About this project
Update 12/14/15 (We're putting it here so it's easier to read) : To help minimize the flooding of our inbox so we can get everyone back to all the questions and concerns... please read our FAQs at the bottom of the page. Most commonly asked is buying more than 1 board and save on shipping. Please just pledge 1 and you can add additional boards after the campaign i over, along with any upgrades accessories you want to add. Thank You. This will help us answer emails and questions a lot faster. Thank you for your support.
PINE A64 is not only a computer, it is a super affordable 64-bit high performance expandable single board computer (SBC). Whether you are an IT professional, electronics hobbyist, student, teacher, hacker, inventor, or just someone who wants to have more flexibility to increase their productivity at work, the PINE A64 is a computer board made for everyone. Enjoy more fun and entertainment at home with endless possibilities.
PINE A64 is Small
PINE A64 is Powerful
The PINE64 CPU is a quad-core ARM A53 64-bit processor that runs at 1.2GHz.
The GPU on the PINE A64 is a dual-core MALI-400 MP2 and runs at 500MHz, capable of 1.1 Gpixel/s throughput. This means the graphics capabilities are slightly higher than the original X-Box's level of performance.
PINE A64 board is powered by the latest 64-bit quad core ARM A53 CPU and delivers up to 20-30% better performance than other 32 bit open source counterparts.
PINE64 is Expandable
Add different hardware interfaces to your PINE A64 as you see fit. Depending on whether you pick the PINE A64 or PINE A64+, the PINE A64 ships defaults with two USB ports, HDMI output, 3.5mm Audio/Mic Output, ethernet port, and two I/O expansion buses. On the more advanced PINE A64+ model, you will receive three additional ports to add optional accessories such as: camera module, touch panel module, and the LCD Panel port.
PINE A64 is Versatile
Add a keyboard and mice and turn PINE A64 into a full Android 5.1 computer to run Chrome Browser, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, or even watch your favorite shows on YouTube.
Load special versions of Android 5.1 and launch media players to turn this into an advanced Apple TV-like Android product. PINE A64 supports miracast.
Install a touchscreen module and choose from hundreds of thousands of games from the Android store to build your own arcade.
Play your favorite games on the big screen!
Fruit Ninja anyone?
Build a custom enclosure to use the PINE64 in your next innovative project.
PINE A64 is not just a media player, Linux platform, learning tool, or gaming device. It's a full 64-bit, 4K capable, fully expandable, single board supercomputer.
By being so affordable at $15, PINE A64 now opens up doors to new opportunities for everyone. Use it to build just almost anything.
Operating System
Because PINE A64 is an open source platform, you can load anything you want but we suggest to pair PINE A64 with Ubuntu, Android or openHAB IoT. By aligning the PINE A64 to be compatible with these operating systems, you basically get access to over 1.7 Million apps* on the market today, from utilities, games, and media apps.
*Android Apps available today
*Android Apps available today
Partners
We're teaming up with great companies! Some of our strategic partners are listed below:
Updatable, Swappable
Unlike many other boards and computers, PINE A64 stores its boot disk on a removable MicroSD card capable of supporting up to 256GB. This allows users to simply update, re-install, or even swap operating systems by simply removing a card and inserting a new one. Additional storage if needed can be added by plugging in a USB thumb drive or external hard drive.
We're More, but Also Less
The typical desktop computer or server will operate anywhere between 75 to 300 watts. The PINE A64 board provides the same power of desktop computing at a mere 2.5 to 3.5 watts. By simply leveraging already existing power efficiency found in table architectures, PINE A64 board is able to save you so much more in power without sacrificing anything in performance. The PINE64 runs on 5V power through MicroUSB or 3.7V battery through on-board power management.
Affordable and Simplified
PINE A64 is an affordable computer that fits in the palm of your hand and plugs into a TV or computer monitor with a standard keyboard and mice. With the support of Ubuntu OS and Android Lollipop, we allow the user to explore the world of computing and programming from beginner to expert with ease.
Learn to program in languages like Python, JSON, HTML and JAVA. Browse the internet and play 4K high-definition videos. Access more than 1.7 million apps on Android's app market and play your favorite games.
Expandable
The PINE A64 is compatible with different kinds of adapters and accessories available on our PINE64 Shop by adding an Add-On Accessory Board. Add on accessories such as bluetooth adapter, Zwave adapter, dry contact I/O board, camera, sensors, 802.11BGN wifi, and more. By loading the OS on an external MicroSD card, it's easy for you to update and load new files.
We had the pleasure of showing Rackspace Futurist and Tech Blogger Robert Scoble the PINE64 and what did he think?
What Other People Are Saying About Us?
