The unit comes with the Android 2.3 operating system, and is generally positioned as a media device for streaming video or running apps on a TV. An SD card slot and USB ports further expand the possibilities, however, and an external SATA port and Ethernet are also listed among its specifications.

Now, it's apparently possible to boot Ubuntu Linux from the SD card as well, as shown in the video below from YouTube user .

Hacking Instructions Provided

Of course, the Mele A1000 costs twice what the newly shipped does.

Still, with that extra money you get a case along with a faster processor--the Raspberry Pi sports an ARM1176JZFS running at 700MHz--more RAM, and more audio and video connection possibilities.