Tiny and cloud-connected PCs seem to be the wave of the green computing future. Unless you're a gamer, digital artist, coder, video editor, Vista enthusiast...

All joking aside, if most computer users are honest with themselves, they'll find that don't really need a firebreathing, quad-core desktop that gives major appliances a run for their money consumption-wise. No, most just need an email app, a web browser, IM, photo viewer and a multimedia player. That's because you kids today socialize on Facebook/MySpace; use Gmail and IM to communicate; and fiddle with iTunes to load up their iPods.

To capitalize on this trend, Mountain View, CA-based CherryPal has just launched its $250, Freescale-based, Debian/GNU Linux-powered C100 desktop. The paperback-sized unit (no keyboard, mouse and monitor, of course) boots in a mere 20 seconds; contains 80 percent fewer components than traditional PCs; is designed to last 10 years; and consumes just 2 watts. Storage is a bit on the meager side, but a non-issue if you have fully embraced living in the cloud.

Specs? Glad you asked:

• Freescale’s MPC5121e mobileGT processor, 800 MIPS (400 MHz) of processing
• 256 MB of DDR2 DRAM
• 4GB NAND Flash-based solid state drive
• WiFi 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• One 10/100 Ethernet with RJ-45 jack
• One VGA DB-15 display out jack
• Headphone level stereo audio out 3.5mm jack
• 9vDC 2.5mm 10 watt AC-DC adapter power supply
• Weighs 10 ounces
• 1.3" high, 5.8" x 4.2" wide

Make no mistake, they didn't just cobble together a stripped down terminal and slap Linux onto it. There's some innovation under the hood in the form of HyperCloud, which the company uses to describe its hardware and software platform. Plus, it marks a mini-resurgance of the Power processor on the desktop.

The CherryPal also offers a patent-pending single software layer technology. This collapses the operating system and browser into one layer, where there had traditionally been three separate layers. It makes the computer exponentially faster and virtually eliminates any risk of bugs or viruses for the user.

CherryPal is also the first company since Apple Computers to use a Power Architecture-based processor in a personal computer by employing the Freescale MPC5121e mobileGT processor. This chip allows for built-in graphics and audio processing, all while consuming only 400 MHz of power.

If it all sounds good to you, they are accepting preorders now. CherryPal C100 desktops are scheduled to start making their way to waiting hands by the end of the month (next week to you and me) at the latest.

Thanks Dan!