The BBC micro:bit is now up for pre-order from a number of retailers. I've checked the likes of The Pi Hut and Kitronic who's delivery charges are popping this little gem to up and above £17.50 (starter kit).
It has free delivery and returns from the Microsoft Store.
The pre-orders (for July delivery) are only available in the UK so far, but Farnell element14 hopes for international sales in the future.
Top comments
daze24
13 Jun 165#6
can it play chuckie egg? where does the 5 1/4" floppy go?
ollie87
13 Jun 164#20
You've just described every single hobby ever.
Some people like different things to you, who would've guessed that?!
lumsdot
14 Jun 163#91
jamgin
13 Jun 163#59
Questions for DellB0y the 'programmer' :
1. What is hex for decimal 256?
2. Name one opcode from the z80 processor instruction set.
3. Name a sort algorithm.
4. Name key people associated with the C programming language.
5. What does EEPROM stand for?
6. How much memory did the ZX80 ship with?
Good luck
All comments (107)
BuzzDuraband
13 Jun 162#1
The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that you can code, customise, and control to bring your digital ideas, games, and apps to life. Each element is completely programmable via easy-to-use software on a dedicated website that can be accessed from a PC, tablet, or mobile. The BBC micro:bit go is a complete set containing all the parts and four inspirational ideas to get started with the BBC micro:bit.
Each BBC micro:bit go contains 1 BBC micro:bit in one of four random colours (red, yellow, blue, or green), USB cable, battery holder, 2 AAA batteries, and a Quick Start Guide.
reindeer333
13 Jun 163#2
This looks interesting, great to see that more companies are now encouraging programming :smiley: Heat added :smiley:
Pokemon_Nr_0815
13 Jun 16#3
Hot +2! Nice deal.
Walgeon
13 Jun 16#4
Thanks. I ordered the starter pack.
androidavis
13 Jun 16#5
This is being given out free to all school kids between a certain age range apparently. Around the ages of 10-12 years old, perhaps year 7, from October. Already comes with an accelerometer and compass too.
daze24
13 Jun 165#6
can it play chuckie egg? where does the 5 1/4" floppy go?
DellB0y
13 Jun 162#7
What you're using right now is of way more use than this thing.. i think the market is losing sight of whats worth messing around with tbh
wild_quinine to DellB0y
13 Jun 161#9
Really? You're telling me I can fly my desktop computer at 100m underneath a 2 pound quadcopter? Amazing!
nathankw to DellB0y
13 Jun 16#13
Or course the computer I'm using is more useful than a microbit. It also costs 30 times as much, won't fit in my pocket and isn't something I'd let me 7 year old daughter do what she wants with.
The isn't a replacement for a computer: it's a fun programmable toy - a fraction of the price of Lego Mindstorms and other similar toys. I can't wait to get it!
JoeSpur
13 Jun 16#8
Great to see more companies are now encouraging us to use Kodi more like :laughing::laughing::laughing:
DellB0y
13 Jun 16#10
Well done for finding something vaguely (and i stress vaguely) worth while, however..just what would be the point exactly
Must have wayyyy too much time on your hands
JustinBedford
13 Jun 16#11
My daughter was given one of these from school a month ago. There is also online version where you can test programming out on the microbit website and simulate what would happen on the real thing.
wild_quinine
13 Jun 161#12
Or maybe, just maybe, things have different uses in different contexts.
Your "too much time on your hands" comment doesn't make much sense in the context of a hobby, by the way. Enjoying your free time is kind of the point.
Bighare
13 Jun 16#14
£12.98.... or only £12.80 each if you buy a pack of 300 !!! :confused:
DellB0y
13 Jun 16#15
I'm a programmer and i cba to argue with these sanctimonious attempts to win a point..really does get a bit pathetic
You go and buy one, heck buy 3
Agharta
13 Jun 16#16
Are Microsoft gonna try and force Windows 10 'upgrades' onto these?
I can imagine Microsoft ninjas breaking into schools overnight to install it. :smiley:
Jacob_Kreed
13 Jun 16#17
this is cool
mrbeeks
13 Jun 16#18
ordered heat added
pitbullmern
13 Jun 16#19
this seems very overpriced for what it is. cortex M0 cpu and 16kb ram. still, each to their own :smiley:
ollie87
13 Jun 164#20
You've just described every single hobby ever.
