CHIP (computer) explained

CHIP
Releasedate:May 31, 2016[1]
Price:[2]
Processor:GHz R8M/R8 (ARMv7)[3]
Storage:GB - 8 GB onboard
Memory:512 MB DDR3 SDRAM
Os:Linux (Debian)[4]
Power:5 V DC >500 mA, wired or optional battery

CHIP (stylized as C.H.I.P.) was a single-board computer crowdfunded by now-defunct Next Thing Co. (NTC), released as open-source hardware running open-source software.[5] It was advertised as "the world's first $9 computer". CHIP and related products are discontinued. NTC has since gone insolvent.

C.H.I.P. is an affordable single-board computer developed by Next Thing Co. Retailing for just $9, it features a 1GHz ARMv7 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 3.8GB (approximately 4GB) of storage, running a customised, lightweight Debian-based operating system. The device also includes onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it a versatile option for both standalone computing and integration into various hardware projects, as you have 3.2GB of free storage.[6]

Milestones

Next Thing Co. was an Oakland, California based start-up company founded in 2013 by Dave Rauchwerk, Gustavo Huber and Thomas Deckert.[7] NTC initially launched the CHIP computer via a successful Kickstarter campaign in May 2015. The campaign started with a goal of, and ended with 39,560 backers pledging .[8]

Next Thing began shipping alpha boards to "Kernel Hacker" backers on September 25, 2015.[9] First customer shipping (for Kickstarter backers) began by May 31, 2016.[1] [10] Pre-orders opened by December 2015.[11] Pre-orders for the original CHIP had stopped by April 4, 2017, as the line was discontinued.[12]

Next Thing Co. insolvency

By March 2018, Next Thing Co. had entered insolvency. Many customers still had not received their pre-orders.[13]

Models

CHIP

CHIP was the original board, mostly targeting hobbyists. The system is built around the Allwinner R8 SoC processor, which integrates an ARM Cortex-A8 CPU (based on ARM architecture V7-A) and peripherals, such as Graphic Engine, UART, SPI, USB ports, CIR, CMOS Sensor Interface and LCD controller.[14] The CPU is also accompanied by a NEON SIMD coprocessor and has RCT JAVA-Accelerations to optimize just-in-time (JIT) and dynamic adaptive compilation (DAC). There is also an ARM Mali-400 GPU, and a H263, H264 and vp8 hardware video decoder in the R8.[15]

CHIP was upgraded in April 2017 in anticipation of the CHIP Pro to "share a large number of the same components".[12]

Features implemented on this model:

The CHIP is 60mm × 40mm in size.[22]

CHIP Pro

CHIP Pro is similar to the original CHIP board, but uses the newer GR8 version of the chip. It is a system in package (SiP) made by Next Thing Co. It features a 1GHz Allwinner R8 ARMv7 Cortex-A8 processor with NEON SIMD extensions and a Mali-400 GPU. 256MB of Nanya Technology DDR3 SDRAM is combined with the R8 SoC into a 14mm × 14mm, 0.8mm-pitch 252-ball FBGA package, simplifying the routing of connections. Instead of having two dual-line 40-pin sockets as on CHIP, it implements castellated edges where the pin holes are designed and optimized to embed to another board with SMT.[23] Most of the CHIP's hardware features are also included in this model.

CHIP "v2" (unreleased)

Few details were available in regard to CHIP's would-be successor or successors except it would have used Next Thing's own SiP GR8 instead of Allwinner's original R8. In addition to feature-sharing with CHIP Pro, the company wanted to "take advantage of CHIP Pro's much more stable supply chain"[12] in order to address the uneasiness in its user base about the future of the product.[24] In responding to user concerns, Next Thing also disclosed that more than one successor product line was in the works.[25]

As Next Thing Co. entered insolvency with its assets and intellectual properties being sold, release of "v2" is improbable.

