Cherrypal

Cherrypal
Company type	Private
Industry	Consumer computers
Founder	Max Seybold
Defunct	2018
Headquarters	Palo Alto, California, United States
Products	Nettop computers, Android tablets, netbooks

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Cherrypal, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 8 August 2025

Cherrypal was a marketer based in California specializing in consumer computers manufactured in China. The company provided several models incorporating different CPU types, system architectures, and operating system options. In 2018, Cherrypal's domain registration expired, signaling the end of its business activities.

History

Established by Max Seybold in Palo Alto, Cherrypal's C114 and C120 desktop units were engineered by Tsinghua Tongfang (THTF) at its research facility in Shenzhen, under the guidance of industry experts Jack Campbell and Ryan Quinn. At CES 2008, THTF presented a series of handheld devices, desktops, and TV-integrated PCs powered by the Freescale MPC5121e PowerPC processor; Cherrypal subsequently acquired the desktop versions as an OEM product.

Cherrypal America/Cherrypad

The "Cherrypal America," also known as the Cherrypad, was an Android tablet utilizing Telechips TCC89xx ARM11 processors. Initially promoted with planned updates to Android 2.2 and access to Google Market, these enhancements were later withdrawn due to failure to meet Google's compliance standards; an update to Android 2.3 was also announced but never released.

Its hardware featured an 800 MHz ARM11 CPU, 256 MB DDR2 RAM, 2 GB of flash storage, and an 800x480 resistive touchscreen. Nevertheless, some users reported performance below expectations based on boot-log evaluations.

Industry insiders mentioned intentions to develop a follow-up model to the original Cherrypad tablet.

C114

The Cherrypal C114 is a small form-factor nettop computer equipped with a PowerPC Freescale 5121e system-on-a-chip (SoC) running Xubuntu. It came preloaded with software such as the Firefox Minefield browser and the AbiWord word processor. The manufacturer stated a power draw of 2 watts; however, independent measurements showed approximately 6.9 watts during startup.

This device is essentially a rebranded LimePC D1 mini-desktop created by THTF’s Shenzhen R&D division as part of its Freescale PowerPC product lineup first introduced at CES 2008 in Las Vegas.

Africa

The Africa model was a $99 netbook aimed at emerging markets but was also available to general consumers. Max Seybold explained that specifications listed on Cherrypal’s website were deliberately ambiguous because the unit was assembled from assorted low-cost or surplus parts rather than following a fixed design blueprint. The name "Africa" pays tribute to PAAJAF, a humanitarian organization based in Ghana.

Depending on component availability, the device could incorporate CPUs based on ARM, MIPS, or x86 architectures, delivering performance that met or surpassed advertised claims. Seybold characterized the Africa not as a conventional computer but as an economical Internet appliance intended to provide online connectivity for underserved communities. The $99 price point ensured basic Internet access, addressing increasing demands for digital engagement with governmental and social services.

Cherrypal Asia

The Cherrypal Asia is an affordable ARM-powered netbook running Android OS version 1.7.

Cherrypal Bing

The Cherrypal Bing is a slim-profile x86 netbook preloaded with Windows XP.

Cloud computing initiatives

Cherrypal planned to utilize Firefox as both the web browser and user interface to enable launching applications such as OpenOffice.org. The company sought to capitalize on cloud computing technology for delivering software and storage solutions over the Internet. Although the cloud platform "Green Maraschino" was scheduled for a February 2010 rollout, this project ultimately did not come to fruition.

Reception

Industry observers acknowledged that Cherrypal reached a $99 netbook price point ahead of the better-financed One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative, offering a 7-inch display compared to OLPC’s 7.5-inch screen priced at $199. Nonetheless, the company faced criticism from unhappy customers, especially concerning return policies and communication issues. The U.S. Better Business Bureau assigned Cherrypal an "F" rating, highlighting concerns regarding dependability.

Cherrypal underlined its dedication to environmental sustainability and aiding disadvantaged communities by sponsoring an educational center in Ghana and supporting a "One Laptop per Teacher" pilot project in Nigeria.

Timeline

January 2008: Manufacturer THTF presented the C114 model at CES.
July 2008: Initial shipping was slated for late July.
November 4, 2008: Shipping date postponed to November 4.
December 3, 2008: The first individual customer reported receiving a boxed Cherrypal device; prior shipments had been made to organizational clients. Early user feedback was varied.
June 20, 2009: Reports indicated that Cherrypal had halted operations in the UK; the status of U.S. operations was unclear.
December 2009: The company introduced an upgraded Cherrypal model, issued an update for its "Bing" notebook, and launched a $99 mini-notebook named "Africa."
January 6, 2010: Teleread.org recommended caution regarding Cherrypal; after allegations of fraud, the company issued a cease and desist notice that resulted in article removals.
January 11, 2010: A German blogger disclosed shipment complications and receiving a device with lower specifications and an alternative operating system than originally advertised.
January 18, 2010: Mobileread.com published critical reports accusing Cherrypal of inadequate customer support and deceptive practices.
March 20, 2010: Customers began receiving the $99 CherryPal Africa Linux edition, noting delays in shipping and software limitations but confirming operational functionality.
May 11, 2010: Introduction of "Cherrypal Asia," a netbook equipped with an ARM processor running Android OS.
June 30, 2010: A user confirmed receipt of the Cherrypal Asia device on an Android-focused forum.

External links