Some people like different things to you, who would've guessed that?!
mrew42
13 Jun 163#21
Sanctimonious? Heal thyself.
deal_or_no_deal_
13 Jun 16#22
Thanks for the heads up...have pre-ordered the Go!
mr_bigg
13 Jun 16#23
Can anyone give me some interesting and cool ideas of what to do with this?
I would like to get into programming so any beginner project ideas would be great.
Thanks
Maevoric
13 Jun 16#24
Can it run crysis? ... sorry, I'll go....
:wink: Heated and ordered!
ollie87
13 Jun 16#25
To be honest you're better off here if you're not in school and would like to learn programming.
FinderOfDeals
13 Jun 16#26
Well, I just contacted pihut, and asked for a refund of £17.50, because I ordered the micro:bit from them a few weeks back. They've pretty much instantly given it me.
So I've ordered from MS instead. Might as well save a couple of quid.
deadleg22
13 Jun 16#27
Yeah what were we thinking?!? We will get back to watching Eastenders.
GwanGy
13 Jun 16#28
Gotta think a pi is better for adults (esp. Fray Bentos Minced Beef)
*very sad they didnt bring back the halftime Pie reputed to be delicious
thekanester
13 Jun 162#29
Just because you are a programmer does not mean it has no value to others, especially children, which is the segment this is aimed at.
Would you also say that languages such as Scratch are useless because you could pick up Python or C# because they are more useful? Sometimes your needs don't always equal everyone's needs.
mrew42
13 Jun 16#30
+1
Vive La Différence
FinderOfDeals
13 Jun 16#31
Well something strange has happened with my order for the £14.99 version.
I used TCB to bounce through before ordering, and I clicked the "PC Hardware
1.01%" link before ordering.
I paid with Paypal, and it's charged me £14.99, but £12.49 as amount and £2.50 as VAT.
TCB has taken it as being the order was £12.49 and is offering £0.62 as cashback.
Either way, I'm not rocking the boat, and see what happens. :smiley:
I think people forget what these are really designed for. These are built to encourage young children to take interest in basic micro electronic principles and constructing simple electronic circuits.
Oneday77
13 Jun 16#36
I'm not a programmer, does that mean I can't have an opinion?
As a programmer should you not be encouraging people to dip their toe in the water and see if it's for them? At least that way they can see whether working with other programmers is for them....though I think looking further down the thread you've helped paint a bonny picture already.
miffyl
13 Jun 16#37
It started being distributed around April 2016 to all year 7 kids if the school applied for them. Unfortunately my son's crappy school didn't bother to apply.
buddn07
13 Jun 16#38
What language code does this use?
ElliottC
13 Jun 16#39
Neither is DellB0y!
kester76
13 Jun 16#40
The programming language the Micro Bit supports are:
CodeKingdoms JavaScript: a graphical drag-and-drop interface and text-based interface, good for beginners
Microsoft Block Editor: a graphical drag-and-drop editor
Microsoft Touch Develop: a text-based language, which comes pre-installed with a library of Micro Bit commands
MicroPython: a robust, text-based editor used by professional software developers
[quote=mr_bigg]Can anyone give me some interesting and cool ideas of what to do with this?
I would like to get into programming so any beginner project ideas would be great.
Thanks[/quote
Pedometer, digital compass - 2 sample projects I've been teaching kids.
Probably too busy getting to grips with Computer Science curriculum after years of having to teach microsoft applications.
hellomynameistj
13 Jun 16#46
His computer also can't run off a watch battery for months.
castley1
13 Jun 16#47
Thankyou. Ordered for my kids to have a play. Don't car how powerful or not it is, getting the kids into something like this will be brilliant. And it's well supported .
