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Get a Raspberry Pi 2 and free router for $41.73

Tinkerers and DIY lovers, this micro-PC is for you. Plus: more free music from Google Play!

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read

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Raspberry Pi
Hey, is that a whole freakin' computer in the palm of your hand? It is if you're holding the latest Raspberry Pi , a microcomputer that's powerful enough to run Windows 10.

Sound interesting? So is this: For a limited time, Newegg has the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B for $41.73 shipped, a price that includes a free On Networks N150 wireless router.

As you can tell from the photos, this is little more than a circuit board, albeit one equipped with an impressive four USB ports, an Ethernet port, a full-size HDMI port (hello, TV!) and a microSD slot, which is used to load whatever operating system you intend to run.

And what the heck would you do with such a computer? For starters, check out CNET's "25 fun things to do with a Raspberry Pi," along with the most ambitious Raspberry Pi projects.

Indeed, this is a tool for tinkerers, for folks who spend their spare time perusing Instructables -- or creating DIY projects of their own.

I can't say I'm part of that crowd, though I certainly love the idea of a taking a tiny, bare-bones PC and turning it into something cool. Just take note that you can't simply plug in a monitor and boot the system; you'll need an OS that's loaded onto a microSD card. Thankfully, you can find plenty of how-to guides for conquering that crucial first step.

Also, although the Pi 2 Model B was expected to sell for $35, it actually runs closer to $45 most places. Obviously Newegg's deal doesn't save you much, but it does come with a router valued at $15.

And, anyway, my goal today was to see if my cheeps are interested in stuff like this. It can't be mobile chargers and Bluetooth speakers every day, you know <grin>.

Bonus deal: Like jazz? I'm not talking the fluffy, bathtub-friendly Kenny G variety, but real old-school swing from the masters. For a limited time, Google Play is offering three complete MP3 albums absolutely free: Jazz Pioneers, The Very Best of Billie Holiday and The Very Best of Miles Davis. Thanks to reader Cheapskateman for sharing the links -- and having a super-awesome username.

Bonus deal No. 2: If you tend to buy a lot of stuff from iTunes -- movies, music, Clash of Clans gems and whatnot -- and have some extra cash to spare, PayPal Digital Gifts (via eBay) is offering a $100 iTunes gift card for $80. It's delivered electronically, so you should be able to use it almost immediately. They also have a $50 card for $40, but it's currently out of stock.