“This board one of the most impressive, inexpensive options for anyone looking to implement high resolution video in their project.” – MAKE Magazine
“PINE A64 is a $15, 'high-performance' take on the Raspberry Pi.” –Engadget
“PINE A64 is a $15, 'high-performance' take on the Raspberry Pi.” –Engadget
“The new Pine A64 is a tiny little computer with great big ambitions.” – BGR.com
“Not only does the Pine A64 have a higher clock speed, it also has a more advanced architecture, which consumes less power and achieves greater performance.” – Tom’s Hardware
“The biggest advantage is has is in its support for 64bit software. That means that homebrew hackers, school children and students can all hack together much more impressive applications for the Pine A64 than they can for the Pi 2.” –Digital Trends
“It’s already turning heads amongst the microcomputing community.” –9 to 5 Toys
"The PINE A64 aims to be the most affordable 64-bit single board computer on the market.” –Slash Gear
“PINE64 boasts the ability to compute at the same level as a 250-watt supercomputer while only using an amazing 2.5 watts!” –Inquisitr
“The problem with some of these computers, however, is their lack of power. Pine64 Inc. is hoping to change that, with its Pine A64.” –Tech Times
“As maker culture continues to gain more momentum with consumers, the 'PINE64' Quad-Core Mini PC is a product that speaks specifically to the DIY consumer that's looking for an enhanced level of customization.” –Trend Hunter
“Today, amazingly, you can buy a computer for $8 or less. They’re great 32-bit boards, but what if you want 64-bit support? Now it only costs you an extra ten bucks.” – Geek.com
“The expandable single-board device runs either Linux or Android and features impressive specs that outshine comparable products by a substantial margin.” –Yahoo! Tech
“This 64-Bit Quad-Core Computer costs less than a week of coffees.” –PSFK
“What is great about PINE64 is that it's versatile and expandable, but also that it is capable of running almost any modern GNU/Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, as well as the Android 5.1 mobile operating system, OpenWrt, and openHUB.” –Softpedia News
“The new PINE64 mini PC will be capable of running a variety of different operating systems including Android 5.1, Ubuntu Linux, and others and will be available priced at under $20.” –Geeky Gadgets
Packages
Many tested components made by trusted manufactures can be sold separately on the PINE64 website after Kickstarter. We will be adding more tested components as we go. These components include bluetooth keyboards and mouse that we have tested along with wifi upgrades and different enclosures that our beta testers have been creating. You will be able to download 3D print files, test other modules and even add batteries.
Who Are We & Why Do We Need Your Help?
We're a team of designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. We've spent the last year developing and designing this $15 computer and we need your support on this open platform. The PINE A64 board will always be $15 and with your support, our manufacturing partners can produce the quantities we need and hopefully even bring the price down.
In addition, with a community of the general public, including inventors, engineers, students, scientists, hobbyists, and even the average consumer, we want this project to reach everyone. Being able to bring minds together, we want to create new products, save costs, and even help the world make a difference. Imagine if we could get a head start in creating the future just by getting a PINE A64 computer into the hands of every child in the world.
We have brought on board industry specialists to help us create this community and hope that everyone can join us to make a difference, one board at a time.
We've Partnered up with Backerkit!
We've partnered up with Backerkit for a smooth, streamline experience for your checkout. Backerkit is a great partner to have to help us coordinate your accessories and upgrades.
Stretch Goal #1 - $1,000,000
Stretch Goal #1 releases an integrated power switch circuit for easy on and off on the board just wire up your own switch. We're going to add this to all the boards free of charge if we reach $1M. (Note - changed from switch to placement for switch due to requests of not integrating a physical switch)
Timeline
Risks and challenges
Manufacturing
This is everyone's biggest fear - capability to manufacture. We have a dedicated team located within an hour drive from the manufacturer so that we can deal with issues that may arise in person and in real time. Our team is staffed with experienced professionals in the sourcing and hardware manufacturing industries. Our expertise and proximity to the factory should be able to mitigate any of the manufacturing issues that may occur. TL Lim has successfully launched multiple media boxes called the Popcorn Hour shipping over half a million units to date while Johnson Jeng has been through the entire manufacturing process multiple times with his other consumer electronics companies. Our combined experiences and issues we have faced in the past allows us to maneuver around problems that may happen during production.
Support
PINE64 will be released as an open platform project allowing others from all around the world contribute and build upon. We have a dedicated forum (http://forum.pine64.org) built to address questions and concerns. We currently have tons of beta testers that are willing to share ideas and help solve problems as a community.
We have asked industry specialists such as Daniel Kottke, #12 employee of Apple, and Kai Kreuzer, Founder of OpenHAB to help with contributing to our forums. Our experienced technical staff is always available via email at support@pine64.com to assist you with any questions or concerns.
Global Logistics
We are working with highly experienced logistic partners to help us mitigate any issues that may arise with our fulfillment. If shipping issues come up, their expert knowledge will help us navigate through difficulties and help us get PINE64 into your hands. We will be fulfilling from multiple distribution warehouses to reach global coverage and currently plan to ship to every country in the world. TL's previous company Syabas Technologies behind the Popcorn Hour media box has shipped more than half a million units globally.
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