Can't be a good programmer if you don't understand the core value. The value of these is to teach kids how to code. Any other uses is because it's cheap and ubiquitous.
hcc27
13 Jun 16#51
Booyakasha!!
okudaisi
13 Jun 16#52
thanks bought mine!
terayon00
13 Jun 16#53
Can you install Kodi on this
vornstar13
13 Jun 16#54
Current year 7 get them. That is all. No one else.
myflumps
13 Jun 161#55
This is a microcontroller rather than a traditional computer that the Raspberry Pi is. Detailed review here of what it does:
Why even comment if you're not interested in this? It is an educational tool to get children interested in programming and electronics. They are actually pretty fun and the kids I've used them with (I'm a teacher) really enjoy using them and seeing what they can get them to do. It develops their investigation and programming skills/understanding.
Rushed_89
13 Jun 16#57
Hey all so I'm currently testing these little things out.
These aren't powerful computers.
They don't do everything a Pi can but they are small, LED 5x5 matrix, bluetooth enabled, low powered programmable button freebies to every year 7 next september.
If you are interested in their capabilities give this a shot (Microbit website), there are working code examples and each programming tool has a virtual machine that you can test and play with to see what the deal is. One of my favourite's is the phone finder. Press the A button and you can get your phone to make a little jingle. I currently have snake loaded onto mine.
You can also attach sensors to it. Basically you can carry out those mini tasks that a Pi is too expensive for but has buttons and a display and bluetooth.
j2theg
13 Jun 161#58
15 naked people and a bong is fun.
jamgin
13 Jun 163#59
Questions for DellB0y the 'programmer' :
1. What is hex for decimal 256?
2. Name one opcode from the z80 processor instruction set.
3. Name a sort algorithm.
4. Name key people associated with the C programming language.
5. What does EEPROM stand for?
6. How much memory did the ZX80 ship with?
Good luck
steford
13 Jun 16#60
We just got our load of these at school. We'll use them with Year 7s up to the end of the year then they can take them home with them. There are several online graphical programming environments that can be used (with emulation) and the code can be compiled and downloaded to the unit by saving it directly to a mountable folder (USB) on the unit itself. There are several fun examples for kids to try, adapt etc. For adults I would say that unless there is a specific function of this device that you need to utilise you are probably better off with something else eg Arduino, Pi, Particle/Spark etc unless you just want to fool around with it - and why not?
everydayaschoolday
13 Jun 16#61
You clearly have literally no idea what you're talking about so please go back to watching Jeremy Kyle or whatever it is you're doing with your time thats so very valuable to humanity.
j2theg
13 Jun 16#62
BLEEP BLOOP
Tabintab
13 Jun 16#63
Apparently they are quite useless without a load more extra hardware, from what i have read you may as well get the Pi. Voting cold.
steford
13 Jun 16#64
They are useless in the same way that a Rubik's Cube or a banana are useless. An 11 year old would do well to set up a Pi, program and flash a script and run it on a Pi - in fact you wouldn't use a Pi for that. Likewise you wouldn't use this as a PC or run Kodi on it. It serves a purpose - nothing else. I'm not sure if this is a deal or worth £12.98 to anyone but it will let kids play with coding and flash scripts on a fun device.
EDIT: Just dug mine out of my bag that's been in there for a month. Had a quick play and knocked up a dice that rolls when the device is shaken in a few lines of code. My Year 7s will be in to that I think. Has some Bluetooth connectivity features also. Pretty decent.
dfarrall
13 Jun 16#65
This has way more features than a Pi.. You would need a lot more hardware to make a Pi do anything so it's just unbelievable how ignorant you really are.
georgecarr
13 Jun 16#66
18 years freelance IT consultant, predominately programming - Can't answer any but then again I wasn't a 'back
bedroom programmer'. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT.......Jeez what are you boys like when you get talking about toys :wink:
No floppy uses a standard cassette tape, I believe it will load a short program in about 20 minutes, not always first time though. :smiley:
Bring back the good ol' days of computing
hyte1
13 Jun 16#73
Had an hours hands on at a Microsoft demo of this device with my 6 year old son. I've now pre-ordered one as I want to expand on his use of tablets and learn that there is more to computing than consuming apps on his tablet.
They are simple to use, easy to get into and parents can help too, with no previous coding experience. All the coding can be done on any device with a web browser.