Hardware extensions

In addition to open-source hardware and software, Next Thing also published an HPI and an API for users to develop add-ons boards called "DIP" [26] The company produced several DIPs including the Pocket CHIP.

Pocket CHIP and Pockulus

Pocket CHIP included a CHIP, a case with a 4.3 inch 480×272 pixel resistive touchscreen, a clicky keyboard, GPIO headers on the top of the device, GPIO soldering pads inside of the injection molded case, and a 5-hour battery. Following DIP specifications, the CHIP snapped into the case with no "screws or glues" creating a portable computer. On the lower right corner of the Pocket CHIP was a hexagonal hole that takes a standard #2 HB pencil. Inserting the pencil created a stand that allowed the Pocket CHIP to stand upright on a desk. Likewise, on the lower left is a circular hole for a pen.

PocketCHIP came loaded with a special edition of CHIP OS that included the DIP's driver and a couple of additional applications, including a special version of video game console virtual machine PICO-8, a fully functional Linux terminal, a file browser, a terminal based web browser called surf, and modular synthesizer SunVox.

The Pockulus is a virtual reality setup incorporating a Pocket CHIP that requires some 3D printing.

Other DIPs from Next Thing

For users who did not want to use the small screen in Pocket CHIP and also did not want to use the built-in composite TV output, Next Thing sold a VGA DIP[27] and an HDMI DIP.[28] Unlike Pocket CHIP, physical dimensions of these DIPs are similar to CHIP, so the snapped assembly looks like a thicker CHIP.

Media coverage and user community

CHIP received favorable reviews, and constant comparisons to Raspberry Pi. Laura Sydell of NPR asked if the device could "spark a new wave of tinkering and innovation", noting it was also open source hardware.[29] Marco della Cava of USA Today said that the device "represent[s] opportunities to both close the technology gap in developing and developed countries alike, while encouraging children to learn coding, due to their approachable design".[30]

Reviewers also noted its low price. Bo Moore of PC Gamer said the price of CHIP "[puts] Raspberry Pi 2 to shame",[31] and Ian Paul of PCWorld said it made "Raspberry Pi's price seem luxurious".[32] Within days of the launch of its Kickstarter, US national media outlets like The Washington Post and Time followed with glowing coverage.[33] [34] Even Fortune joined the chorus with headline "This $9 computer could change the economics of building hardware."[35]

Since its alpha shipping, CHIP has attracted an enthusiastic user base, communicating mainly on NTC's bulletin board system (BBS). At the time of NTC's demise, the BBS had over 10,000 users, with hundreds of active users and hundreds of postings every month, to a total of over 100,000.[36]

Despite enthusiasm from reviewers and users, Next Thing Co. declared bankruptcy in March 2018, leaving many pre-order customers with undelivered orders.

Archives and continuing support

While NTC has published many of its hardware and software repositories on GitHub, surviving users also launched an effort in order to preserve useful document, software, and other artifacts by leveraging the Internet Archive (a.k.a. archive.org). One effort is led by a user who has never received his preordered CHIP.[37] Another user set up a standalone site focusing on binary packages and a Git repository.[38]

