Linux has a reputation for being available in many shapes and sizes, but now there is a version of Linux that promises to beat all-comers on both size and price. The new Linux PC, created by UK game developer David Braben, is not much larger than a thumb, but packs enough power to replace a lightweight laptop.<\/p>\n
Called Raspberry Pi, the entire computer is housed on a tiny circuit board that is little more than a USB port, an ARM processor and an HDMI connection. Despite this the Raspberry Pi is no slouch and runs at 700MHz with 128MB of memory.<\/p>\n
For the operating system is a version of Linux that runs OpenGLES 2.0 that provides 1080p output for graphics. Also included is an SD card slot for storage.<\/p>\n
With these specifications the Raspberry Pi is no speed freak but, by the same token, is no slow poke either. Considering it costs just US$25 (around R180) to produce, the pint-sized computer is potentially a brand new assault on low-cost computing.<\/p>\n
The one thing that the ultra-compact PC doesn’t yet include is support for wi-fi connection. However, there is an illustration on the Raspberry Pi website<\/a> that shows the PC with a 12 megapixel camera.<\/p>\n Under the hood, the PC runs a version of Ubuntu; though presumably the PC could run most versions of Linux.<\/p>\n The low-cost device is a natural competitor to the long-running One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project which for many years has been trying to create a cheap laptop to be used by learners in developing countries.<\/p>\n The OLPC’s original intention was to produce a laptop for under $100 but the organisation struggled to keep costs down. To its credit, the OLPC project spawned a number of imitators and in some way preceded the netbook and tablet PC revolution. At the very least the OLPC project inspired a new generation of low-cost computing devices.<\/p>\n The Raspberry Pi will be marketed though a charitable organisation called the Raspberry Pi Foundation.<\/p>\n