As above, no they are not a replacement for a Pi, but it gives kids a low cost bit of tech to create/imagine, problem solve and learn the basics of coding. That's got to be good surely.
jamgin
13 Jun 16#74
Lol. I started programming for a living just before the first IBM pc was launched...
:confused:
youcantbeserious
13 Jun 16#75
Ordered one :smile:
thecresta
13 Jun 16#76
< 3 / 6. Must try harder!
4737carlinsir
13 Jun 16#77
5 1/4" floppy? You need a deal on tape measures :smirk:
Baldieman64
13 Jun 16#78
Is this really how your TV licence fee should be spent?
BuzzDuraband
13 Jun 162#79
Educating the youth of today? There's worse ways to spend it, no?
DennisG
13 Jun 16#80
All I want to know is where did you get a quadcopter for £2?
wild_quinine
13 Jun 161#81
Suddenly it becomes clear - he doesn't want the competition! :P
foes4you
13 Jun 16#82
You don't need programming skills, you can use a 'block editor' to maybe take a picture on your Samsung smartphone - I don't know why but they have elected to only use the editing programs on Samsung Android phones and iphones.
This is a serious mistake.
brooks630
14 Jun 161#83
BBC microbits are basically mbed boards with access to some custom compilers for Python/JavaScript etc. They are very nice for little projects (I would argue better than Arduino's, actually), and the Bluetooth integration is very nice, but if you want to do more "serious" embedded development (i.e. you want a bit more power, or a few more pins to work with), have a look at some of the other cheap mbed boards like the STM Nucleo range - the F411RE has a Cortex-M4 CPU with 128K RAM and can be had for £8.90 on CPC with free delivery.
Nonetheless, however, this is a very good device. I would advise buyers to check out the mbed site for the microbit, at https://developer.mbed.org/platforms/Microbit/. It's a really nice platform for embedded development, and code can be written in straight C/C++.
jenko65
14 Jun 16#84
ok I'm reading the comments by page two all I can see is arguments....
To all those creating PI v MB arguments each is useful in its own way. I just got a zero for £4 which is pretty much unbelieveable but they sold out in hours as did the original ones 6 months ago. Its really hard to get hold of a zero unless you want to pay an ebay leacher 30 for it. I havent used my zero yet bit i have a pi 2/3 and found as a software programmer and not electronics person the pi zero is more useful and they only let you have one when you order so if they make some every 6 months its gonna take a year to get my 2 nieces one. The year 7 niece will have the MB from school hopefully.
They released some this week and last month.
This week they were available at 9am (and then at 7pm for many hours well into the next day)
- keep your eye on the Twitter accounts of Pimoroni, PiHut etc
- keep your eye on https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi
- Subscribe to a "Pi Zero" search on HotUKDeals and get instant alerts
- You can also get a Pi Zero for free if you subscribe to a 6 or 12 month subscription to MagPi magazine
You could have bought one from Pimoroni and one from Pi Hut in the stock release last week?
Obviously it works out more than £4 that way though (~£6.50 inc P+P)
Good luck!
nathankw
14 Jun 16#87
No - this isn't a computer like the pi is. It's a progammable wearable device / controller. More like an arduino.
It has build in leds and sensors so you can make simple games or make it into an interactive badge.
It has no video output - you can't run linux or connect a keyboard.
Beanz
14 Jun 16#88
Amazing, just ordered one for my daughter off ebay last night for £19.80 delivered. Suppose at least she'll get it a couple of weeks before these pre orders.
Told my class today they were all getting a free computer once they'd studied input, output and storage devices over the next couple of lessons. "Is it a laptop or a tablet?" I was asked. I fear they are in for some disappointment until we get programming the things.
lumsdot
14 Jun 163#91
jenko65
15 Jun 16#92
cheers, hadn't heard much about it
georgecarr
16 Jun 16#93
georgecarr
16 Jun 16#94
IBM! (spit spit) DEC PDP man myself....Are we really that old?
I was hoping when I saw the title this was _actually_ a BBC Model B micro in Raspberry Pi form and cost.
Remember the days we convinced my Mum to spend 2 hours typing out 12 pages of code from a magazine, only to spend the next 5 hours finding out where all the Zeros were Ohs and debugging just to play some sh*t game of snake. :smiley:
And me almost wetting my pants when we could get rid of tape and connect up a "Winchester Drive" via ribbon cable.
