• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Maker Hacks

Maker Hacks

Ideas, news & tutorials for makers and hackers – Arduino/Raspberry Pi, 3D printing, robotics, laser cutting, and more

  • Home
  • About
  • YouTube
  • Recommendations
  • Contact

Pocket CHIP Review

You are here: Home / Reviews and Buying Guides / Pocket CHIP Review
FacebookTweetPin
Author: Chris Garrett

My Pocket CHIP finally came after backing the Kickstarter! What's it like? Read on to find out ...

We already walk around with supercomputers in our pockets, so why back this Kickstarter for a portable Linux-based handheld? Well, it’s actually pretty neat!

The CHIP in question is the “$9 computer” that was all hyped up at the time but actually got delivered. Strange, but true! The Pocket version is a handheld unit based around that little single board computer.

Front of the box
Back if the box
Opened up

Think of it like a Raspberry Pi Zero, but with built-in Wifi and storage. Then add a keyboard, screen, battery, and a case etc. That’s Pocket Chip.

It runs Linux, but instead of off an SD card like in the case with Pi, it uses on board storage. It’s got its own basic UI for use with the touch screen, with some bundled apps, but you are going to want to add your own software very quickly.

Boot
Racing game
Platformer

So far I am impressed. The battery lasts for a decent amount of time, even though it’s powering that colour touch screen, and the built in software and shell is enough to get on Wifi with no trouble at all, which means you can start adding your own choices.

Now the Scratch and Pico-8 gaming might make you think of this as a retro gaming device, but really I see it as a contender for Raspberry Pi market share with makers and education. To do that will require great community support. So far that is promising but not up to Pi levels.

One to watch?

You can get your own for $69 over at the Get Chip site.

Related

Category: Reviews and Buying GuidesTag: chip
FacebookTweetPin

About Chris Garrett

Marketing Director by day, maker, retro gaming, tabletop war/roleplaying nerd by night. Co-author of the Problogger Book with Darren Rowse. Husband, Dad, 🇨🇦 Canadian.

Check out Retro Game Coders for retro gaming/computing.

☕️ Support Maker Hacks on Ko-Fi and get exclusive content and rewards!

Previous Post:2010 MacBook Pro SSD and Battery Upgrade
Next Post:Original Prusa i3 Mk2 Build and Review

Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Recently Popular

  • Gweike Cloud Review
  • How to choose the right 3D printer for you
  • Glowforge Review – Glowforge Laser Engraver Impressions, Plus Glowforge Versus Leading Laser Cutters
  • Original Prusa i3 Mk3S Review
  • Best 3D Printing Facebook Groups
  • Elegoo Mars Review – Review of the Elegoo Mars MSLA Resin 3D Printer
  • Glowforge ‘Pass-Through’ Hack: Tricking the Front Flap of the Glowforge with Magnets to Increase Capacity
  • How to Make a DIY “Internet of Things” Thermometer with ESP8266/Arduino
  • Wanhao Duplicator i3 Review
  • IKEA 3D Printer Enclosure Hack for Wanhao Di3
  • Creality CR-10 3d printer review – Large format, quality output, at a low price!
  • 3D Printed Tardis with Arduino Lights and Sounds
  • Anet A8 Review – Budget ($200 or less!) 3D Printer Kit Review
  • Make your own PEI 3D printer bed and get every print to stick!
  • Upgrading the Wanhao Di3 from Good to Amazing
  • How to Install and Set Up Octopi / Octoprint
  • Creality CR-10 S5 Review

Copyright © 2023 · Maker Hacks · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme