21 Inc unveiled the Bitcoin Computer, a Raspberry Pi-based device with an integrated mining chip, priced at $399 and designed to let developers earn bitcoin while selling digital services.
21 Inc is accepting pre-orders for the Bitcoin Computer, a Raspberry Pi-based device bundling custom mining hardware with developer tools to let users earn bitcoin while selling internet services.
The startup, founded by Balaji S. Srinivasan, unveiled the machine at $399, with shipments expected in November. The device pairs a Raspberry Pi 2 with a specialized mining chip capable of 50 to 125 gigahashes per second, consuming just 0.17 joules per gigahash. A Wi-Fi adapter, 128-gigabyte SD card pre-loaded with the blockchain, and power supply complete the package.
Srinivasan positioned the product as a vehicle for decentralized income. "The technology is ultimately just a tool," he said. "Our long-term goal is to return economic power to the individual. Specifically, we want to make it possible for you to turn your bright idea into passive income by selling Bitcoin-payable goods, games, and services over the Internet through a 21 Bitcoin Computer."
The pitch targets developers who want to monetize software without traditional payment processors. Use cases range from machine translation and microtask marketplaces to rental networks for 3D printers and other assets. The bundled software stack includes a datacenter backend and custom Linux operating system, so developers avoid assembling components from scratch.
21 Inc has moved swiftly from stealth mode to its first consumer product. The company, which raised $116 million in funding, previously operated as an infrastructure play with little public visibility. The Bitcoin Computer signals a shift toward direct consumer engagement and experimental platforms for the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The hash rate is modest compared to dedicated mining hardware from established manufacturers. But for developers seeking hands-on bitcoin experience without major capital outlay, the all-in-one package offers a low-friction entry point. The device functions as both an educational tool and a foundation for building bitcoin-denominated services.
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