"My advice when buying a system from Velocity Micro: Buy the 4 year extended warranty or go with a company with a better included warranty. I got my system and was satisfied with it for nearly the first year but just before the warranty was up, had major problems and had to return the system multiple times. I had to run out a buy a laptop to take my online courses because I couldn't depend on this computer to work for any specified period of time. They replaced multiple parts in the computer during the first return including the motherboard, video card, etc but the z40 machine meant for gaming couldn't play games when it was returned to me. It would freeze while playing any and every game, even Chess Titans which is included with Vista/Windows 7. I figured with all these new parts in the computer, it would be like having a new PC. Not even close. I returned the system once again and had the same problems while gaming and then with general computer use. I have had nothing but problems with the machine and regret the purchase and wish I would've went with another computer manufacturer. I've owned the computer for about two years (not counting the time the computer was nonfunctional) and it has been an expensive and aggravating experience. I have spent way too much time on the phone with tech support and browsing online help forums for these multiple problems and too much money shipping it to Velocity Micro, taking it to local repair shops, buying replacement parts, buying a laptop because I couldn't depend on this as my main system and ultimately having to spend either a few hundred dollars to fix this computer or more than 1000 on getting a new system. When you spend over 1000 on a computer, it should last more than a year without running into problem after problem.

(Note to Velocity Micro Rep: That is my Customer Number listed.)"

"I recently bought an Edge Z40 from Velocity Micro. The computer itself is a great value and very powerful.

I encountered a sound issue with the computer though where there was constant crackling, hissing, and popping noises coming from the audio ports of the computer. It was a feint noise while the computer was idle but it definitely got loud as it became even a little stressed (even just browsing got annoying). This happened right out of the box. I tried to diagnose it myself (reformatted hard drive, rearranged audio wires, moved computer to different locations, used many different headphones/speakers) but couldn't fix it. I had to send it back to their repair depot. Unfortunately, they could not reproduce the sound and sent it back to me where the sound was still obvious. I've since gotten around this sound issue by installing a new sound card that works perfectly fine (but the other ports around my computer are still malfunctioning).

However, I do still recommend the company. The computer is a fine machine, just as expected, and at a great value. Their customer service is as good as they claim and I would definitely consider it their strong point. They are very friendly, knowledgeable, and seem to genuinely care about my issue and I've spoken with several of their reps now. I did not get the impression that my intelligence was being insulted like I would from other tech support. I was even offered a refund for the sound card that I bought. (Note that they are not open on the weekends; inconvenient, but understandable for a smaller company)

The only possible weak point I experienced is the repair service. The noises are obvious and plain to me and the others I've asked. To send it to their depot for inspection and have them hear nothing is really strange and to receive it with the noises still the same as before was disappointing. In the best case, this is an understandable technological quirk. In the worst case, this computer wasn't tested rigorously enough on the bench.

I want to give them five stars. If I had the option, I'd give them 4.5. Velocity Micro, with their good value and great customer service, is a company that's left a good impression on me. Unfortunately, since I have what would have been a serious issue without the new sound card, I'm giving them four."

"After having owned several PCs from Sony and Dell, I decided to treat myself to a custom built PC from Velocity Micro. I did much online homework, comparing machines from all the custom manufacturers and decided the best choice would be a Velocity Micro. Over seven years later, when it was again time for a new PC, I went back to Velocity Micro. I could have spent my money anywhere else, but I realized that I just couldn't beat the Velocity Micro experience. Their staff makes building a PC enjoyable and their Customer Care made this customer feel like a VIP. Yup, I could have gone anywhere else but I knew the best choice for me was Velocity Micro."

"I'd been looking at a new system to replace my old Dell 4550 which has seen the last of the possible upgrades...
for a while I was sort of appalled at the price point on some of the mainstream comps (with all the crapware) and the various boutique vendors vs my own bare handed build...
but I'd been leaning toward Velocity Micro because of their recent awards (and past awards)so I went with the Z40, just because of the full ATX case. (vs the Z25, micro ATX form)

So first off, the computer itself is beautifully detailed - inside and out.
Side window is crystal clear... the pics on the website doesn't do it justice. There's not so much blue light as to distract you, but I glance over there frequently to see the goodies in the case ;)
The machine as I configured it runs like a dream, in comparison.

