Raspberry PI, a $25 computer could be a great new platform for amateur radio

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has developed a $25 computer that is just made for hacking. This could be just the platform needed for inventive new APRS, and other amateur digital modes. Think of all the things you could do with the portable processing power of a 700MHz ARM11 processor coupled with 128MB of RAM hooked up to a HT or other portable. This device has been geared towards education so the documentation should be open and ready for hacking in the classic sense of the word.
One video port and one USB is all you get as far as ports for now, with both ethernet and Wifi planned. Power usage? 1W at full load. I have attached a video about it below. Update: They will also have a Model B with 256 megs of RAM and a 10/100 Ethernet port, price point: $35.

Update: Raspberry PI will be at the NYC Maker Faire. Looking forward to seeing what they have planned for the unit. Eben Upton, one of the founders will be there to explain the plans for the project.

Update 2: On Availability: From the Raspberry PI website

When will the device be available to purchase?
We anticipate the device will be available to the general public later in 2011 – we were hoping to hit the end of November, but right now December’s looking more likely.
 

HoSARC at the NYC Maker Faire Sept 25 & 26

The New York Hall of Science Amateur Radio Club will be running an exhibit on Satellite communications at the New York Maker Faire on Sept 25 & 26 2010. Our exhibit will cover Home Brew HF stations, our "Go Box" portable stations and live Satellite communications as propagation permits. There will be a special QSL card made just for the occasion and we are looking forward to spreading the word on Amateur Radio to like minded "Makers".

The Maker Faire  has been around since 2006 and like its namesake the Make magazine it celebrates  "arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset." These are all interests near and dear to any HAM's heart. If you have time this weekend, and you are in the New York area, please come on down. It promises to be quite a show.