First of all, the Shine’s image is displaying a full 720p resolution at 300 lumens. That doesn’t get anywhere near full-sized projectors, bu for pico projectors it’s hard to beat, with most alternatives at around the 800×600 range. The image can be displayed at up to 150 inches before losing definition. A mini-HDMI port expands to full size and a proprietary port becomes a full set of AV inputs, via a couple of included adapters.

The Shine can handle video from an attached USB drive via an input on the left side. A tiny speaker will provide some audio in a pinch, but outputting it via a headphone port is a better option. In the demonstration that Velocity Micro provided to us, the projector kept up with 720p content without a hitch. The interface is a little basic, but once the video gets going it’s shocking how good the picture is from such a small projector.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Shine’s spec sheet is that it draws just 30 watts – for a pico projector displaying 300 lumens, that’s downright illuminating. Having a frame that’s only 4 inches long and 9 ounces doesn’t hurt either. Velocity Micro plans to bring out the Shine in the second quarter for around $400, with red and grey colors available at launch.

The company also has a new tablet called the T507 that sells for under $150 and has a 7-inch screen. The processor is a Cortex A8 at 1.2GHz and it has a Mali 400MHz GPU. Other features include 8GB of RAM, a front camera, Android 4.0, and access to the Amazon app store. The Cruz T510 is a 9.7-inch tablet with the same specifications.

Velocity Micro also has a new ProMagix HD6000 notebook with Xeon processor inside, 32GB of RAM, Quadro 4000 graphics, 120GB SSD, and a 1TB HDD. The notebook also has a Blu-ray player, the notebook sells for $3,500. Rounding out the new announced products is the VMUltra drive that sells for under $180 and has a DVD burner, 500GB HDD, SD card reader and more.

Biggest is the OS: both these Android slates run 2.3 Gingerbread, not Honeycomb (though judging by the screenshots, VM has dressed them up with some Honeycomb-style UI customizations), which means they’re not eligible for the Android Market. Instead, Velocity Micro preloads the Amazon Appstore for Android on there, along with the Kindle app, Angry Birds Rio and QuickOffice. These run on a single-core 1GHz Cortex A8 processor, paired with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of onboard storage.

There’s also WiFi b/g/n, a front-facing camera, microSD card slot and Flash Player 10.3 support. “Making expensive, jaw dropping products is easy,” Velocity Micro CEO Randy Copeland argues, “speed and value are what we focused on with these new devices.” Whether that will be enough to not only persuade shoppers to buy the T408 or T410, but also not return them a week later, remains to be seen.

The exact terms of the deal have not been made public, nor exactly what Velocity Micro will be paying Microsoft. Still, it’s all money in the bank for the company, which is believed to make more money from royalties on Android handsets sold than it does on licensing out Windows Phone to its own OEM customers. Back in May, analysts estimated that HTC paid Microsoft $5 for every Android device it sold.

At the time, it was suggested that Microsoft was chasing even higher fees – as much as $7.50 to $12.50 per device – from other Android device makers. Velocity Micro CEO Randy Copeland puts a brave face on it - ”By entering into this agreement with Microsoft,” he says, “Velocity Micro, Inc., will be able to better meet the needs of our customers with the introduction of exciting new Cruz tablets having increased performance and functionality” – but you can bet they’re not pleased at having to hand over any cash at all having adopted what many saw as a “free” platform.

The P38 has a smaller 8-inch tablet with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 and integrated 802.11n WiFi. The machine has 4GB of internal memory, front and rear facing cameras, Bluetooth, HDMI out, and Android 2.2/2.3 as the OS. The machine also has the Kindle app installed.

The final new tablet is a smaller 7-inch unit with a screen resolution of 1024 x 600 and the screen is touch sensitive. The table is the L37 and has WiFi, 4GB of internal memory, front and rear cameras, 3G data option, Bluetooth 2.1, and mini HDMI output. It also runs Android 2.2/2.3. Pricing is not announced at this time.

Via Android Community

Velocity Micro will offer three different digital readers including the Cruz Reader, Cruz Tablet, and Cruz StoryPad. The Reader and StoryPad will both be at major retailers and available direct from Velocity Micro in August with the Cruz Tablet coming on September 1.

