With the slew of tablet devices coming out lately, it looks like we may have our first contender with a reasonable, perhaps even under-priced, solution. Cherrypal, a Palo Alto based manufacturer, has just announced that it is releasing a new Android-based tablet for $180. Specs on this new device include:
- Android 2.1
- Samsung ARM11, (CPU + GPU + DSP, OpenGL 2.0) 800 MHz processor
- 7″ resistive touchscreen
- 800×480 resolution
- built-in gravity sensor
- 256 MBs DDR2 RAM
- 2 GB NAND Flash
- Micro SD (1x) reader
- WiFi 802.11 b/g
- USB 2.0 supported by an external adapter
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- built-in speakers and microphone
- DC port
- optional external 3G modem
- Polymer 3200 MAH (6-8 hours battery life)
The tablet is said to be getting an upgrade to Android 2.2 in Q4 of 2010. According to Cherrypal CTO Max Seybold, “The CherryPad is neither an iPad killer nor an iPad clone, it’s a completely different product designed for a different market. The screen of the CherryPad is only 7-inches big, the processor is slightly less powerful, and the CherryPad comes with Android 2.1 and not Apple’s iOS.”
Sounds like someone is playing into Apple’s control of the tablet market. Manufacturers, take note: we want a company that will come forward with a great quality device and say, “Yes, here’s the iPad competitor you’ve been looking for, and it’s affordable”.
There is, as of yet, no word on the 3D technology to be used in the CherryPad.
Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments! Full press release after the break.
PALO ALTO, CA (October 7, 2010) — Cherrypal, a California-based manufacturer of high quality, low-energy consuming and affordable personal computers, today announced the availability of its new sub $200 tablet computer, the CherryPad America.
The CherryPad was designed for consumers who are looking for an affordable, powerful, high quality, and low energy-consuming tablet computer with the ability to run the Android operating system. CherryPad is powered by the fast Samsung ARM11, (CPU + GPU + DSP, OpenGL 2.0) 800 MHz processor and runs Android 2.1 and all Android applications. An upgrade option to 2.2 is planned for the fourth quarter 2010.
The CherryPad America features a 7-inch resistive touch widescreen display (no stylus needed) at 800×480 resolution with built-in gravity sensor. Memory, storage and wireless functions include 256 MBs of DDRII RAM; 2 GB NAND Flash; Micro SD (1x) reader, and WiFi 802.11 b/g.
Standard I/O ports include USB 2.0 supported by an external adapter; 3.5 mm headphone jack, built-in speakers and microphone, DC port, optional external 3G modem. The CherryPad America’s Polymer 3200 MAH battery has a run time of 6-8 hours. The device weighs just 1.1 pounds and is housed in a sturdy aluminum case. MSRP of the CherryPad America is $188.
“The CherryPad America does not compete against the Apple(c) iPad. The CherryPad addresses the sub-iPad market,” said Cherrypal CTO Max Seybold.
According to Seybold, CherryPad has been designed for consumers who seek a lower cost, more compact tablet PC with the ability to run Android.
“The CherryPad is neither an iPad killer nor an iPad clone, it’s a completely different product designed for a different market,” Seybold said. “The screen of the CherryPad is only 7-inches big, the processor is slightly less powerful, and the CherryPad comes with Android 2.1 and not Apple’s iOS.”
At a MSRP of $188, the price for a CherryPad is also less than half of the iPad.
“Early user tests confirmed the CherryPad user experience has been extremely positive. Users appreciate full access to the Android Market, its powerful processor, battery run time, and high quality,” Seybold said.
Cherrypal Partners With Zecozi
Cherrypal also announced a strategic partnership with Zecozi (www.zecozi.com), a new online shopping site for conscious consumers. All Cherrypal products will be exclusively sold through Zecozi in the United States, with the exception of volume buyers. Every Cherrypal comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, as well as a 1-year replacement warranty.
“We are a hardware manufacturer first and need to focus on our core competence in order to drive down costs and offer quality products that consumers can afford. We can offer our products for such a low price because we are frugal with non-product related costs. When we looked for a strong partner who shares our green, open and fair corporate value system, Zecozi was the obvious choice,” said Cherrypal CEO John Collier.
About Cherrypal Corporation
Cherrypal (http://www.cherrypal.com) is a Palo Alto, California based manufacturer of high-quality, energy-efficient and low-cost computers with worldwide sales operations. Cherrypal’s products are designed in Palo Alto, California and manufactured in Asia.
About Zecozi
Zecozi (www.zecozi.com) is a community-driven marketplace for conscious consumers, that enable users to shop with friends and come together in real-time with the community to collectively define sustainability. The Zecozi community is the next generation of sustainable commerce.
iPad and Apple are registered trademarks of Apple. Other products/company names are either trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.