The super cheap $9 Linux based Chip PC starts shipping from today
If you want a super cheap Linux based computer, now is the chance to get it. Chip, a $9 Linux-based, super-cheap computer that raised some $2 Million beyond a pledge goal of just $50,000 on Kickstarter can soon be yours. ย After its successful Kickstarter campaign, now, the first run of devices is beginning to be distributed to backers.
Chip costs just $9ย โ although, of course, things like a monitor, an input device, and shipping are not included in that figure.ย Still, itโs a fully functioning computer that can be had for less than the price of McDonald burger. The device offers full support for the open source LibreOffice package, has a Wi-Fi connection so you can surf the web, and even allows for a Bluetooth controller to be connected so you can play some games.
The board is Open Hardware and and is capable of running on any Linux-basedย operating system. It is powered by a 1Ghz A13 processor. It has a 512MB of RAMย and a storage capacity of 4GB. It is equivalent to the BeagleBone Black in clock speed,ย RAM and storage. It is more powerful than the Raspberry Pi B+. However, the Chip thatย differentiates Beagle is its built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and the simplicity with which it can be carried around, thanks to the system that takes care of the battery operation.
The devices shipping at the moment are Alpha prototypesย which are being shipped to hackers according toย Liliputing.ย The Chip makers hope to enthuse the crowd in much the same way an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi would.
- 1GHz R8 ARM processor
- 4GB of internal flash storage
- 512MB of DDR3 RAM
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi connection
- A single full-sized USB port
- Microphone input
- Headphones output
- A composite video output that supports older televisions
- A micro USB that supports OTG
The standard version of the Chip is anticipated to start shipping early next year. The group behind the project is currently focusing on fulfilling the devices ordered as part of the Kickstarter campaign, butย the system will be available for purchase directly at a later date via the Next Thingย Co. website.
Can I upgrade this? Can I add RAM memory?