Years ago, people were really excited about the $100 laptop, but a California startup has recently managed to figured out how to create a multi-functional computer that costs less than $10.
Next Thing Co. has developed the CHIP computer, a $9 computer board that runs Linux and can perform all of a computer's basic functions without taking up that much space. The board has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality as well as VGA and HDMI adapters. The board has a 1GHz processor, 512 RAM and 4GB of storage. If users don't have a computer case to install the CHIP into, they could consider purchasing Next Thing's PocketCHIP, which attaches a touchscreen and keyboard that lets users access the computer.
The CHIP has an assortment of programs that users can install, including office software, image editors, Internet browsers and even gaming. While the computer was built by Next Thing, the creators said on their Kickstarter page that CHIP was open source so that users can build upon the it to make bigger and better products.
Next Things is currently trying to cover CHIP's production costs by raising $50,000 on Kickstarter. CHIP has so far raised more than $370,000 and will likely raise much more in the following days and weeks. Customers can pre-order a CHIP board for $9 as well as add some attachments to the computer. The PocketCHIP is available for $49. Next Things hopes to ship all the CHIP boards by May 2016.
