Overheard: Positioning CherryPal as the first cloud computer

That’s because the CherryPal, set to begin shipping at the end of this month, is a true cloud computer, meaning almost all if its applications and data are stored online. Chris Morrison, Will CherryPal be the first mass-market cloud computer?

A cloud computer is desirable for a few reasons. One is that small chips like the CherryPal’s 400 MHz Freescale processor can handle more tasks with the help of an outside server. Individual devices almost never need upgrades, and are harder to infect with viruses. Upgrades are also possible without replacing the computer, and files are accessible from anywhere. And the CherryPal requires only two watts to run, much less than a normal computer.

If they’re positioning it as a cloud computer — why not name it Cumulus or Stratus or Cirrus or Nimbus? (The price for this little black box is going to be $249.)