While cellular service providers are making cheeky adverts about the cost of living literally screwing you, PCs and their components are becoming cheaper and more powerful by the day.

Take, for instance, the new Orang Pi PC, a new maker board priced at $15 (R198) that’s compatible with the Raspberry PI PC. Since it undercuts the Raspberry Pi quite significantly, the fact that the Orang PI references its forebear in its name seems a tad cheeky.

So, what can you get for the price of an average night out at the movies?

Hardware specs

CPU: H3 Quad-core Cortex-A7 H.265/HEVC 4K.

GPU:  Mali400MP2 GPU @600MHz.

Memory (SDRAM): 1GB DDR3 (shared with GPU).

Onboard Storage: TF card (Max. 64GB) / MMC card slot.

Onboard Network: 10/100M Ethernet RJ45.

Video Input: A CSI input connector Camera.

Audio Input: Mic.

Video Outputs: HDMI with HDCP/CEC, Integrated CVBS.

Audio Output: 3.5 mm Jack and HDMI.

Power Source: DC input.

USB 2.0 Ports: Three USB 2.0 HOST, one USB 2.0 OTG.

Buttons: Power Button(SW4).

Low-level peripherals: 40 pin header, compatible with Raspberry Pi B+.

LED: Power led & Status led.

Supported OS: Android Ubuntu, Debian, Rasberry Pi Image.

The Orange Pi PC’s closest rival is the Raspberry Pi Pi 2 Model B. Although this is a functional comparison because the Orange Pi PC is compatible with its headers and software, the Model B is going to cost you upwards of R500, depending on where you source it locally.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and purchase yourself this cheap piece of kit, you’ll have to brave AliExpress, a known hub of cheap Chinese knockoffs and their ilk. The site will only charge you $4.40 for delivery, bringing the total up to $19.40 (R257). Unfortunately you’ll be waiting fifteen to sixty days before you get your delicious Orange Pi.

Our Editor-in-chief Adam Oxford has purchased items from AliExpress beforehand had a positive experience but, as always, buyer beware.