Most amazing that when I stared a chat with a VM rep, and then called them I got the very same person I was chatting with!
Answered all my questions and was willing to stay with me even when I forgot some of the questions I was going to ask!
thank ye Chip!

The only ding I would give is their shipping charge - was nearly $60...VM claims UPS charges to be 70lbs UPS ground, but the label on the box clearly says 35 lbs..so that charge should be half...if not free.

That aside, I'm very happy with the product, performance and overall satisfaction, from start to end.

I will update this review in 3-4 months because a review is really more useful after you owned a product for several months...

So far 4.5 out of 5 stars.

UPDATE: April 29, 2013
It's been nearly two years since my post here, and I still use the same computer reviewed above.
Overall, I'd have to say I'm still well pleased, though I have had a few minor issues that VM was unable to help me resolve. Occasional freeze on the login or logo screen (no big deal there, probably Windows at work ;)
But on boot the system does not display POST info...just some dashes or hyphens on the screen, though it normally boots up fine, sometimes fast, sometimes slower.
Contacted VM and my monitor maker about this POST issue and they were both puzzled and to this day the issue remains unresolved. VM's customer service was quick to respond via chat and email, made a ticket and posted on their board, but that was the end of it (as far I know, I haven't checked in a while).
No hardware issues to report, other than the multi-card reader died (MY FAULT - put the SD card in the CF slot and it swallowed it and shorted out the entire reader! :eek:)
So that, and the fact I've doubled my RAM gave me the chance to open up the machine. RAM addition was easy, once I figured out how get the fan out of the way.

Sad to see VM does not participate in feedback here anymore, and I see their overall ratings have plunged quite a bit in the last six months or so. Makes me wonder how likely I would be tempted to buy from them again.
Still, with this minor issue inclusive, I'm still nearly 95% satisfied with my purchase, and can say that the customer service was prompt and polite - at the time I contacted them - but ultimately unavailing.

"

"I had not heard of Velocity Micro until I needed a replacement for my seven year old HP. I spent a month re-educating myself searching for products, specifications, prices and reviews. I use my computer alot and part of that time I enjoy playing games. I started with the Myst series way back when and then got into more action oriented stuff. I needed a much faster computer within a reasonable budget. The Edge Z40 seemed to fit my needs perfectly. The Z40 was less expensive than big brand alternatives I was considering, it was also more capable and I could customize it. I didn't want a computer that looked like it was built by Klingons so the attractive, functional case was a plus. After some initial discussion with VM I sent in an order with the options I wanted. My computer was built and delivered on schedule and when it arrived it was as impressive as I had hoped. The unit was solidly packed for shipping and written manuals, software discs and accessories were included. Everything on my order was done right. The interior wiring was neat and carefully routed as promised. I have had several interactions with VM, both before the order and after delivery, and they have bent over backwards to be helpful in all instances. Customer service is excellent and is performed by courteous people. Velocity Micro offers an impressive combination of expertise, quality and customer service. I highly recommend them."

"When my 5 year old Dell desktop died, I decided to buy a new computer. After reading reviews and a bit of comparison shopping, Velocity Micro seemed like a desirable option -- particularly in terms of value, quality, and customer service.

Then, after placing the order, I came upon this site. Upon reading a number of negative reviews and bad experiences with malfunctioning systems, I started to get nervous. I chose ground shipping from Virginia to California, which is 3,000 miles away. I started imagining which pothole the driver was going to go over which was going to damage the system beyond simple repair and send me into a nightmare spiral of re-shipping the thing across the country and back. If I didn't know any better, it seemed like there was a 20% chance of a system malfunctioning out of the box.
Fortunately, I DO know better than to misinterpret customer reviews as statistically representative of the actual failure rate. Still, I'm a worrier.

After receiving and opening the box, I took note of how well packed it was. The desktop I got came in a very large box, and was packaged in such a way that the system was essentially suspended inside of it--reducing the likelihood of accidental damage to what has to be an acceptably low order of probability.

I've only had the system a week, but it has worked perfectly. I suppose it could suddenly start malfunctioning, in which case I'll amend this review or write a new one, but so far so good.

