Cruz line, a family of Android-powered touchscreen slates that start at $200 (or $150 if you’re looking for a reader for your kids). Now, we’re not sure if it’s right to label them as iPad rivals just yet, but you should probably check them out if you’re in the market for a cheaper, Android-based slate. (more…)
