We love Kickstarter projects. It’s pretty awesome to find people that are pushing the limits of where technology can bring us. In the case of this Kickstarter, it’s a group that has raised nearly $800,000 off a $9 computer, good for over 15x its original goal.
What all can you do with a computer that costs less than a combo meal? The guys behind CHIP say basically anything that you already enjoy on your computer. Work on documents with LibreOffice, surf the internet, check email or play games with a controller. CHIP has Wi-Fi, HDMI, Bluetooth, VGA and RCA connectivity options, which is good for most peripherals.
The technical specifications aren’t bad either for a microcomputer, it has a 1GHz processor, 512GB of RAM and 4GB of storage built right into the system. Compare this to Raspberry Pi 2 B which has a slower processor and very little on-board storage (although it does have twice the amount of RAM).
CHIP is taking it even further with a portable add-on that can be purchased as a part of the Kickstarter campaign that makes the computer into a Game Boy look-alike. The PocketCHIP provides a 4.3-inch touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard and a five hour battery life. A PocketCHIP + computer will run you $49, which nearly 15% of backers have elected to choose.
The open source software that CHIP is built around allows users to make a customized computing experience. The Kickstarter campaign reflect that with its multiple levels of funding that bring on different accessories and add-ons. These include optional HDMI and VGA adapters, multiple CHIPs or PocketCHIPs.
There is no denying that Kickstarter is enabling a whole new generation of inventors to pursue unique dreams. Make sure to check back daily as we roundup the coolest new projects and toys.
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Please prefix “Kickstarter: ” to the front of these articles. This is not a deal, this is essentially vaporware.
512GB of ram… nice 😉
$9!