$9 Open Hardware ARM-Based Chip PC Now Available
Linux and open source software have always cost very little. Now, thanks to the $9 thin-client, ARM-based Chip PC, the hardware you need to run an open source operating system is next to free, too. Read on for more about the device, which began shipping a few days ago.
Linux and open source software have always cost very little. Now, thanks to the $9 thin-client, ARM-based Chip PC, the hardware you need to run an open source operating system is next to free, too. Read on for more about the device, which began shipping a few days ago.
The Chip PC was crowdfunded through a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $2 million, many times the $50,000 goal that the computer's developers set. On Sept. 24, the developers reported that the first devices had shipped to some of the project's supporters.
Not surprisingly, the Chip PC isn't exactly a full-featured computer. You have to supply your own monitor, peripherals and so on. (Cue moaning.) Still, the device packs a surprisingly large hardware punch for a mere $9, including:
- A 1 GHz R8 ARM processor
- 4 GB of internal solid-state storage
- 512 MB of RAM memory
- Integrated Wi-Fi
- Audio input and output
- Bluetooth
- A USB port (Yeah, just one)
- Video output
As a bonus, the Chip PC is an open hardware device, which will make it that much more attractive to Linux and open source fans.
The Chip PC will almost certainly prove popular among hardware tinkerers in the Linux hobbyist crowd, who now have a new advice à la Raspberry Pi with which to play.
However, despite their humble crowdfunded origins, the Chip PC developers have ambitious commercial goals in mind, too. They are already soliciting resellers and partners through their website.
In addition, they are touting not only the extreme cost savings that the hardware can provide, but also its "unparalleled" security features and low power consumption—characteristics that will no doubt help it to succeed in reseller markets where features such as these are important.
So, the next time you need motivation to pack a lunch instead of eating out, remind yourself that, with the money you save by not buying Chipotle, you could purchase an entire Linux PC—although, unless you contributed to the Kickstarter campaign, you'll have to wait to buy it until early next year, when the Chip PC is scheduled to become generally available.
There’s a lot of misleading
There’s a lot of misleading information here. Let’s start with the obvious. The picture shows the Chip PC LXD 8941 SW thin client which is a completely different thing from a completely different company. The thin client in teh picture retails at 300 US$.
The $9 price point was for kickstarter backers. Right now you cannot preorder at that price anymore. Maybe that will be possible, maybe not. In the beginning they talked about a SRRP of $39 after the campaign, but right now they only say that it might be available for normal retail at some time in the future.
There’s a lot of misleading
There’s a lot of misleading information here. Let’s start with the obvious. The picture shows the Chip PC LXD 8941 SW thin client which is a completely different thing from a completely different company. The thin client in teh picture retails at 300 US$.
The $9 price point was for kickstarter backers. Right now you cannot preorder at that price anymore. Maybe that will be possible, maybe not. In the beginning they talked about a SRRP of $39 after the campaign, but right now they only say that it might be available for normal retail at some time in the future.
When you say “They are
When you say “They are already soliciting resellers and partners through their website.” and link to Chippc.com you should know that chip pc is a completely different company. I guess you got confused here.
When you say “They are
When you say “They are already soliciting resellers and partners through their website.” and link to Chippc.com you should know that chip pc is a completely different company. I guess you got confused here.
Available? to whom?
According
Available? to whom?
According to their website the device is not yet available for pre-orders. They are however shipping devices to their kickstarter backers.
This is the link to the real
This is the link to the real 9$ C.H.I.P. PC :
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer/description