In addition, the community also has a Wiki site that is independent of NTC.[39] However, as of 2021, the website ceased to function. The original content is however available in the Internet Archive snapshot[40] from November 2020.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: HOLY C.H.I.P.!!! Final Kickstarter Fulfillment Has Begun!!!. Next Thing. Kickstarter. May 31, 2015. September 14, 2016.
  2. Web site: The CHIP Is A $9 Computer That Can Almost Do It All. John. Biggs. TechCrunch. May 8, 2015. July 9, 2017.
  3. Web site: David. Scheltema. With Linux and Creative Commons, The $9 CHIP Computer Reveals Its Open Source Details. July 22, 2015. July 9, 2017. Make.
  4. Web site: $9 Debian-Based C.H.I.P. Computer Is a Kickstarter Smash . Richard . Adhikari . LinuxInsider . May 11, 2015 . July 16, 2016.
  5. John Patrick Pullen . C.H.I.P Could Be the World's Cheapest Computer . . May 14, 2015 . July 16, 2016. (This reference was originally cited in the Next Thing Co. article.)
  6. Web site: 2015-05-13 . C.H.I.P. . 2024-07-19 . en-US.
  7. Web site: For Oakland startup, a $9 computer about more than getting rich . Andrew. Rosenblum. The Mercury News. February 8, 2016. 2016-10-30. (This reference was originally cited in the Next Thing Co. article.)
  8. Web site: CHIP - The World's First Nine Dollar Computer. Next Thing. Kickstarter. May 7, 2015 . October 11, 2015. Most users also paid shipping fees between $5 and $20 per order.
  9. Web site: Holy Ship! Alpha Ships Have C.H.I.P.ped!!!. Next Thing. Kickstarter. November 24, 2015. September 14, 2016.
  10. Web site: Computer and change for a $10 bill: First units of $9 computer are shipping now . Digital Trends. Brad. Jones. September 25, 2015. July 9, 2017.
  11. Web site: The Clear Case for C.H.I.P. (also pre-orders are open). Next Thing. Kickstarter. November 30, 2015. September 14, 2016.
  12. Web site: Backorders Start Shipping April 15th & GR8 News!. https://web.archive.org/web/20171112074315/https://bbs.nextthing.co/t/backorders-start-shipping-april-15th-gr8-news/16010?source_topic_id=16326. dead. November 12, 2017. Next Thing. Next Thing BBS. April 4, 2017. May 24, 2017.
  13. As of April 19, 2018, the user community has received definitive confirmation that "Next Thing Co. has executed a General Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors on March 16, 2018" with an insolvency service company that is selling its assets and intellectual properties. (News: Reports about Insolvency true?. https://web.archive.org/web/20180918191618/https://bbs.nextthing.co/t/reports-about-insolvency-true/20439/18. dead. September 18, 2018. November 9, 2018. April 19, 2018.)
  14. Web site: NextThingCo/CHIP-Hardware. GitHub. October 30, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20180408214754/https://github.com/NextThingCo/CHIP-Hardware/blob/master/CHIP%5Bv1_0%5D/CHIPv1_0-BOM-Datasheets/Allwinner%20R8%20Datasheet%20V1.2.pdf. April 8, 2018. dead.
  15. https://www.cnx-software.com/2015/06/07/allwinner-r8-module-datasheet-and-price-is-the-9-c-h-i-p-computer-selling-at-a-loss/ Allwinner R8 Module Datasheet and Price. Is the $9 C.H.I.P Computer Selling at a Loss?
  16. Web site: Open Source Hardware: Where To Get It. Next Thing. September 24, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160923152629/http://docs.getchip.com/chip.html#open-source-hardware-where-to-get-it. September 23, 2016. dead.
  17. Web site: Raymond Wong . C.H.I.P. — the super tiny computer that only costs $9 . Mashable.com . May 7, 2016 . July 16, 2016.
  18. Web site: C.H.I.P. vs Pi Zero: Which Sub-$10 Computer Is Better?. November 28, 2015. Make. David Scheltema. September 14, 2016.
  19. Web site: CHIP OS 4.4 Released [VGA, HDMI, and more!]]. Next Thing. September 16, 2016.
