Cash-strapped gadget fans will soon be able to get their hands on a new "bare bones" PC that costs £16.

The Model A Raspberry Pi uses a microchip similar to those in mobile phones.

It is the brainchild of video game expert David Braben, who designed it as a way to inspire young people to start a career in technology.

The makers, based in Cambridgeshire, say the first circuit boards are complete and production is due to start next month.

Raspberry's Liz Upton said: "Once we're happy this test run is fine we'll be pushing the button immediately on full scale manufacture in more than one factory."

The circuit boards, which contain a processor and a USB port, are now undergoing electrical, software and hardware tests.

The Raspberry, which fits easily into your hand, will have a basic version, the £16 Model A which does not have a network connector and a
Model B, costing £22, which does connect.

Raspberry Pi had intended to have the devices on the market by the end of 2011 but development delays have put back the launch by about three
weeks.