The Reader sells for $199 and has a 7-inch screen, Android OS, WiFi, web browser support, and lots more features. The Tablet will sell for $299 and will have a 7-inch 800 x 480 screen, 802.11n WiFi, mic, and 4GB of storage. The StoryPad will be $149 and have a 7-inch 800 x 600 screen, and a drop resistant design aimed at kids.

According to BestTabletReview, each model has an 800MHz processor, SD card slot, basic Android apps including browser and media player, an accelerometer, USB connectivity and a 3.5mm headphone socket, along with a user-replaceable battery, speaker and microphone.  The 7.5 x 5.6 x 0.6 inch Cruz Reader will be targeted, as the name suggests, at ereading duties, with the “Cruz Market” app store for downloading software and ebooks.

Meanwhile the Cruz Tablet throws in a 2-megapixel front-facing webcam together with a docking station that charges the slate as well as allowing it to work as a digital picture frame.  Engadget have acquired some live shots, and while the Cruz Tablet looks relatively generic we imagine there may be some fettling done before the models launch in summer 2010.

As with the other firms, the rest of the specs for each desktop don’t change from before, only the CPU.  So, the Z55 remains Velocity Micro’s configurable machine, priced from $1,799 normally but jumping to $2,824 when you throw in the hexacore.

Meanwhile the two Raptor PCs are preconfigured and sold through TigerDirect, at $3,599 for the Lx665 and $4,799 for the Lx775.  As you’d expect there are the usual choices for single or dual-headed graphics, HDDs and SSDs, but no sign of an overclocking option like Digital Storm are offering.

Press Release:

Velocity Micro Announces the Immediate Availability of Intel® Core™ i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition Powered PCs

Record-setting configurations featuring the ground-breaking six core processor for sale at select retailers and direct fromVelocityMicro.com

Richmond, VA—March 16, 2010— Velocity Micro, the premier independent builder of premium, high performance desktop computers, notebooks, and peripherals, announces the immediate availability of the world’s first six core, twelve thread, single processor desktop PC. Powered by the Intel® Core™ i7-980X, these newly launched configurations combine the smartest, fastest processor on the planet with Velocity Micro’s expert engineering for extreme power in multimedia and gaming applications, especially when multi-tasking, for the ultimate in productivity, speed, and bragging rights. Six core desktops begin at $2,825.

“With the launch of the Core i7-980X, Intel has given us the means to create a whole new level of benchmark crushing, ultra performance PCs,” said Velocity Micro Vice President Chip Lowell. “By utilizing this new technology in conjunction with our meticulous craftsmanship and patented engineering methods, we’re able to offer some of the most powerful, record breaking consumer desktops on the market.”

The release of the Intel Core i7-980X highlights Intel’s continued awesome portfolio for the extreme performance processor market. Building on the innovative Nehalem architecture, the i7-980X allows Velocity Micro to unleash an array of benchmark-crushing PCs, offering performance boosts of up to 40% on applications which utilize the i7-980X’s twelve hyperthreaded virtual cores and extreme overclockability. VelocityMicro.com customers will be able to get their hands on all of that power with the fully upgradeable Edge Z55 starting $2,825 with the expertly configured Raptor Lx665 and Lx775 available at TigerDirect.com for $3,599 and $4,799 respectively.

“The Core i7-980X Extreme Edition is a massive leap ahead for microprocessor technology and for consumers as well,” said CJ Bruno, VP, GM Intel Americas. “PC enthusiasts will love and greatly benefit from the performance boost that the world’s first desktop six core processor offers. We are thrilled that Velocity Micro is able to offer the Core i7 980X on launch day to this performance-hungry crowd.”

All Velocity Micro PCs are hand built and supported in the USA. To configure a Core i7-980X based system or another ultra performance desktop, notebook, or netbook, visit www.VelocityMicro.com. Velocity Micro products are also available from select retailers nationwide.

Boutique computer maker Velocity Micro and James River Technical (JRTI) have announced that new computers offered under their expanded Accelerated Computing initiative are now available. The new systems include the VSC135+ and the VSC255. The VSC135+ is an entry-level machine with an Intel Core i7 CPU running at 4GHz and support for up to three NVIDIA GPUs.