  20. The original specification from NTC's Kickstarter campaign is 4 GB. With 4.4.13, Next Thing announced "new C.H.I.P. software will double the storage of all C.H.I.P.s shipped to date. That's an extra 4 gigs!" (News: Next Thing. 3D Acceleration for C.H.I.P., Improved Web Flasher, and Alpha C.H.I.P.s are back!. November 11, 2016. May 15, 2018. Next Thing BBS.) Users later revealed that initial shipments to Kickstarter backers were equipped with 8 GB Hynix NAND. Nevertheless, CHIP OS versions up to 4.3 only used 4GB of its capacity. Later CHIP production employed a 4 GB Toshiba NAND unit. OS 4.4.13 made possible to utilize 8GB on CHIP equipped with Hynix. (Web site: "Disk" Space Without GUI. mvusse (BBS handle). Next Thing BBS. Dec 25, 2016 . May 15, 2018.)
  21. Web site: Flash C.H.I.P. from your Web Browser - So Shiny! So Chrome!. Kickstarter. Next Thing. April 12, 2016. September 14, 2016.
  22. Web site: CHIP : a $9 Computer with an OpenGL ES 2.0 GPU – Geeks3D . geeks3d.com . JeGX . May 11, 2017.
  23. Web site: Get C.H.I.P. and C.H.I.P. Pro - The Smarter Way to Build Smart Things. Co.. Next Thing. getchip.com. October 30, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161030144400/https://getchip.com/pages/chippro. October 30, 2016. dead.
  24. Web site: My feelings about the CHIP. (Various). Next Thing BBS. May 24, 2017.
  25. Web site: We Hear You! Here's a Quick Hardware Update. Next Thing. Next Thing BBS. May 24, 2017.
  26. Web site: DIP Specifications. Next Thing. September 24, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160923151659/http://docs.getchip.com/dip.html#dip-specifications. September 23, 2016. dead.
  27. Web site: VGA DIP. Next Thing. June 1, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20161220070631/http://docs.getchip.com/dip.html#vga-dip. December 20, 2016. dead.
  28. Web site: HDMI DIP. Next Thing. June 1, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20161220070631/http://docs.getchip.com/dip.html#hdmi-dip. December 20, 2016. dead.
  29. Web site: Can A $9 Computer Spark A New Wave Of Tinkering And Innovation?. Laura. Sydell. NPR. January 21, 2016. July 9, 2017.
  30. Web site: Marco della Cava. $9 computer killing it on Kickstarter. USA Today. May 11, 2015. July 9, 2017.
  31. Web site: C.H.I.P. is a super-small, $9 Kickstarter computer. Bo. Moore. PC Gamer. May 11, 2015. July 9, 2017.
  32. Web site: Meet Chip, an ultra-tiny $9 PC that makes the Raspberry Pi's price seem luxurious. Ian. Paul. PCWorld. May 11, 2015. July 9, 2017.
  33. News: How a $9 computer could change the way we think about computing. The Washington Post. 21 May 2015. Dominic. Basulto. 13 May 2015.
  34. C.H.I.P Could Be the World's Cheapest Computer. John Patrick Pullen. Time . 21 May 2015. 14 May 2015.
  35. Web site: This $9 computer could change the economics of building hardware. Stacey . Higginbotham. Fortune. May 11, 2015. 21 May 2015.
  36. Data collected on April 24, 2018. The BBS is at risk of shutting down soon.Web site: About Next Thing Co. - Bulletin Board System. Next Thing Co.. April 24, 2018. April 24, 2018.
  37. The user's BBS handle is joedemo42. Web site: Ongoing C.H.I.P. Preservation efforts. https://web.archive.org/web/20180918191222/https://bbs.nextthing.co/t/ongoing-c-h-i-p-preservation-efforts/20559. dead. September 18, 2018. Next Thing Co.. joedemo42. April 25, 2018. April 26, 2018.
  38. The user's BBS handle is jafcobendWeb site: Planning for the inevitable. https://web.archive.org/web/20180718115058/https://bbs.nextthing.co/t/planning-for-the-inevitable/19958/57. dead. July 18, 2018. jafcobend. et al. Next Thing, Co. February 25, 2018. July 18, 2018.
  39. Web site: CHIP Community. April 26, 2018.
  40. Web site: 2020-11-12 . www.chip-community.org . 2022-01-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031913/http://www.chip-community.org/index.php/Main_Page . 12 November 2020 . dead.