Cherrypal Netbooks: A Timeline of Innovation and Controversy
The story of Cherrypal is a complex journey through the early era of ultra-portable computing. From its debut as a promising piece of hardware to a series of public disputes and product launches, the brand represents a volatile period in the netbook market. Originally manufactured by THTF, Cherrypal aimed to provide affordable, compact computing solutions for a global audience.
Key Facts
- Manufacturer: THTF produced the original C114 model.
- Product Range: Included the C114, Bing notebook, Africa mini-notebook, and Asia netbook.
- Operating Systems: Devices utilized Linux and Android OS.
- Market Presence: Operated in the USA and UK between 2008 and 2010.
The Rise and Early Struggles (2008-2009)
Cherrypal first entered the public eye in January 2008, when the C114 model was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). While initial shipping was slated for late July 2008, the date was later pushed back to November 4, 2008.
By December 3, 2008, the first end-user reports of boxed units began to surface. While the company noted that multiple-unit orders had already been delivered to organizational customers, individual users reported mixed experiences upon receiving their devices.
The momentum slowed in June 2009, when a competitor's blog alleged that Cherrypal had gone out of business in the UK, leaving the status of its USA operations uncertain.
Product Expansion and Public Disputes (2009-2010)
Despite the rumors of closure, December 2009 saw a push for new hardware. Cherrypal offered an upgraded version of its primary device, an update for the "Bing" notebook, and introduced the "Africa," a budget-friendly mini-notebook priced at $99.
However, the start of 2010 was marked by significant friction between the company and the tech community. In January 2010, Teleread.org warned users to be cautious, leading to accusations of scams. In response, Max Seybold issued a "Cease and Desist" email, which resulted in the removal of Cherrypal-related articles and comments from the site.
Further controversies emerged on January 11, 2010, when a German blogger reported receiving a unit with specifications and an operating system that differed from what was advertised, following a series of tracking number errors. This was followed by a critical article on Mobileread.com on January 18, 2010, which accused the company of technical incompetence and dishonesty.
Final Releases and User Feedback
Despite the negative press, some users did receive their orders. On March 20, 2010, a user confirmed receipt of the $99 CherryPal Africa Linux version. Another user reported receiving the Africa model a week later, noting that while the software features were lacking and shipping was delayed, the device was functional.
The company's final notable venture was the "Cherrypal Asia," launched around May 11, 2010. This netbook featured an ARM processor (a power-efficient CPU architecture) and ran on the Android OS. User comments on Android forums confirmed the receipt of the Asia model as late as June 30, 2010.
Cherrypal Product Summary
| Model | Key Feature/Detail | Notable OS/Hardware |
|---|---|---|
| C114 | Original CES debut model | Manufactured by THTF |
| Bing | Updated in Dec 2009 | Notebook format |
| Africa | Budget mini-notebook ($99) | Linux |
| Asia | ARM-based netbook | Android OS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactured the original Cherrypal C114?
The C114 model was originally manufactured by THTF and first shown at CES in January 2008.
What was the Cherrypal Africa?
The Cherrypal Africa was a mini-notebook priced at $99 that ran on a Linux operating system.
What hardware powered the Cherrypal Asia?
The Cherrypal Asia was a netbook equipped with an ARM processor and the Android operating system.
Did users actually receive their Cherrypal devices?
Yes, although reports were mixed. Some users experienced shipping delays and incorrect specifications, while others confirmed that devices like the Africa and Asia models were delivered and functional.
Why was Cherrypal controversial in 2010?
The company faced accusations of being a scam, ignoring emails, and delivering hardware that did not match advertised specifications, leading to public disputes with tech blogs and editors.