Velocity Micro: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Privately held computer manufacturer}} |
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'''Velocity Micro''' is a privately held computer manufacturer located in [[Richmond, |
'''Velocity Micro''' is a privately held boutique computer manufacturer located in [[Richmond, Virginia]] (USA), specializing in custom high-performance [[gaming computer]]s, professional [[workstation]]s, and [[Supercomputer|high-performance computer]] solutions.{{buzzword inline|date=July 2019}} Its extended product line includes gaming PCs, notebooks, [[Computer-aided design|CAD]] workstations, digital media creation workstations, home and home office PCs, home entertainment media centers, [[Nvidia Tesla|Tesla]]-based [[supercomputer]]s, and business solutions.{{buzzword inline|date=July 2019}} Some products are custom assembled by hand and supported at the company's headquarters. |
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==History== |
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Velocity Micro traces its origins to 1992 when |
Velocity Micro traces its origins to 1992 when founder 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 extreme needs of each client. Velocity Micro was officially founded in 1997 as an extension of this highly individualized, high-performance computing philosophy. |
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In 2001, Copeland |
In 2001, Copeland accepted the opportunity to appear in ''[[Maximum PC]]'''s boutique roundup article entitled "Minor League, Major Performance". The quote which appeared in that February 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levere |first=Jane |date=2004-04-15 |title=SMALL BUSINESS; Standing in the Niche, Trying to Hold Your Own |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/15/business/small-business-standing-in-the-niche-trying-to-hold-your-own.html |access-date=2024-07-22 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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⚫ | 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 incorporated HyperClocking into many of its extreme gaming systems. Overdrive PC remains a separate brand under Velocity Micro ownership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blass |first=Evan |date=2007-05-01 |title=Velocity Micro acquires Overdrive PC, gets 'hyperclocked' |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-05-01-velocity-micro-acquires-overdrive-pc-gets-hyperclocked.html |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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In 2010, Velocity Micro entered the [[E-book reader | eReader]] and [[tablet computer | tablet PC]] markets with the release of the [[Cruz Reader]] and the [[Cruz (Tablet) | Cruz Tablet]]. These [[Android (operating system) | Android]]-based devices 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 touchscreen | resistive touch screen]], whereas the Cruz Tablet makes use of the more advanced and responsive [[capacitive touch screen]]. |
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In 2010, Velocity Micro entered the [[E-book reader|eReader]] and [[tablet computer]] markets with the release of the first [[Cruz (Velocity Micro)|Cruz]] products: the Cruz Reader and the Cruz Tablet (T100). These [[Android (operating system)|Android]]-based devices featured 7" full-color screens. The Cruz Reader utilized a [[Resistive touchscreen]], whereas the Cruz Tablet made use of the more advanced and responsive [[capacitive touch screen]]. Five product generations of Cruz tablets were produced and sold in 7", 8", and 10" screen models<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cruztablet.com/ |title=Home |website=cruztablet.com}}</ref> with close to a million units in the market by 2012. As of 2013, Velocity Micro no longer supports or offers these or any other Android-based devices for sale. |
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At [[Consumer Electronics Show | CES]] 2011 (January 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 available {{as of | 2011 | lc = on}}, but it is reported{{whom|date=December 2011}} that the proposed new tablets will operate on Android 2.3 or higher. |
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In 2011, Copeland was named a "Tech Icon" by the ''PC Magazine'' staff in an article celebrating 30 years of the PC for his contributions to the industry. He continues to have an active role at Velocity Micro as president and CEO.<ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2390966,00.asp/ Tech Icons Reflect on PC's 30th Anniversary] ''PC Mag.''</ref> |
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== Retail == |
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⚫ | 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. |
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In October 2019, Velocity Micro announced a partnership with [[Ansys]] that would provide access to resources, licenses, and benchmarks allowing Velocity Micro to build custom computers that are tailored to be integrated with Ansys applications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Covington |first=Josh |date=2019-10-23 |title=It's Official: We're Now an Ansys Hardware Partner |url=https://www.velocitymicro.com/blog/its-official-were-now-an-ansys-hardware-partner/ |access-date=2020-02-25 |website=Custom Gaming & Enthusiast PC Blog {{!}} Velocity Micro |language=en-US}}</ref> Velocity Micro has also partnered with [[Nvidia]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/about-nvidia/partners/partner-locator/|title=Find an NVIDIA Partner {{!}} NVIDIA|website=www.nvidia.com|language=en-us|access-date=2020-02-25}}</ref> [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]], and [[Intel]] to provide retail-grade hardware in custom computer builds. |
