- Velocity Micro
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Velocity Micro Type Privately Owned Industry Computer hardware Founded 1997 Headquarters Richmond, Virginia Products Desktops
Servers
Laptops
Peripherals
NetbooksWebsite www.velocitymicro.com Velocity Micro is a privately held computer manufacturer located in Richmond, VA (USA), specializing in custom high-end computers. Its high-performance product line includes gaming systems, notebooks, netbooks, home servers, digital media creation workstations, home and home office PCs, home entertainment media centers, Tesla based supercomputers, and business solutions. Velocity Micro's business model revolves around offering leading edge technology while providing personalized, US-based care and customer service to create what they term the "New PC Experience".[1]
Contents
History
Velocity Micro’s history began in 1992 when Randy Copeland began designing and producing high-performance computer systems to run CAD software and other demanding applications. These computer systems were custom built to facilitate the design process and tailored to the needs of each client. Velocity Micro was officially founded in 1997 as an extension of this highly individualized, high-performance computing philosophy.
In 2001, Randy was offered an opportunity to appear in Maximum PC's boutique roundup article entitled "Minor League, Major Performance". The quote which appeared in that Feb 2002 issue — "put together with the kind of care and craftsmanship the behemoth manufacturers can't offer" — propelled Velocity Micro forward and is still used by the company today.[2]
In 2010, Velocity Micro entered the eReader and tablet PC race with the release of the Cruz Reader and Cruz (Tablet). These devices are Android-based devices that offer consumers a more affordable option when it comes to multimedia touch screen gadgets. Both devices feature 7" full color screens. The Cruz Reader utilizes a resistive touch screen, whereas the Cruz Tablet makes use of the much more advanced and responsive capacitive touch screen.
At CES 2011, Velocity Micro unveiled plans to release three new tablets, including 10" and 8" models, as well as another 7" tablet. The specific release dates and estimated retail prices are not currently available, but it is reported that these new tablets will operate on Android 2.3 or higher.
Retail
Cruz reader
In August 2005, Velocity Micro began offering pre-configured, high-performance desktops in select Best Buy stores across the country, followed by BestBuy.com that September. In July 2007, Velocity Micro began offering notebooks and desktops in Circuit City Stores across the country.[3] In November 2008, Velocity Micro announced they were also moving into the online retail outlets Amazon.com, NewEgg, TigerDirect, and Staples. In January 2009, Velocity Micro announced they were moving into Frys stores nationwide. In 2010 the Cruz E-book Reader [4] and Cruz Tablet [5] went on sale at Borders Books and elsewhere.
Awards
Velocity Micro has won over 40 industry awards for performance and craftsmanship,[citation needed] including 10 Editor's Choice awards from PC Magazine. CNET, Maximum PC, PC World, HardOCP, Computer Gaming World, and Computer Shopper have all awarded Velocity Micro machines high marks.[6][7][8][9] In Sept. 2007, Velocity Micro won PC Mag's Reader's Choice for Service and Reliability Award.[10]
Competitors
Velocity Micro’s major competitors include large manufacturers such as Dell and HP, as well as boutiques such as Alienware, AVADirect, MAINGEAR, VoodooPC, and Falcon Northwest.
In May 2007, Velocity Micro acquired former competing boutique builder, Overdrive PC, known for their extreme overclocking capabilities they term "hyperclocking." Since the acquisition, Velocity Micro has begun to incorporate Hyperclocking into many of its extreme gaming systems. Overdrive PC remains a separate brand under Velocity Micro ownership.[11]
Reviews
In a July 2008 review from PC Magazine, the company received an Editors Choice award for its Vector Campus Edition model.[12] In November 2008, Core i7 based systems from Velocity Micro won Editors' Choice awards from Maximum PC[13] and CNET.[14]
References
- ^ Velocity Micro // Award-winning, ultra-performance computers for gaming, digital media, and business solutions
- ^ SMALL BUSINESS; Standing in the Niche, Trying to Hold Your Own - New York Times
- ^ Velocity Micro Desktops and Notebooks Coming to Circuit City - Gearlog
- ^ Borders Books Cruz Reader
- ^ PC world Cruz Tablet Computer with Android
- ^ ThinkComputers.org - The Place Thats All About Computers
- ^ Velocity Micro Vector GX Campus Edition (overclocked Core 2 Duo E6320) Desktop reviews - CNET Reviews
- ^ Sweet Desktop Deals - Velocity Micro Vector GX Campus Edition 2007 - Reviews by PC Magazine
- ^ [H] Consumer - Velocity Micro Gamers' Edge PCX
- ^ Is Tech Support Getting Worse? - Desktops - News and Analysis by PC Magazine
- ^ Velocity Micro acquires Overdrive PC, gets 'hyperclocked' - Engadget
- ^ Powerhouse Multimedia PCs - Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition (2008) - At A Glance - Reviews by PC Magazine
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
External links
Categories:- Computer hardware companies
- Home computer hardware companies
- Computer companies of the United States
- Companies based in Richmond, Virginia
- Computer companies
- Companies established in 1997
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