OLPC tried its best to come out with a $100 (or so) notebook, but afterall was said and done, it failed. Cherrypal is known for producinglow-cost wares, and now it's claiming that it has just launched theplanet's first $99 laptop. Sure, you can pick up small notebooksoverseas for less than $100, but no mainstream US-based machine has hitthe level until now.
You may remember this company as responsible for producing the world's”greenest desktop computer,” and today it's launching its first $99netbook. Oddly, the machine is titled “Africa,” and unlike some of themodern Eee PCs, this one has a screen that's only 7″. Of course, youshouldn't expect much more for $99, but hey, it's a $99 notebook!
Specifications include a 400MHz processor, 256GB of storage, 2GB ofmemory and the ability to run Linux or Windows CE operating systems.You'll notice that these specifications are weaker than somesmartphones, but if you only need to browse the web and work on theoccasional document, this just might do the trick. Whatever the case,we're glad that the pricing barrier has been lowered–now let's justget those specifications up to where they need to be and we'll be set!
“At Cherrypal, we're extremely conscious of the so-called 'digitaldivide',” said Max Seybold, the company's founder. “We're constantlylooking for ways to bridge that gap, and the Cherrypal Africa is a hugestep in the right direction. Plus, everyone who has tried it hasabsolutely loved it!”
Namedafter Cherrypal's recent community building initiative in Ghana, theAfrica packs quite a punch for its size and price point. The computerruns on a 400 MHz processor and features 256 GB RAM, 2 GB flash memoryand can run either Linux or Windows CE operating systems.
TheAfrica isn't just user friendly – it's also environmentally friendly.From top to bottom, Cherrypal designs all of its computers to consumethe least amount of power possible, while using fewer parts than othermanufacturers. This saves electricity and keeps excess computerbyproducts out of landfills. The company is also aware of its owncarbon footprint and relies on wind energy to power its website.
Alongwith the launch of the Africa, Cherrypal has also redesigned the new13.3-inch widescreen Bing laptop. Priced at only $389 (includingWindows XP), the Intel N280-based (1.6 GHz operation) Bing features 1GB DDRII memory, 160 GB HDD, 1.3 MP integrated web camera and much,much more.
The CherrypalBing and Cherrypal Africa can both be purchased through the recentlylaunched Cherrypal Open Store, which features products designed byApple, Dell and others. All non-Cherrypal products featured in the OpenStore are priced at least 30 percent less than the manufacturer'ssuggested retail price, but carry Cherrypal's unconditional 30-daymoney back guarantee.
To browse all of Cherrypal's affordable green machines, visit www.cherrypal.com.
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