A new computer slimmer than a credit card can be purchased for only $12

THIS tiny chip is a tiny computer with the ability to browse the web, edit documents, create music and play simple games. And it’s only $12.

Buy this tiny computer for $12

THE world’s cheapest computer will be available for purchase by the end of the year thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Costing only $AU12, CHIP, is a tiny computer offering users the ability to browse the web, edit documents, create music and play simple games.

The device, slimmer than a credit card, is powered by a 1GHz ARM processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage.

CHIP includes Linux as the pre-installed operating system and has a number of pre-loaded programs for user convenience.

Programs include LibreOffice, Google Chromium and VLC Media Player, plus additional software packages for torrenting, coding, and photo editing.

The device also comes with built in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, although users will be required to supply their own keyboard, monitor and mouse.

For an additional cost, users can build on the standard model and add HDMI and VGA adaptors.

The first orders of the basic model have already been snapped up through Kickstarter pledges, but there are more advanced packages still on offer.

Otherwise, potential buyers will have to wait until early next year for a second batch.

CHIP has already smashed its Kickstarter target of $US50,000 having raised over $US1,000,000 in less than a week.