The magic of open source and low-cost hardware has given rise to wonderful creations. It's almost redundant to mention the achievements of the Raspberry Pi, but we can't deny that it has inspired many appealing initiatives. So, how does a $9 mini-computer sound? Is it even possible to develop something like that? The people behind the project Chip believe it is, with the help of crowdfunding.
Much of the world laughed out loud when the possibility of a laptop computer priced at $100 was raised. The road was long, but today we can find functional systems for far less. If there's one thing we've learned about limits in the world of computing, it's that they are there to be challenged. The first factor that justifies the Raspberry Pi's popularity is its market value, but it never hurts to ask what possibilities exist for creating a similar computer with an even lower cost, without sacrificing too many aspects of quality and performance. That question leads us to the doors of Next Thing Co. and its brand-new hardware project, Chip. The plan? Build and sell the world's first open source computer for $9. Where do we sign?
Small Size, Big Specs
This little devil measures just 60 by 40 millimeters, which opens up a wide range of installation possibilities. Its hardware is based on an Allwinner A13 system-on-chip running at 1 GHz, accompanied by 512 MB of DDR3 RAM and 4 GB of flash storage. Chip also offers a full-size USB port, a micro-USB port for charging and power with OTG support, a multi-function TRRS connector (for RCA video, audio output, and microphone input), Wi-Fi n, Bluetooth 4.0, an external battery connector, and a healthy amount of pins, including eight digital GPIOs. The operating system chosen for Chip is a variant of Debian (yes, it can be changed), and those wanting a complete portable solution can connect Chip to the PocketCHIP platform, which includes a screen, keyboard, and a battery that lasts five hours.
Pricing and Availability
The Chip campaign on Kickstarter sought a minimum of $50,000, but at $9 per unit, it's no surprise that it has raised nearly three times that amount. The other options include a Chip with battery ($19), another with a VGA adapter ($19), another with HDMI ($24), and the PocketCHIP at $49 (includes an additional Chip). The only problem is that the wait will be a bit longer than desired. The first Chips will see the light in December of this year, and the rest of the options point to May 2016. The only exception requires a payment of $150, which delivers six Chips (one in pre-alpha) and a PocketCHIP in September 2015. We definitely want to know more.
