CherryPal Launches Cheap-as-chips $99 Laptop
CherryPal has launched a netbook with a price tag of just $99.
Aiming to compete with the likes of OLPC and Intel's Classmate PC, CherryPal has launched CherryPal Africa, a $99 computer designed to help school children in developing countries.
In a move that shouldn't be surprising considering the device's price, you won't see Intel's Atom or even a well known ARM-based processor in this machine. PCMag reports that the device packs a relatively unknown Chinese processor called the XBurst.
With clock speeds of just 400MHz, the device is definitely a little underpowered, but CherryPal says the device packs enough punch to get what you want done. Founder of CherryPal Max Seybold acknowledged the fact that the device will not be very speedy, "The Africa is slow," he told PCWorld. "But [it] works and is robust." Seybold went on to explain that there are plenty of people who want to access the internet but can't. The CherryPal is trying to bridge that gap.
Its 400MHz CPU aside, the mini-notebook boasts 256MB of RAM, a 2GB flash drive, a 7-inch color screen, integrated Wi-Fi b/g wireless networking, wired networking, one USB 2.0 port and two USB 1.1 ports, a microphone and a built-in speaker. According to CherryPal, the device's lithium battery is good for four hours.
Despite the fact that they're pushing this towards the developing world, CherryPal's site does say, "Whether you live in Ghana or Texas, the Cherrypal Africa is right for you!" So we're assuming it will be available in the states today. With that said, who's interested?
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Your probably right, but be careful what you say this is toms hardware, mentionin' Apple round' hur' are fightin' words.
Cool idea. I can see these being good for young kids that you want to get a computer but don't want to spend a whole lot on.
a) Can you really surf with it?
b) Is the keaboard good enough?
c) how portable (heavy) the device is?
d) How long the battery last?
It's no good of testing anything heavier, but maybe PC-suite for office programs?
I think the reference to rednecks above is a much more justifiable use of this product.
Uhh yeah 400mhz 386... where you joking when you guessed that? No chip manufacturer would go back in time use an outdated chip design if they had to manufacture one today, even if it's aiming for value.
These three characteristics probably do describe the program manager for this laptop though. What an idiot.
Disclaimer: I'm not African.
The the redneck references,
The difference between a redneck and a city slicker is the redneck saves money where as the city slicker buys whatever *insert fan base* tells them they need to buy.
Both are idiots about PCs and the Internet, one just doesn't waste their money on it. I prefer rednecks since they don't ask me idiot questions about fixing their (nonexistent) PC or believe the latest product they bought descended from the gods.
a) yes you can, it's not so slow (running firefox)
b) keyboard is pretty good
c) this is very light as it uses ARM processor (tiny board inside without any heat)
d) 3 hours with normal straight surfing
Regardless, for $100 I might be interested in grabbing one to use as a highly portable remote terminal.
It's a good deal! Of course, if you could afford another $150 on top of $100, you could get a much better netbook. Then again, $150 is a lot of money.
As for $150 being a lot of money, it really isn't. Sure it could get you some really cheap canned goods, bread and lunch meat to last a month or two but really Most bills are more than that. For me some one who makes 450 each pay check 150 is not alot of money. Its just a good chunk of change that could help out if used properly but not enough to be considered alot.
In fact I just bought $100 worth of booze yesterday that was only I large bottle and two small bottles, 3 bottles total. Thats also 3 ps3\xbox\pc games, if you get them when they first come out.