Pff, kids, don't know their born :/
Wake me up when the BBC Model B is available for 7.99 and includes Scramble, Elite, Chucky Egg and Defender. Cheers.
JayR123 to hwangeruk
1 Jul 16#103
So much for June delivery !
_BANNED to hwangeruk
14 Sep 16#107
Just got this - ordered in June.
Not happy
Thanks for shopping with Microsoft.
This email is to confirm that item(s) from your purchase have been cancelled. We’re sorry this product was not what you are looking for. We hope you will visit us again soon at http://www.microsoftstore.com.
Please note that it may take 24 hours before cancellations are reflected on our website.
vornstar13
16 Jun 16#101
I don't disagree - got a link?
Rhythmeister
19 Jun 16#102
Does this use BASIC?
BuzzDuraband
1 Jul 16#104
It says July.
nathankw to BuzzDuraband
27 Jul 16#105
Just a warning for anyone who preordered at microsoft:
Now saying end of August - whereas other places now have it in stock.
I've cancelled my order and will try elsewhere.
MrAlbert to BuzzDuraband
1 Aug 16#106
we just cancelled too. you can get 10% off at pimoroni until midnight tonight with code "CANDY" so nearly as cheap...
![Pre-Order] BBC micro:bit computer - £12.98 (Starter Pack - £14.99) - Microsoft Store](/images/topics/52086_1.jpg)
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
It has free delivery and returns from the Microsoft Store.
The pre-orders (for July delivery) are only available in the UK so far, but Farnell element14 hopes for international sales in the future.
Top comments
Some people like different things to you, who would've guessed that?!
1. What is hex for decimal 256?
2. Name one opcode from the z80 processor instruction set.
3. Name a sort algorithm.
4. Name key people associated with the C programming language.
5. What does EEPROM stand for?
6. How much memory did the ZX80 ship with?
Good luck
All comments (107)
Each BBC micro:bit go contains 1 BBC micro:bit in one of four random colours (red, yellow, blue, or green), USB cable, battery holder, 2 AAA batteries, and a Quick Start Guide.
The isn't a replacement for a computer: it's a fun programmable toy - a fraction of the price of Lego Mindstorms and other similar toys. I can't wait to get it!
Must have wayyyy too much time on your hands
Your "too much time on your hands" comment doesn't make much sense in the context of a hobby, by the way. Enjoying your free time is kind of the point.
You go and buy one, heck buy 3
I can imagine Microsoft ninjas breaking into schools overnight to install it. :smiley:
Some people like different things to you, who would've guessed that?!
I would like to get into programming so any beginner project ideas would be great.
Thanks
:wink: Heated and ordered!
So I've ordered from MS instead. Might as well save a couple of quid.
*very sad they didnt bring back the halftime Pie reputed to be delicious
Would you also say that languages such as Scratch are useless because you could pick up Python or C# because they are more useful? Sometimes your needs don't always equal everyone's needs.
Vive La Différence
I used TCB to bounce through before ordering, and I clicked the "PC Hardware
1.01%" link before ordering.
I paid with Paypal, and it's charged me £14.99, but £12.49 as amount and £2.50 as VAT.
TCB has taken it as being the order was £12.49 and is offering £0.62 as cashback.
Either way, I'm not rocking the boat, and see what happens. :smiley:
As a programmer should you not be encouraging people to dip their toe in the water and see if it's for them? At least that way they can see whether working with other programmers is for them....though I think looking further down the thread you've helped paint a bonny picture already.
CodeKingdoms JavaScript: a graphical drag-and-drop interface and text-based interface, good for beginners
Microsoft Block Editor: a graphical drag-and-drop editor
Microsoft Touch Develop: a text-based language, which comes pre-installed with a library of Micro Bit commands
MicroPython: a robust, text-based editor used by professional software developers
I would like to get into programming so any beginner project ideas would be great.
Thanks[/quote
Pedometer, digital compass - 2 sample projects I've been teaching kids.
http://www.itpro.co.uk/desktop-pcs/26689/bbc-microbit-review
16K of RAM :smiley:
These aren't powerful computers.