The VSC255 is the most robust NVIDIA Tesla machine that Velocity Micro offers. The machine runs on dual Intel Xeon 5500 CPUs and supports up to four Tesla C1060′s. The VSC255 starts at $5,995 and the VSC135+ starts at $2,299. Both machines are available now.

Starting around $1,800, you can have the computer configured with latest Intel mid-range rig – X58 plus Core i7-750 – The Vector Z35 combines advanced graphics and attentive hand assembling to deliver both quality and speed home office system further into the gaming world.

For much intense gaming and digital media editing professionals, Velocity Micro offers the fastest yet i7-Extreme professors on their award-winning Raptor, Edge and ProMagix’s workstation powerhouses – with extra cost, no less.

Press Release

Velocity Micro® Announces the Availability of Intel® Core™ i7-950 and Core i7-975 Extreme Edition Processor Powered PCs

Intel Core i7-950 and Core i7-975 Extreme Edition processor-based systems immediately available on a number of gaming, workstation, and home and office systems from the boutique builder

Richmond, VA — June 3, 2009 — Velocity Micro, the premier independent builder of premium, high performance desktop computers, notebooks, and peripherals, announces the immediate availability of desktop PCs powered by the newest additions to the Intel® Core™ i7 family of processors, the Core i7-950 and Core i7-975 Extreme Edition. With configurations starting at around $1800 , the Core i7-950 and Core i7-975 processor powered desktops promise extreme performance that’s just the right fit for gamers, digital media editors, and PC enthusiasts.

“Velocity Micro has always made it a priority to make the very latest technology available to our customers,” said Chip Lowell, Vice President of Velocity Micro. “With the introduction of the Core i7-950 and Core i7-975 processors to our lineup, we continue to offer some of the most powerful, bleeding edge PCs on the market.”

The new performance king of the Core i7 family, the Core i7-975 Extreme Edition runs four cores at a whopping 3.33GHz each. An unlocked multiplier makes it a highly overclockable processor, great for users looking for the most intense gaming or digital media editing experience available. At 3.06GHz, the mid-range Core i7-950 is available at a price point perfect for enthusiasts looking for serious computing power at a more mainstream value. Core i7-950 and Core i7-975 Extreme Edition processor options will be available on select Raptor™ and Edge™ gaming systems as well as theVector™ Z35 home and office desktop and the ProMagix™ HD60 workstation.

“These new additions to our Core i7 processor lineup are a big step forward for microprocessor technology,” said CJ Bruno, VP, GM Americas Sales & Marketing. “Hardcore gamers and media enthusiasts will love the extra headroom and we are thrilled that Velocity Micro is able to offer these new processors in their ultra-performance desktops at launch.”

All Velocity Micro PCs are hand built and supported in the USA. To configure a Core i7 processor based system or another ultra performance desktop, notebook, or netbook, visit www.VelocityMicro.com

The NoteMagix M10, meanwhile, is another OEM rebadge and as such has the typical Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB SATA hard-drive and WiFi.  General specs don’t differ too much from the norm – three USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 display and 3-cell LiIon battery – so Velocity are looking to differentiate with slick accessories and customization.  Each M10 will be shipped with a smart neoprene carry-case and a mouse (either wired or wireless; they’re currently undecided).  Eventually they plan to offer as many color options as Apple does in their iPod nano range.

Pricing is not entirely confirmed, but the M10 is expected to be priced at around $399.  We’re waiting for confirmation on the M5 MID, but given the Gigabyte M528 – also based on the aigo reference design – is expected to retail at around $685, don’t expect it to be all that cheap.

Update: According to Velocity Micro, the M5 MID pricing has not been finalized but is expected to be under $500. 

Check out the video demo of the Fuzebox after the cut 

The Fuzebox uses a custom home theater GUI on top of a Windows Vista box.  Minimize the GUI, however, and unlike Windows Media Center there’s nothing but a blank display.  There’s no way to install extra software, meaning minimal opportunities for clashes or crashes.  As standard, the Fuzebox we saw demonstrated had no Cablecard tuner installed, being a low-profile box, but plug in an external USB tuner and it will automatically be recognized and new Live TV/Record TV options displayed.