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⚫ | Velocity Micro has won over |
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In Sept. 2007, Velocity Micro won PC Mag's Reader's Choice for Service and Reliability Award.<ref>[http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2184104,00.asp Is Tech Support Getting Worse? - Desktops - News and Analysis by PC Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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==Retail== |
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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]]. |
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⚫ | 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.<ref>[http://www.gearlog.com/2007/06/velocity_micro_to_sell_desktop.php Velocity Micro Desktops and Notebooks Coming to Circuit City – Gearlog<!-- Bot generated title -->] (June 2007). ''www.gearlog.com.'' </ref> In November 2008, Velocity Micro announced they were also moving into the online retail outlets [[Amazon (company)|Amazon.com]], [[Newegg]], [[TigerDirect]], and [[Staples Inc.|Staples]]. In January 2009, Velocity Micro announced they were moving into [[Fry's Electronics|Fry's]] stores nationwide. In 2010, the Cruz Reader<ref>[http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_cruz-reader Borders Books] Cruz Reader</ref> and Cruz Tablet<ref>[https://www.pcworld.com/article/201016/velocity_micro_takes_on_apple_with_299_android_tablet.html PC world] Cruz Tablet Computer with Android</ref> went on sale at [[Borders Books]] as well as their other numerous other retail partners. As of Jan. 2016, Velocity Micro continued to sell desktops and laptops through Newegg.com and Amazon.com. |
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⚫ | In May 2007, Velocity Micro acquired former competing boutique builder, |
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⚫ | Velocity Micro has won over 60 industry media awards for performance and craftsmanship<ref>{{Cite web |title=Editor Reviews of Our Award-Winning Gaming PCS | Velocity Micro |url=http://www.velocitymicro.com/reviews.php |website=www.velocitymicro.com}}</ref> including 19 Editor's Choice awards from ''[[PC Magazine]]''. [[CNET]], ''[[Maximum PC]]'', ''[[PC World]]'', [[HardOCP]], ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', and ''[[Computer Shopper (US magazine)|Computer Shopper]]'' have all awarded Velocity Micro machines high marks.<ref>[http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=568&page=1 ThinkComputers.org - The Place Thats All About Computers<!-- Bot generated title -->]''www.thinkcomputers.org.''</ref><ref>[http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/velocity-micro-vector-gx/4505-3118_7-32553714.html Velocity Micro Vector GX Campus Edition (overclocked Core 2 Duo E6320) Desktop reviews - CNET Reviews<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2159244,00.asp Sweet Desktop Deals – Velocity Micro Vector GX Campus Edition 2007 – Reviews by PC Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://consumer.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTIxNSwxLCxoY29uc3VtZXI= [H] Consumer - Velocity Micro Gamers' Edge PCX<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In Sept. 2007, Velocity Micro won PC Magazine's "Reader's Choice for Service and Reliability" Award.<ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2184104,00.asp Is Tech Support Getting Worse? - Desktops - News and Analysis by PC Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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In a July 2008 review from ''PC Magazine'', the company received an Editors Choice award for its Vector Campus Edition model.<ref>[https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2325939,00.asp Powerhouse Multimedia PCs - Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition (2008) - At A Glance - Reviews by PC Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In November 2008, Core i7 based systems from Velocity Micro won Editors' Choice awards from ''[[Maximum PC]]''<ref>[http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/velocity_micro_raptor_z90 Maximum PC | Velocity Micro Raptor Z90]</ref> and [[CNET]].<ref>[http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/velocity-micro-edge-z/4505-3118_7-33377877.html?tag=mncol;txt Velocity Micro Edge Z55 Overview & User Reviews - Desktops - CNET Reviews]</ref> More recently, in April 2013 the Velocity Micro Vector Z25 won and Editors Choice award from ''PC Magazine'', stating "the Z25 is a midtower PC with all the goods".<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2417736,00.asp |title = Velocity Micro Vector Z25 Review}}</ref> [[PCMag.com]] later went on to name the Velocity Micro Vector Z25 as "Best Mainstream Desktop of 2013" after consideration of all mainstream desktop computers covered during the entire year 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426479,00.asp |title=Desktops - The Best Products of 2013 {{!}} PCMag.com |website=www.pcmag.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116011206/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426479,00.asp |archive-date=2013-11-16}}</ref> In August 2014, Velocity Micro followed up on that award with another Editors' Choice from [[PCMag.com]], this one for its Edge Z55 gaming PC. Said the editors, "The Velocity Micro Edge Z55 blows away the competition ...and costs $3,000 less. We wholeheartedly award the Edge Z55 our Editors' Choice for high-end gaming desktop PCs".<ref>https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2462634,00.asp/ Velocity Micro Edge Z55</ref> |
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==Reviews== |
