PocketCHIP Shipping In Mass Next Month - Makes Fun $69 Debian Linux Handheld

Of course, I had to install the Phoronix Test Suite on there for testing...

The keyboard isn't that bad once getting used to the position of keys and it has a surprisingly solid feel. The PocketCHIP surprised me for being a $69 device as while the performance is slow as expected given the specifications, the device is well built, the keyboard works great, and there is WiFi connectivity.

Linux 4.3 is running on the device along with X.Org Server 1.16.4.

It's a bit slow benchmarking the CHIP hardware... Including building the benchmarks on-host. A few basic benchmark results on OpenBenchmarking.org.

I can't really imagine the PocketCHIP as much of a gaming handheld, but for $69 it's a fun portable, battery-powered device with WiFi if wanting a handheld terminal emulator. The CHIP and PocketCHIP are filled with lots of unique possible use-cases. I'd recommend the PocketCHIP for kids and those experienced with the command-line (or wanting to learn) as a fun, low-priced, battery-backed Debian Linux handheld.

I'll be back with more thoughts on the CHIP and PocketCHIP after spending more time with it. If anyone has any questions, feel free to post away in our forums. Next Thing Co is expecting to ship the CHIP and PocketCHIP at scale beginning in November. Pre-orders are available for the $9 CHIP and $69 PocketCHIP via GetChip.com.