What you do get is the ability to stream audio to up to nine different zones – with Velocity Micro suggesting a wireless audio adapter on their site – with a very straightforward way to organize each stream.  DVDs – whether ripped or physical media – or Blu-ray discs  have their full menus, and there’s also a streamlined, large-font web browser, internet radio system and Netflix movie streaming with the ability to add titles to the queue direct from the Fuzebox GUI.

Bundled with the Fuzebox is a standalone app for a networked PC, which can be used to rip DVDs, automatically download cover-art and disc details, then automatically transfer them to the HTPC’s onboard storage.  Alternatively the Fuzebox can access content on other PCs or NAS drives, listing it among local content.  It’s available now, with the Fuzebox range beginning from around $1,599.

The launch system, pictured above, is the Velocity Micro Edge Z55 Launch Edition, with an Intel Core-920 processor running at 2.66GHz, 3GB of triple-channel DDR3-1333 RAM, a 500GB 7,200rpm hard-drive and DVD burner.  That retails for $2,199; upgrading to the Core-940 costs a further $360, while choosing the Core-965 Extreme adds $985.

Systems based on the new Intel processors will begin shipping on November 25th.  They’ll also be available in Best Buy, MicroCenter, Circuit City and select Staples retail stores nationwide together with other online vendors.

Press Release:

Velocity Micro® First to Ship New Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Systems

New processor technology immediately available in both direct and retail systems from Velocity Micro

Richmond, VA – Nov 17, 2008 – Velocity Micro, the premier independent builder of custom, high performance computers, notebooks, and workstations, announces today the immediate availability of ultra performance desktop PCs powered by Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processors. Faster and more efficient than their Core 2 predecessors, Intel Core i7 processors provide increased performance in gaming, digital media creation, and multitasking. By combining their trademarked precision craftsmanship and the record breaking performance of this revolutionary processor, the Intel Core i7 processor-based offerings from Velocity Micro set the new standard in power and productivity.

“We’ve always made it a priority to provide our customers with the very latest technology,” said Randy Copeland, President and CEO of Velocity Micro. “With the launch of the Core i7, we’re able to fulfill the immediate need of our enthusiast customers, giving them a remarkably fast PC that blows the doors off of everything else we’ve ever built.”

With increased memory bandwidth and new Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, Velocity Micro’s Intel Core i7 processor-based systems promise seamless gaming and multitasking. Additionally, the eight available threads of the Intel Core i7 processor, twice as many as the Core 2 Quad, translate into astonishing performance increases for the digital media creator. And with immediate availability of both direct and retail offerings, Velocity Micro will be a major provider of Intel Core i7 processor technology in North America at launch. Velocity Micro will offer systems with the mainstream Intel Core i7 920 and 940 processors, and the Intel Core i7 965 Extreme Edition, in a variety of Edge™, Raptor™, ProMagix™, and Vector™ lines, starting at $1699.
“We’re excited to work with Velocity Micro on the launch of the Core i7,” said CJ Bruno, Intel VP & GM, Americas Sales & Marketing Organization. “We’ve worked diligently to develop the most advanced processor on the planet, and have succeeded with the Core i7. Velocity Micro customers will be extremely impressed with the performance of this processor in gaming, digital media creation, and multitasking applications.”

To configure or find a retail provider of Velocity Micro PCs powered by Intel Core i7 processors, visit www.velocitymicro.com.

ABOUT VELOCITY MICRO, INC.
Velocity Micro, Inc. is the premier high-performance personal computer provider in North America. Founded in 1992, Richmond, Va.-based Velocity Micro custom builds award winning gaming, mobile, multimedia, home office, small business, pro workstation, and visual supercomputer solutions. Velocity Micro consumer systems are available at Best Buy, MicroCenter, Circuit City, and select Staples retail stores nationwide, as well as online vendors Amazon.com, Newegg.com, TigerDirect.com, CompUSA.com, and many others. For more information on Velocity Micro, please visit www.velocitymicro.com or call (800) 303-7866.

Velocity Micro has earned over 45 industry awards, including 11 PC Magazine Editor’s Choice awards. CNET, Maximum PC, Mobile PC, PC World, Computer Gaming World, Computer Shopper, and PC Gamer editors have all chosen Velocity Micro systems as some of the industry’s best-performing, highest-quality, and most reliable PCs.