They don't do everything a Pi can but they are small, LED 5x5 matrix, bluetooth enabled, low powered programmable button freebies to every year 7 next september.
If you are interested in their capabilities give this a shot (Microbit website), there are working code examples and each programming tool has a virtual machine that you can test and play with to see what the deal is. One of my favourite's is the phone finder. Press the A button and you can get your phone to make a little jingle. I currently have snake loaded onto mine.
You can also attach sensors to it. Basically you can carry out those mini tasks that a Pi is too expensive for but has buttons and a display and bluetooth.
1. What is hex for decimal 256?
2. Name one opcode from the z80 processor instruction set.
3. Name a sort algorithm.
4. Name key people associated with the C programming language.
5. What does EEPROM stand for?
6. How much memory did the ZX80 ship with?
Good luck
EDIT: Just dug mine out of my bag that's been in there for a month. Had a quick play and knocked up a dice that rolls when the device is shaken in a few lines of code. My Year 7s will be in to that I think. Has some Bluetooth connectivity features also. Pretty decent.
bedroom programmer'. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT.......Jeez what are you boys like when you get talking about toys :wink:
Can I play?
Seriously, these things are a great idea to get kids interested in coding.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36416862
Bring back the good ol' days of computing
They are simple to use, easy to get into and parents can help too, with no previous coding experience. All the coding can be done on any device with a web browser.
As above, no they are not a replacement for a Pi, but it gives kids a low cost bit of tech to create/imagine, problem solve and learn the basics of coding. That's got to be good surely.
:confused:
Must try harder!
This is a serious mistake.
Nonetheless, however, this is a very good device. I would advise buyers to check out the mbed site for the microbit, at https://developer.mbed.org/platforms/Microbit/. It's a really nice platform for embedded development, and code can be written in straight C/C++.
does it run [email protected]&ing kodi???
- bookmark these Pi Zero stock checker sites:
http://rpi0.satanowski.net (includes Telegram bot - add @RPiZeroBot)
http://stockalert.alexellis.io/
http://whereismypizero.com/
https://pizero.starbuckstech.com/
They released some this week and last month.
This week they were available at 9am (and then at 7pm for many hours well into the next day)
- keep your eye on the Twitter accounts of Pimoroni, PiHut etc
- keep your eye on https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi
- Subscribe to a "Pi Zero" search on HotUKDeals and get instant alerts
- You can also get a Pi Zero for free if you subscribe to a 6 or 12 month subscription to MagPi magazine
You could have bought one from Pimoroni and one from Pi Hut in the stock release last week?
Obviously it works out more than £4 that way though (~£6.50 inc P+P)
Good luck!
It has build in leds and sensors so you can make simple games or make it into an interactive badge.
It has no video output - you can't run linux or connect a keyboard.
PiHut have availability at the moment
https://thepihut.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero
(choose Zero only from dropdown for £4)
Sorry I can't remember
I did a Google search for "bbc micro bit free to school" and the first result is this article. Looks like it is year 7. This corresponds with my understanding. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4hVG2Br1W1LKCmw8nSm9WnQ/the-bbc-micro-bit
[ https://www.microbit.co.uk/partners ]
[ http://www.samsung.com/uk/microbit/ ]
[ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.microbit ]
Remember the days we convinced my Mum to spend 2 hours typing out 12 pages of code from a magazine, only to spend the next 5 hours finding out where all the Zeros were Ohs and debugging just to play some sh*t game of snake. :smiley:
And me almost wetting my pants when we could get rid of tape and connect up a "Winchester Drive" via ribbon cable.
Pff, kids, don't know their born :/
Wake me up when the BBC Model B is available for 7.99 and includes Scramble, Elite, Chucky Egg and Defender. Cheers.
Not happy
Thanks for shopping with Microsoft.
This email is to confirm that item(s) from your purchase have been cancelled. We’re sorry this product was not what you are looking for. We hope you will visit us again soon at http://www.microsoftstore.com.
Please note that it may take 24 hours before cancellations are reflected on our website.
Now saying end of August - whereas other places now have it in stock.
I've cancelled my order and will try elsewhere.