Unfortunately even though I 'bought' a CHIP some 6 months ago I have yet to actually receive it. It's very easy to source a BBB. Hopefully in the future thy become more available. Though I fear that will come with an increase in price.

I think their fulfillment process has been hit-or-miss. I ordered a CHIP in December 2015, received it in January 2016. However, my VGA adapter didn't arrive until late June. Part of the problem is their confusing order process; peripherals like the VGA adapter were being advertised as shipping in February/March, which was when I expected mine, but when I inquired about it via email I was told they had not even started physically building them yet, and I'd get mine "some time this year".

Still, for $20 total outlay I have something that is between the Raspberry Pi B+ and 2 in performance, with arguably better expansion (if you value GPIO over USB), and a few nice extras like a power/reset button and built in support for LiPo batteries. The downside is that it's based on an Allwinner chip, and that company is known for being open-source hostile. Supposedly they are trying to improve, but it does limit the range of operating systems available for the device.

I've experienced some serious fulfillment delays from them as well. Thanks for the reminder to get back in touch with them to see what's the hold up this time.

That's odd - I ordered my PocketCHIP in June and received it a week ago.

I am also waiting for a couple of ones since a couple of months ago, in case someone needs another data point.

I have a few chips too. Running one as a jukebox. Not sure what to do with the others yet. What do you use yours for?

Funny story (I think): I happened to have brought a C.H.I.P. when I went back to europe for vacation. My father proudly showed me his new solar array and the log he had collected manually. After a bit of googling, sourcing a USB-serial adapter locally, and a few long nights I had the CHIP collecting this from the Growatt 3000's serial port and uploading it to pvoutput.org. It's still running 24/7.

EDIT: I have too many of the little SBC, but in my mind the CHIP is outstanding value for these little projects where in yesteryears one would have used a microcontroller.

For things that need more power, I like the ODROID C2.

Soo many to choose from.

Great application! I agree, you never know when you might need one for a project. My wife was recently complaining about why we don't have a house phone (nevermind that we both have cell phones). Anyway, I didn't want to pay for phone service. Took a rpi, installed asterisk, paired with a new google voice number, ordered a SIP phone -- and now we have a home phone with no monthly charge..

I'm not trying to be a jerk, I am just curious if I missed something. Where is the humor?

They meant "hey that made me think of a related story"