$250 Freescale-Based "Green" "Cloud" Computer

An anonymous reader sends word of the CherryPal, a tiny desktop computer that its maker says will consume just 2 watts. It uses a Freescale processor that runs Linux and has no moving parts. The CherryPal has integrated software and an embedded Linux (based on Debian) that has been stripped down to support Open Office, Firefox, iTunes, instant messaging, and multimedia access locally. More applications are available in the cloud, and 50 GB of cloud storage is included. It comes without keyboard or mouse but with ports for VGA, USB, Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi. It's claimed that the CherryPal will boot up in 20 seconds from 4 GB of flash. They've buried Linux so that the end user doesn't see it; the entire UI is presented through Firefox. The CherryPal site says: "There's no software or upgrades to install, no risk of viruses, and no operating system to deal with and free 24/7 support."

Comments

Has to be said...

[Anonymous Coward]

So who is going to be the first to pop that cherry?

Sorry, couldn't help it.

Re:Has to be said...

[Gewalt]

So who is going to be the first to pop that cherry?

Not me, I live in north america, you insensitive clod. I'll have to wait for the CherryNTSC to get a taste.

Free-based computing

[iminplaya]

Sounds cool.

Re:Free-based computing

[bsDaemon]

Bender: well, if jacking on will make total strangers think i'm cool, then ok, I'll do it!

Re:Free-based computing

[Thelasko]

Free-based may sound cool, man. But next thing you know your laying in a pool of your own urine, in a truckstop restroom, somewhere west of Amarillo, Texas.

More better circuitry

[Kohath]

Green Cloud? Can we have a Brown Hornet computer? How about a Black Canary monitor?

The Black Canary can tell us whether we can safely breathe in the Green Cloud.

Re:More better circuitry

[morgan_greywolf]

All I have to say is to thank the gods it's not a Brown Cloud! Phew!

Re:More better circuitry

[dsginter]

From the submission:

It uses a Freescale processor that runs Linux and has no moving parts

The processor has NO MOVING PARTS!!! You bet your sweet bippie that this is more better circuitry. Finally - a solid-state microprocessor!

Re:More better circuitry

[Tumbleweed]

The processor has NO MOVING PARTS!!! You bet your sweet bippie that this is more better circuitry. Finally - a solid-state microprocessor!

What a load of BS - there are quite a few electrons moving around in there. That will wear it out eventually, I'm sure.

Re:"green" vs "no upgrades"

[ePhil_One]

And why exactly would you throw it away?

Its just a matter of time until the release the CherryPal2...

Re:iTunes under Linux?

[Billhead]

Not only that, but Open Office as well!
And no virii! With only 20 per cent of the innards!

iTunes?

[MMC Monster]

They have a version of iTunes for a Debian system that never needs to be updated?

I don't even think Apple has that yet!

WTF?

[Quiet_Desperation]

CherryPal!?

Was "My Little Computer" fraught with trademark peril? Or could they not get Hello Kitty to return their calls?

There's a "popping cherry" joke here somewhere, but damned if I can find it.

Oh, wait... *snicker*

Nice try.

[oahazmatt]

No way I'm using my work PC to visit cherrypal.com, even if it is tech related and I can get away with it.

Re:2 watts?

[snl2587]

It's ok. The rest of the PC uses magic and fireflies to run. I'd say that's somewhere around 8 watts.

Re:Cloud computer?

[bsDaemon]

Well, until the meme changes from "beowulf cluster" to "cloud," then I think we're safe.

Re:iTunes under Linux?

[Hordeking]

Same thing I was thinking. And I seriously doubt a PC like this would run it with Wine.

But I bet it would barf on wine.

Re:"green" vs "no upgrades"

[Anonymous Coward]

I'd imagine most of the "upgrades" to your computer-using experience are going to be on the server-side, since the computer itself is basically a thin client.

You must be new to capitalism...

Re:Cloud?

[4D6963]

Cloud computers are designed to only run vapourware.

Obligatory

[BlackCobra43]

I, for one, welcome our meteorological phenomenon overlords.

Re:"green" vs "no upgrades"

[Arccot]

And why exactly would you throw it away?

Its just a matter of time until the release the CherryPal2...

I'm really, really hoping the next version is the Cherry 2000 instead. I'd buy one of those.

Re:But it's not that much cheaper ...

[gdog05]

Wait a minute. Isn't "a nice size" a polite way of saying it's too small?

Re:"green" vs "no upgrades"

[Jamil Karim]

the secret to wealth was to never throw anything away!

So, um... where do I store all my used Kleenexes, Q-tips, fingernail clippings, banana peels, etc....

Re:"green" vs "no upgrades"

[griffjon]

Oblig.

Imagine a beowulf cluster of these -- as the bricks of your house!

Re:Cloud computer?

[Random BedHead Ed]

While I grant that it is somewhat difficult to nail down the definition of "cloud computing", what does this have to do with it?

If you want to define "cloud computing" in this context you need to consider the Web 2.0 paradigm this product leverages for its innovation. This is a "green" product that maximizes its use of the grid for next-generation social shaping, so from a Slashdot commenter's perspective you'll get web services, tagging, and real user participation if you buy this product. I think their idea is to have it be a dynamic framework for proactive immersion, which is basically win-win.

Surprisingly good for gaming!

[StefanJ]

Ultima II and "Hunt the Wumpus" SCREAM on this thing!

Re:"green" vs "no upgrades"

[TheRealMindChild]

Why did you throw away your old 286-based PC?

You don't know me very well. I didn't.

Re:"green" vs "no upgrades"

[mrsteveman1]

No, i want the entire pie and will picket your house until you produce the missing piece.

I can wait all day folks....