Retailing for just $9, it features a 1GHz ARMv7 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 3.8GB (approximately 4GB) of storage, running a customised, lightweight Debian-based operating system.

The device also includes onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it a versatile option for both standalone computing and integration into various hardware projects, as you have 3.2GB of free storage.

[8] Next Thing Co. was an Oakland, California based start-up company founded in 2013 by Dave Rauchwerk, Gustavo Huber and Thomas Deckert.

[15] The CPU is also accompanied by a NEON SIMD coprocessor and has RCT JAVA-Accelerations to optimize just-in-time (JIT) and dynamic adaptive compilation (DAC).

256MB of Nanya Technology DDR3 SDRAM is combined with the R8 SoC into a 14mm × 14mm, 0.8mm-pitch 252-ball FBGA package, simplifying the routing of connections.

Instead of having two dual-line 40-pin sockets as on CHIP, it implements castellated edges where the pin holes are designed and optimized to embed to another board with SMT.

Following DIP specifications, the CHIP snapped into the case with no "screws or glues" creating a portable computer.

PocketCHIP came loaded with a special edition of CHIP OS that included the DIP's driver and a couple of additional applications, including a special version of video game console virtual machine PICO-8, a fully functional Linux terminal, a file browser, a terminal based web browser called surf, and modular synthesizer SunVox.

Laura Sydell of NPR asked if the device could "spark a new wave of tinkering and innovation", noting it was also open source hardware.

[32] Within days of the launch of its Kickstarter, US national media outlets like The Washington Post and Time followed with glowing coverage.

"[35] Since its alpha shipping, CHIP has attracted an enthusiastic user base, communicating mainly on NTC's bulletin board system (BBS).

[36] Despite enthusiasm from reviewers and users, Next Thing Co. declared bankruptcy in March 2018, leaving many pre-order customers with undelivered orders.