Comments on: The (Small, Slow and Sufficient) $99 “Africa” Laptop

By: Mika

Mika — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:05:26 +0000

I take back my earlier doubts on the CherryPal store (there were some rumours on hoax/scam going on). I also received a fully functioning CherryPal Africa last week and am happily testing it now.

By: tm

tm — Fri, 14 May 2010 23:17:58 +0000

Cherrypal releases the ‘Asia’ laptops http://bit.ly/cTLp7D

By: Peter Msangi

Peter Msangi — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:48:47 +0000

Dear Guys
I think max efforts are a brilliant idea, lets be honest. The only best solution for us to break the digital divide is to increase the usage of computers. From Dar es Salaam to Abuja. I think Cherry Pal is calling out for passionate investors in its efforts to increase its business in Africa. Most governments have removed VAT and import duty on assembled laptops. I think its upto us, the cherrylovers to push this to as many civil groups as possible i.e. students,governments,army, etc…

Peter from Dar es Salaam

By: Raphael Oko

Raphael Oko — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:00:13 +0000

Dear Colleagues,
I have received the 10 laptops that we ordered for in Abuja, Nigeria and I am trying to give them out to teachers to try and get their comments. My idea for ordering the laptops was to launch “One Laptop per Teacher in Africa” campaign and I hope the laptops will be useful. The ordering system has been made easier for Nigeria as I may be able to pay and pick now but there were some charges by customs at the port. I hope this helps others that may be interested.

Raphael

By: Imanizwarg

Imanizwarg — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:14:08 +0000

It survived , hinges are loose its a bit dusty and scratched but still working , question guys, as this thing is branded what is there to stop our customers going to the manufacturer directly and buying the unit for less? Currently it makes no business sense to import these things & try to sell them for $99,

I agree with wayan above retail has to be about $300 , which then brings you as a retailer frighteningly close to what people can get for $300 which is prob more powerful than the africa.

such as these :

http://www.simmtronicssemi.com/simmbook.php

Or maybe one just has to think like a ruthless business woman and if people buy them @$300 , keep supplying them….

$99 Laptop must have been a marketing ploy on cherrypal’s part

By: Imanizwarg

Imanizwarg — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 09:34:01 +0000

Wireless issue solved we reinstalled the os , i have given one to a carefree young person for them to test drive , show their friends and most likely it will face collisions , dust , etc see how it fares when it gets back. So system wise its small , slow & sufficient , durability will report back

By: Imanizwarg

Imanizwarg — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:13:27 +0000

I believe they will fly if we can overcome this wireless issue, but not @ $99 thats impossible in Africa

By: Raphael Oko

Raphael Oko — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:17:25 +0000

Hello,
As I mentioned before, I ordered for 10 laptops to be delivered to me in Abuja, Nigeria and I was provided a tracking number by Max. There were some initial delays and I was informed that some custom paperwork was required. The consignment was initially delayed for some days in China but as I write, we have been informed by the UPS that the computers are in Lagos now, but it seems that Customs may charge some fees. Hopefully, I should get the machines in Abuja by next week. I have a large number of teachers who are very interested in the machines and it is my intention after this 10 to order for as many as 100 – 200. We want to launch a “One Laptop per Teacher Campaign” in Nigeria and a few other countries in Africa.

More next week when I get the laptops on my laps. Raphael

By: Imanizwarg

Imanizwarg — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:07:07 +0000

Hi got them out by giving two to the customs officers as “gifts” & paying reduced duty T.I.A!

They look good , all going well except for when you go from cafe to cafe connecting to wireless networks it seems to be defaulting to the previous cafe’s network and when it obviously cant find it i get “unknown host” konqueror error, though when you plug it into ethernet its fine. Does anyone know how you remove or stop the wireless networks you visit from being remembered in linux? I have no idea what flavour these are but its ubuntu. As the main purpose is internet browsing if this is a hitch people won’t be happy, i have tried 4 today and had the same error..when moving between wireless spots.

After i sort out the wireless , i will then test one of them for robustness by taking it out with me, dropping it gently etc, there are no movable parts so they shd be robust and the casing is quite hard.

Where do i find control panel or internet settings in linux?

By: Mika

Mika — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:36:07 +0000

Imanizwarg,

Good to hear that the laptops have arrived! Let us know when you have actually been able to use and test them (are they robust and usable enough in your opinion?)

Raphael, any news from you computers?

Mika