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In a July 2008 review from PC Magazine, the company received an Editors Choice award for its Vector Campus Edition model.<ref>[http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2325939,00.asp Powerhouse Multimedia PCs - Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition (2008) - At A Glance - Reviews by PC Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In November 2008, Core i7 based systems from Velocity Micro won Editors' Choice awards from [[Maximum PC]]<ref>[http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/velocity_micro_raptor_z90]</ref> and [[CNET]].<ref>[http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/velocity-micro-edge-z/4505-3118_7-33377877.html?tag=mncol;txt]</ref> |
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A CNET senior editor found the Cruz T103 tablet to have many shortcoming not worth forgiving.<ref>[http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/velocity-micro-cruz-tablet/4505-3126_7-34482562.html]</ref> |
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==Problems== |
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The T104 [[Cruz (Tablet) | Cruz Tablet]] sold by woot.com has a problem where the browser will shut down when google.com or websites that use google analytics are accessed. VelocityMicro addresses this on their website as a google problem. <ref>[http://cruzsupport.velocitymicro.com/ics/support/KBAnswer.asp?questionID=1074]</ref> Attempts at addressing this issue through the velocitymicro.com support receive this response: "The update Google has implemented to their search engine isn't compatible to the T100 series hardware. The device is a legacy model." A workaround to this problem is to download and install the Opera Mobile 12.0.1 for MIPS browser. |
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Velocity Micro participated in the 2018 [[Intel]] Extreme Rig Challenge and won the award for Best Performance, providing a 40% higher score than the previous year's entry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.velocitymicro.com/blog/all-hail-the-performance-champs/|title=All Hail the Performance Champs!|last=R|last2=Copel|first2=y|date=2018-06-27|website=Custom Gaming & Enthusiast PC Blog {{!}} Velocity Micro|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-25|last3=says}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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{{Portalbar|Companies|Free and open-source software|Technology}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.velocitymicro.com/ Velocity Micro official website] |
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*[http://www.cruzreader.com/ Official Site for Cruz by Velocity Micro] |
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*[http://www.velocitymicroblog.com/ Velocity Micro blog] |
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*[http://www.velocitymicro.com/mediarelations/pr_20070105.php/ Velocity Micro Acquisition] |
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*[http://www.overdrivepc.com/ Overdrive PC] |
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[[Category:Computer hardware companies]] |
[[Category:Computer hardware companies]] |
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[[Category:Home computer hardware companies]] |
[[Category:Home computer hardware companies]] |
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[[Category:Computer companies of the United States]] |
[[Category:Computer companies of the United States]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Richmond, Virginia]] |
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[[Category:Companies established in 1997]] |
[[Category:Companies established in 1997]] |
Latest revision as of 07:38, 22 July 2024
Company type | Privately owned |
---|---|
Industry | Computer hardware |
Founded | 1997 |
Headquarters | Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
Products | Desktops Servers Laptops Workstations |
Subsidiaries | Overdrive PC |
Website | www |
Velocity Micro is a privately held boutique computer manufacturer located in Richmond, Virginia (USA), specializing in custom high-performance gaming computers, professional workstations, and high-performance computer solutions.[buzzword] Its extended product line includes gaming PCs, notebooks, CAD workstations, digital media creation workstations, home and home office PCs, home entertainment media centers, Tesla-based supercomputers, and business solutions.[buzzword] Some products are custom assembled by hand and supported at the company's headquarters.
History
[edit]Velocity Micro traces its origins to 1992 when founder 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 extreme needs of each client. Velocity Micro was officially founded in 1997 as an extension of this highly individualized, high-performance computing philosophy.
In 2001, Copeland accepted the opportunity to appear in Maximum PC's boutique roundup article entitled "Minor League, Major Performance". The quote which appeared in that February 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.[1]
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 incorporated HyperClocking into many of its extreme gaming systems. Overdrive PC remains a separate brand under Velocity Micro ownership.[2]
In 2010, Velocity Micro entered the eReader and tablet computer markets with the release of the first Cruz products: the Cruz Reader and the Cruz Tablet (T100). These Android-based devices featured 7" full-color screens. The Cruz Reader utilized a Resistive touchscreen, whereas the Cruz Tablet made use of the more advanced and responsive capacitive touch screen. Five product generations of Cruz tablets were produced and sold in 7", 8", and 10" screen models[3] with close to a million units in the market by 2012. As of 2013, Velocity Micro no longer supports or offers these or any other Android-based devices for sale.