---UPDATE---
Well, 3 days after writing this my computer suddenly started malfunctioning and then stopped working altogether due to what is clearly a hardware problem. I contacted tech support and got through pretty quickly to a fellow who addressed the issue efficiently. Initially he suggested returning the system to Velocity Micro for repair, which isn't the most desirable option given the time and distance for shipping. Then I got a call back from the same gentleman who offered to ship out the malfunctioning component and have a local repair technician install it. Though there's no guarantee this will fix the computer, it's the best option under the circumstances and I have to say this is really excellent customer service.

---UPDATE 2---
Within one day of contacting the company, the necessary replacement component was shipped, received, and installed by an on-site technician. This appears to have solved the problem, and I can't imagine how this could have been resolved any better."

"Hello, I purchased a R101, I want to take it on motorcycle trips so I did not want to spend a lot of money on a unit until I found out how it would react being packed on a Harley. I am in my first week with the unit, I am loading apps I think I will need. I am impressed with the unit it feels like a good solid tablet/reader, however, I am unable to find Adobe Flash support needed for Facebook gaming and one of the apps provided free in the Cruz Apps (Puzzles) locked the unit up with a Fatal Error. The back had to be removed and the battery unplugged. Since doing this the unit will not shut off. After 5 or 6 attempts go shut the unit down it will shut down only after it has entered sleep mode. It must be woke up and then shut down.
Is there a way to keep it from rebooting once its shut down? And also can the OS be updated to Android 2.2 to allow the use of Adobe Flash 10.3?
After reading its capabilies, no mention of the lack of flash player support, needed for most media outlets these days. If this had been known to me, I would have not purchased the unit.
Thank you, TR..."

"If you are smart, you will stay away from this company PERIOD!

I bought a Velocity Micro Cruz model T105 new on 1/22/11 from Best Buy.
Within the first week i had to do a reset on this unit due to it locking up on the screen to unlock (sliding the green lock on the screen would not work). Which didn't bother me due to the fact that electronics will do things like this from time to time. However after that the issue got progressively worse. It then got to the point that i had to press the reset button with a paperclip at least 4 to 5 times a week (some weeks it was more) due to the unit locking up. Also it went from just being able to press the reset button to reset it, to having to hold the power button until the power off option comes up and then press the reset button for it to reset properly to where the lock screen will work properly. Also on 3 occasions nothing worked so a factory reset had to be done making me lose everything installed on the unit. What frustrates me the most is that this unit is only used at most 3 hours a day, it will spend the majority of this time in the sleep mode, and it is powered off the rest of the day. So it isn't acting this way due to being used to much. I have tried everything recommended in the troubleshooting guide and nothing seems to work, it actually seems to be getting worse.

So I got with Velocity Micro about it. I was given an RMA to send it for service, with me having to pay for shipping. I sent the unit in, the Tech Department only had the unit in their possession for 2 hours before boxing it up and sending back to me telling me on the service ticket that nothing was found to be wrong with it (kind of minimal timing to diagnose and repair a problem isn't it).

Less then a week after getting it back from them it started locking up, just like before i sent it in the first time. I contacted them AGAIN about it. After a week of waiting on a response i was given another RMA to send it back in. I sent the unit in a week after that. During the time it was in transit the Tech Service Department closed out the Ticket since "I didn't send the unit in" even though the RMA is open for 21 days, and the tracking number clearly showed that it was in transit. Once i made a big deal about it they opened it back up and explained that the tech "acted outside of his training", whatever that means. When they got the unit they updated the ticket stating that the unit was replaced.

When i got the unit back i noticed that the replaced unit doesn't load email settings, sporadically connects to wifi and worse of all, the unit the sent is a lesser model then the one i bought. The T105 is new for $200, the T104 they sent is new for $160. So they are trying to screw me out of close to $50 once tax and fees are figured in (not to mention shipping charges i have had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed).

In business you try to make things right with the Customer when there is a problem, not this company!

So if you want to be screwed by a Customer Service/Technical Service, use this company.

If not stay away from this company!"

"The service I've received from Velocity Micro has been extraordinarly good. Not only are their products first rate, but they truly seem to care about their customers and have gone "the extra mile" to ensure my complete satisfication."

