There is a recent news story about an awesome new device called the Raspberry Pi. Here’s the gist: some really smart guys built a prototype of a computer in the form factor of a USB stick. But that’s nothing new. Devices like the SheevaPlug have been around for a couple of years now. So what’s the big deal about this one?
The most amazing thing about this new prototype is its cost; the developers expect it to sell for around $25US. That’s enough to make even the people over at the OLPC foundation do a double take.
So why won’t it take? Simply put, the target audience — according to its creator — is made of of low-income students who do not have access to a computer at home. The idea is that with this tiny computer, the student could learn about programming and be able to access the web from home. But here’s the problem with that logic: if a family cannot afford a computer, what makes you think they’ll have internet access? This computer has no built-in wireless connectivity. Now, you could probably plug a USB hub into it and get all the ports you need, but without an actual wireless connection, what’s the point?
Don’t get me wrong, I think this is an awesome development in the field of ultra-small, inexpensive computers. However, until the creators find some way to include wireless — standard wi-fi or, better yet, 3G (or LTE, or 4G, or some other cell network) — I don’t see it being quite the boon everyone is making it out o be.
What do you think?
Am I totally off base, or do you agree? Let me know in the comments.