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Rooting for the CrunchPad


Image credit: CNET

It sounds like Mike Arrington is getting closer to shipping the CrunchPad - a device that does one thing (surf the web) hopefully really well. Even though I am consolidating my technology, I want to see the CrunchPad succeed. There are a three reasons why:

First, I love the idea that any individual can, through smart sourcing, become not just a software entrepreneur but a hardware one too. It's not only a great American story, it's another great flat earth tale too. Henry Ford, Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison never felt intimidated by giant competitors. So neither should Mike.

Second, I root for anything that puts the web in more people's hands at an affordable cost.

Finally, it keeps everyone else on their toes and innovating.

Good for Mike. Go CrunchPad go.

Comments (14)

Jul 04, 2009
Amit Agarwal said...
Arrington has planned a netbook conference on 10th of July.. They might release CrunchPad on that day.
Jul 04, 2009
orli yakuek said...
I wonder how long before it launch in other countries :( I can't wait to try it!
Jul 04, 2009
Andy Beal said...
but, will you buy one to replace or add to your new "2 gadget" limit? ;-)
Jul 04, 2009
Steve Rubel said...
@Andy probably not. It will be tempting, though. Even though I don't plan to get one I still can root for it, right? Choices are a good thing!
Jul 04, 2009
ianf said...
Steve, we all root for the CrunchPad (bad name, btw), but that's not enough. Truth be told, it takes much bigger financial and entrepreneurial muscles than Arrington can shore up, to bring a product of such scope to market. On the surface, it's every consumer's wet web dream; only products are first and foremost vehicles to make money, and only secondarily to satisfy end-users (so already-buyers will beget new buyers, which in turn will fill the coffers with "geld," which will then lead to a better product, and so on…). Only nobody can make any money out of a projected $250 consumer device of that size… and there we stand.
Jul 04, 2009
Sean Brady said...
I have watched this product with some interest, and have been disappointed in the specs that I have seen. I realize that we may not know for sure on the specs until the official announcement, but a single touch screen and a weight of 3lbs are both a bit heavy. Do we know what browser it will run? I think the OS is Ubuntu.
Jul 05, 2009
Chippy said...
@sean. Where did the 3lb figure come from? Thats way too heavy.
Jul 05, 2009
Sean Brady said...
I am not sure where I saw the 3lb figure, but this site (http://arabcrunch.com/2009/04/crunchpad-shipping-soon.html) lists the weight as 3lbs).
Jul 05, 2009
jay said...
Well, I do like the idea but looking at the mobile phone market I already see netbooks becoming obsolete. The crunchpad is a nice device but its catering more towards the less geeky people and I doubt it will have the reach to succeed in that. Anyway, I agree Steve it would be great if this would work out.
Jul 05, 2009
Chris Hall said...
I really like the idea of it as well, Steve. There is something about little guys coming into established industries and shaking things up that really appeals to me. The Tesla being another great example.

What is also interesting is the fact that Arrington is able to build and sell a product that his core TechCrunch audience would have an interest in buying. Could this be a new business model for newspapers and magazines? They have specific demographics and eyeballs after all...

Time will tell.

Jul 06, 2009
Craig Shipp said...
I'll buy one. Maybe two.
Jul 07, 2009
saadkamal said...
Yeah it seems like a good thing. But isn't apple coming out with something similar? Do you think CrunchPad will be able to compete with Apple in the long run..?
Jul 07, 2009
Steve Rubel said...
Given that the Apple pad is a myth right now, who can tell?

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