"I ordered the Velocity Micro Vector Holiday edition after I read the rave reviews from cnet.com and pcmag.com. I ordered just before christmas and received it about 2 weeks later. Unfortunately, I blew all my money on a big christmas for my kids, and did not have enough money to buy a monitor. So for 3 months, it just sat in the box. In the meantime, I read some not so favorable customer reviews, and was actually afraid to turn mine on for the first time. I got my monitor about a month ago, and hooked it all up, and it worked like a charm. I have not had one ounce of problems with it. I love it! I think I am one of the fortunate ones in that in my 40 plus years of buying electronics, I have never had a problem with anything. Thanks to Velocity Micro, that streak continues. Will definitely buy from them again."

"I ordered one of Velocity Micro’s premium products, the ProMagix HD60 last Black Friday 2010 for a total cost of $2,902. The PC arrived 12/7/10 and did not even turn on! After 2+ hours on the phone, I was told to pack it up and send it back for repairs.

It was at least a two week turn around. When I got it back, it booted up and as Windows 7 Professional 64-bit was loading, blue screen of death (BSOD)!

Again, long night on the phone, was told to reinstall Windows which made me feel at this point that I had a lemon.

I re-slicked the HD and re-loaded Windows 7, and BSOD. At this point I wanted to return it exercising my money-back guarantee (within 30 days). The tech (Sean) talked me into working with them as he put it, and guaranteed me that if they could not make this right they would not hesitate to return my money. I voiced my concern that by continuing to return this machine for repairs, I will end up outside the initial 30-day purchase period and would loose that option. He told me they would not do that to me, etc.

That's when the northeast got hit with a blizzard and they were not able to get to work for several days. It was there at least 2 weeks, then when they shipped it back, it arrived at UPS in Atlanta, GA, the same day we got hit with a snow and ice storm and UPS could not deliver for over a week. It was now mid-January 2011.

Finally when I did get it, it worked for exactly 21 days then BSOD's were back. At that point, I had had it. I called and told them I was done. At no time did they ever offer to give me a new PC, even though I requested that several times in my conversations with tech support. All they wanted to do was fix this one. So I gave up on that, and just wanted my money back.

Velocity said they would make an "exception" to the 15% re-stocking fee (which would have come to about $435.30) due to my inconvenience. How nice! BUT since this was a return, AND it was now over 60 days, they would not email me a prepaid UPS label. Returning this box would be at my expense.

I would not have went over the 60 days if they had not talked me into "working with them" with two returns, and the inclement adverse weather conditions on both ends which I understood, but Velocity Micro did not want to take any of this into consideration.

Since the PC never worked the first time, and it was nearly 4 weeks later that I got it the 2nd time with BSOD out of the box, my net functionality from start to finish over about 2.5 months was only 21 days.

Ashley in the billing department sent me a nice apology, and copied in April Collier, Director of Operations, and advised me that April would follow-up with me in a few days. That email was dated 3/2/2011 and I never heard from anyone at Velocity Mirco after that.

I find it difficult to understand why a customer purchasing a premium, high-end product was never offered an exchange for a new PC replacement even after requesting that several times. Also, since I was dealing with Sean in Tech Support exclusively, and he knew my history and what I’ve been through, advised me I had to cover the shipping cost to return the PC because of the “60 day” rule. Incredible.

Yes, I did get my money back, but I was out $97 for UPS shipping costs, plus due to my job, I paid someone $20 three separate times to pick it up or take it back to UPS for me. And that doesn’t even begin to cover the huge amount of time and frustration I endured with this product. So it cost me a total of $157 in the end to NOT have a $2,902 Velocity Micro PC.

My advice is to not consider VM unless you live in Richmond, VA. After all this time, I am still upset.
"

"Buyer beware,

Velocity touts “Obsessed with perfection”, “Award winning technicians”,” Expert technicians” “Exceed expectations”, “EVERY PART SCREWED BY HAND”! Well, let’s talk about being screwed…

Our new Velocity Computer was barely a month old and already had problems that would turn out to be detrimental to our small company. We fired up the machine after turning it off for a couple days, except it would not start up. The button was the only thing that moved. Nothing would go.

