Raspberry Pi

Our friends in the UK are off to a kick-ass 2012.  They are host to the world at the Summer Olympics and so far they've kicked it off relatively smoothly, with the only major exception being Romney's slip (success!) and the slip on playing South Korea's national anthem in place of North Korea's (fail!).  Some would consider that witch's, I mean her Majesty the Queen's entrance to be a success.  But I will keep my differing opinion to myself.


So the jocks are taking up all the limelight AGAIN, huh?  Well, let me tell you a thing or two.  Well just one, but it's BIG!  Actually it's quite small... 


Introducing the Raspberry Pi:

It's a credit card sized single-board computer developed with the intention of stimulating the teaching of basic computer science in schools.  It does this by having an affordable $35 price tag on it.  And the kids are digging it - it's such a hot commodity that there is a 5 week waiting list to get their little hands on it.  Check out what these "kids" have done with it:

I know you're wondering why a jock like me would be interested in this.  Well here it is.  This tiny computer can play full HD movies without a problem - a $35 solution for your home entertainment needs!  Now if that's not something to get excited over, then go jump off a plane into the Olympic stadium.  Despite the extraordinary graphics processor on this baby, it is currently limited in terms of the type of video it can handle (apparently does not do well with Flash or MPEG2).  But it's a promising start, and a great option for those who don't care for such things.  I can't wait until there's a <$50 HTPC option that can play anything, has adequate storage space for your meda, and includes a TV tuner.  Absolute heaven.