A company called Next Thing presents what it claims is the first computer costing all of $9-- the CHIP, a bare-bones microcomputer similar to the popular Raspberry Pi, if with an even smaller (60x40mm) form factor.
The CHIP features decent enough specs for such a tiny device, with a 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM and 4GB storage. It also carries wifi and Bluetooth radios, micro USB port, composite video-out (can be turned into a VGA or HDMI port via optional adapters) and integrated battery power circuit, all within open source hardware.
On the software side it runs on Linux, and the makers say it can handle apps such as LibreOffice, surf the internet, check email and play games. It also includes Scratch, an easy to learn programming language.
One interesting optional extra on offer is the Pocket CHIP-- essentially a means to turn the microcomputer into a Game Boy-style portable machine complete with 4.3-inch touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard and battery.
The CHIP is currently available as a Kickstarter preorder, where it already made over $1000000 in pledges (beating a $50000 goal). It should ship from May 2016.
