Raspberry Pi Zero Competitor C.H.I.P. Now Available For Pre-Order

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the miniature computer by Next Thing Co. called C.H.I.P. can now be pre-ordered by the general public. The C.H.I.P. is a direct competitor to the Raspberry Pi Zero but it does have one major difference: connectivity.

Next Thing Co. started the Kickstarter campaign last year and has since garnered nearly 40,000 backers and raised over US$2 million. Here are the specs for the bite-sized computer:

  • WiFi B/G/N
  • 1GHz Processor
  • 4GB built-in storage
  • 512MB of RAM
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • 1/8-inch TRRS connector for composite video and stereo audio output. Can use adaptor to support VGA or HDMI display
  • 1 x USB 2.0 port
  • 1 x Mini USB port (for power, but given you can power the chip through the pin headers or a battery, you can reclaim the port for other uses)
  • Price: US$9

The size and most of the specs of C.H.I.P. is comparable to the Raspberry Pi Zero which was launched last year. C.H.I.P. is nearly double the price but it does have WiFi, Bluetooth and 4GB on-board storage, all of which are lacking on the Pi Zero (US$5).

The C.H.I.P.’s size and specs do make it compelling for home automation enthusiasts and those who bemoaned Raspberry Pi Zero’s lack of connectivity capabilities. On the most basic level, you can use Bluetooth to connect the C.H.I.P. to a wireless keyboard.

The C.H.I.P. is due to be shipped in June. You can find out more about the mini computer and pre-order it over on its official website.

[Via Get Chip]


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