In 2011, Copeland was named a "Tech Icon" by the PC Magazine staff in an article celebrating 30 years of the PC for his contributions to the industry. He continues to have an active role at Velocity Micro as president and CEO.[4]
In October 2019, Velocity Micro announced a partnership with Ansys that would provide access to resources, licenses, and benchmarks allowing Velocity Micro to build custom computers that are tailored to be integrated with Ansys applications.[5] Velocity Micro has also partnered with Nvidia,[6] AMD, and Intel to provide retail-grade hardware in custom computer builds.
Retail
[edit]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.[7] 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 Fry's stores nationwide. In 2010, the Cruz Reader[8] and Cruz Tablet[9] went on sale at Borders Books as well as their other numerous other retail partners. As of Jan. 2016, Velocity Micro continued to sell desktops and laptops through Newegg.com and Amazon.com.
Awards
[edit]Velocity Micro has won over 60 industry media awards for performance and craftsmanship[10] including 19 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.[11][12][13][14] In Sept. 2007, Velocity Micro won PC Magazine's "Reader's Choice for Service and Reliability" Award.[15]
In a July 2008 review from PC Magazine, the company received an Editors Choice award for its Vector Campus Edition model.[16] In November 2008, Core i7 based systems from Velocity Micro won Editors' Choice awards from Maximum PC[17] and CNET.[18] More recently, in April 2013 the Velocity Micro Vector Z25 won and Editors Choice award from PC Magazine, stating "the Z25 is a midtower PC with all the goods".[19] PCMag.com later went on to name the Velocity Micro Vector Z25 as "Best Mainstream Desktop of 2013" after consideration of all mainstream desktop computers covered during the entire year 2013.[20] In August 2014, Velocity Micro followed up on that award with another Editors' Choice from PCMag.com, this one for its Edge Z55 gaming PC. Said the editors, "The Velocity Micro Edge Z55 blows away the competition ...and costs $3,000 less. We wholeheartedly award the Edge Z55 our Editors' Choice for high-end gaming desktop PCs".[21]
Velocity Micro participated in the 2018 Intel Extreme Rig Challenge and won the award for Best Performance, providing a 40% higher score than the previous year's entry.[22]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Levere, Jane (15 April 2004). "SMALL BUSINESS; Standing in the Niche, Trying to Hold Your Own". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ Blass, Evan (1 May 2007). "Velocity Micro acquires Overdrive PC, gets 'hyperclocked'". Engadget. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Home". cruztablet.com.
- ^ Tech Icons Reflect on PC's 30th Anniversary PC Mag.
- ^ Covington, Josh (23 October 2019). "It's Official: We're Now an Ansys Hardware Partner". Custom Gaming & Enthusiast PC Blog | Velocity Micro. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
- ^ "Find an NVIDIA Partner | NVIDIA". www.nvidia.com. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
- ^ Velocity Micro Desktops and Notebooks Coming to Circuit City – Gearlog (June 2007). www.gearlog.com.
- ^ Borders Books Cruz Reader
- ^ PC world Cruz Tablet Computer with Android
- ^ "Editor Reviews of Our Award-Winning Gaming PCS | Velocity Micro". www.velocitymicro.com.
- ^ ThinkComputers.org - The Place Thats All About Computerswww.thinkcomputers.org.
- ^ 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
- ^ Powerhouse Multimedia PCs - Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition (2008) - At A Glance - Reviews by PC Magazine
- ^ Maximum PC | Velocity Micro Raptor Z90
- ^ Velocity Micro Edge Z55 Overview & User Reviews - Desktops - CNET Reviews
- ^ "Velocity Micro Vector Z25 Review".
- ^ "Desktops - The Best Products of 2013 | PCMag.com". www.pcmag.com. Archived from the original on 16 November 2013.
- ^ https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2462634,00.asp/ Velocity Micro Edge Z55
- ^ R; Copel, y; says (27 June 2018). "All Hail the Performance Champs!". Custom Gaming & Enthusiast PC Blog | Velocity Micro. Retrieved 25 February 2020.