The Raspberry Pi – the eagerly anticipated barebones mini home computer – will go into production shortly, it was announced today. The manufacturers’ hope is that the low cost device will inspire the next generation of technical whizz kids.

Two configurations of the credit-card sized Pi will be produced, with the Model A set to be priced at $25 (around R200)  and a Model B, which includes an Ethernet socket, going for $35 (R280). Why so cheap? The Pi will make use of an Arm chip similar to those used in mobile phones. It will run on the Linux open source operating system.

In addition to providing easier access to technology than ever before for a  generation of young Westerners, cheap PCs like this could present massive benefits for developing nations like ours too.

With test versions scheduled to be completed by next month, the organisation anticipates orders of the Pi to start rolling in from today.

[Source: BBC News]