The first batch of Raspberry Pi computers are being issued to a group of school children in Leeds.
The tiny computer, costing just £16 has been designed to inspire anyone, especially children, to get started with computer programming. Eager fans who were the first to order a machine should get their Raspberry Pi by 20 April.
To mark the occasion, project co-ordinator Eben Upton is presenting a batch of the first Raspberry Pi computers to schoolchildren on Friday. The event is being held at the Leeds offices of Pi distributor Premier Farnell.
Dr Upton will also be holding a programming masterclass to help the children find out what they can do with the machine.
Since the Raspberry Pi project began, the plan has garnered huge interest from developers, hobbyists and others keen to get their hands on a cheap, easy-to-use computer.
So, you are probably wondering what's the fuss all about? After all, the Pi is not that revolutionary in design. It's small - a green circuit board about the size of a credit card.
It has a processor - similar to the one used in many smartphones, so not particularly fast by modern PC standards. It has a memory chip, an Ethernet port to connect to the internet and a couple of USB ports to plug a keyboard and mouse. And that's about all.
You need to supply the keyboard and mouse yourself, and the screen. However, the truly revolutionary thing is the price.
We think this is a great way to get started in computer programming, especially younger people. I can see the PC PAL head office getting one or two of these in to have a play with!