We called Velocity Customer Support immediately and got Brandon on the phone. He had us go through about an hour of different steps. We explained to Brandon that this machine IS our business and we just bought it from Velocity so it’s brand new!

After everything was said and done, that morning that was just a nightmare, it turned out that we had a bad power supply. We asked how that could be since this is a brand new machine? We got the standard “things happen”!

We were told the machine would need to be shipped back to Virginia (We are 3,000 miles away in California) so that was going to be a mess. We couldn’t be without this computer for an hour, much less a week or more (just because of a faulty power supply).

We were desperate and told Velocity that we would be willing to just pay to have a new Power Supply put in if they would just ship us the part ASAP! Brandon said that Velocity would agree to do that except they cant authorize (code for pay) an overnight shipment of the Power Supply. They said they would UPS ground the part to us. That means we would not get the part for a week. We begged Velocity to please consider overnighting the part to us. This is a brand new computer, it is our business, it is our livelihood, we have to have this computer up and running.

We were told by Brandon that if they over night the Power Supply to us, they would have to sell 4 Power Supply’s to make up for it. Really? Is that how you think? Your business customer is out of commission, out of order, and if you don’t get the part to us ASAP, our company won’t operate.

We explained that we were a growing company and we would be buying more computers in the near future; please reconsider your policy of not sending parts out overnight (especially for a company who just bought a NEW computer a month ago).

Brandon said no, our policy is our policy. I then asked Brandon who his manager was (so maybe we can make an exception). Brandon said and I quote, “I don’t know who my manager is”… Really? Seriously?

So we had to pay Velocity $72 to overnight the part to us to be up and running the next day. We had no choice, we were desperate. So the final kicker? After we paid over $200 for the shipping and have it installed by a qualified local tech, turns out the original Power Supply that Vewlocity put in the PC we a refurbished part and not even new, according to the tech that put it in. That makes me very angry.

Our suggestion would be to not do business with this company in any way, shape, or form! It’s now worth the risk. Go anywhere but Velocity…
"

"Excellent. Long standing custy.. They are the best."

"This is not a final review. The Jury is still out on this particular company but I did want to share my experience so far.

After a bad experience with another manufacturer who was unable to provide me a working PC, I decided to order from Velocity Micro, based on overwhelming amount of reviews.

Their website is very nicely setup. I ordered my product. After much anticipation I received it on time (as they had indicated). Much to my chagrin, the unit was dead on arrival.

I spent close to an hour with the repair tech trying to fix the problem but the PC would just not boot. I have to say the Tech (I think Brendon??? not sure) was very helpful, courteous and professional. But at the end of the day I still had a dead PC. The diagnosis was I had a dead mother board.

This was Deja Vu with me as I had experienced the same issue with the previous vendor and after shipping unit back and forth I was never able to receive a working unit. Every time a PC is shipped you run the risk of something else breaking along the way and you play this silly game of fix the problem as shipping creates more problems.

After seriously debating just calling the whole thing off and returning the unit for a refund I decided to give them a second chance and send the unit back. Now the PC is in their repair depot and I was just informed by mail that 1) Problem was the Video Card, not mother board, and 2) They don't have the card on stock and need to order.

Geez guys. How about sending me the damn card so I could install it myself rather than hauling the whole 60 pound PC back to you guys?

Anyways, like I said, Jury is still out and I will update my review, but already I am disappointed with the whole experience. Let's see if I will be able to get a working PC without issues in 2 weeks.

Stay tuned.
April 25 Update: I got the computer back, it was beautiful. But after 2 days of use it powered off on me and it will not restart. I've called the Help Desk and asked for a refund. At least, they told me I won't be hit with shipping charges or other costs.

In Final Review: They have lots of great reviews, and good tech service. But at the end of the day after $1,000 + spent I could not get a working PC from them. It's disappointing. "

"I bought a Velocity Micro Edge Z5 for my son. Although I didn't buy a Lexus model, I must say that the quality and effort that the technician put into this machine is phenomenal. It was well worth the wait. If my wife had to the patience to wait for a new PC, I would buy her a Velocity Micro PC too. I would purchase another Velocity Micro in the future."