California-based startup, Next Thing Co. is seeking funding to develop a next generation credit-card sized computer that will cost only $9. C.H.I.P, which is preparing to launch as a Raspberry Pi rival, is expected to introduce a credit-card sized computer by the early 2016, but currently the company is looking to get an investment of $50,000.
The very basic version of this small computer is expected to be priced around $9, where the Raspberry Pi costs a little high with $25. This small computer comes loaded with 1-GHz R8 processor, 512 MB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, whose absence has been greatly felt in the Raspberry Pi.
The configuration is powerful enough to run a lightweight Linux operating system that can run applications such LibreOffice to do the writing tasks, and the Python editors for you to learn the programming and much more.
Another product that is expected to arrive is a $49 Pocket Chip in which the credit-card size Chip can plug into. It is a color resistive touch screen with a 3,000 mAh battery and a keyboard. The device promises a five-hour battery for the entire system.
Otherwise, Chip can also be plugged into a monitor along with the wired or wireless keyboard and mouse combo. It has a VGA adapter for anyone to connect the monitor and start working.
These little low-priced computers are powerful enough to handle the daily tasks, however, are of great use in places where computer education isn’t available due to the lack of the investment. Computers such as Raspberry Pi and Chip can be a better option to introduce kids to the programming, Internet and the world of computers.
They are powered with Linux and Windows operating systems and can help them learn more about the computers. The power requirement is also small. Hence, they are of great use to hobbyists building IoTs or Robots.