CherryPal Offers Cloud Computer

Tag : Computer System Components
CherryPal, which could be the name of a friendly summer treat, isactually a new cloud-based, low-cost, mini-desktop computer thatcould signal the end of consumers having to figure out operatingsystems.
In cloud computing, most or all of the applications and at leastsome of the storage is kept on the Internet, the cloud. One of themain advantages is that the user doesn't need to deal with updates,operating systems, or incompatible software. A downside is that thecomputer has little use if the network connection is down orunavailable.
Two Watts, No Moving Parts
Announced Monday, the Linux-based device uses a maximum of twowatts of power -- about three percent of what most desktops consume. It has nomoving parts and is priced at $249 without monitor or keyboard.
It comes with the open-source OpenOffice productivity suite, abranded media player and IM client, iTunes, the Firefox Web browserand 50GB of online storage. It is expected to become availablelater this month. The maker, Mountain View, Calif.-based CherryPal,described its first product as "the most energy -efficient and affordable computer available."
Doug Bell, an analyst with industry research firm IDC, said theprice was "a little expensive, given the specs and capabilities."He noted that some of the limitations, such as 4GB of internalflash storage, could be overcome with an external drive through aUSB port. He also described the Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and the two USBports as "nice touches" for such a device.
Bell added that he expects to see more cloud computers for theconsumer market because there's a demand. The ideal customer, Bellsaid, would be someone who wants a second PC at home, primarily asan Internet browser. He pointed out that there are some similarclient-only machines in enterprises, but said a cloud computer forthe consumer is an "interesting" product.
80 Percent Fewer Components
According to the company, the CherryPal has 80 percent fewercomponents than a regular PC and weighs 10.5 ounces. Dimensions are1.3 inches by 5.8 inches by 4.2 inches -- about the size of apaperback book. With no operating system and no software upgrades,it is being touted as a "no-virus computer experience."
The computer uses a Freescale Semiconductor mobileGT MPC5121e processor running at 400 MHz. The Power Architecture-based processor uses90-nanometer CMOS technology with ultra-low power consumption.CherryPal noted that the processor is built around a triple-corearchitecture, the Power Architecture core, a 3-D graphics processor-- which the company says is "capable of gaming-class 3-Drendering"-- and a CD-quality audio processor core.
Also included are 256GB of DDR2 DRAM, a RJ-45 jack for 10/100Ethernet, a VGA DB-15 display-out jack, and a stereo audio-out3.5mm jack.
The company behind this category-defining product was founded byMax Seybold, who describes himself as a "serial entrepreneur."CherryPal said its corporate goals are to make personal computersthat are environmentally friendly, user friendly, and affordable.