micro:bit BBC, pocket-sized, programmable computer

This little micro processor is surprisingly versatile and easy to use for children from 8 up (under supervision) to grandparents like me. You can check it out before you buy by going to the micro bit website. Then under Block Editor click "New project" and that takes you to a page where you can write a very simple program using block code by clicking the top left BASIC and selecting "Show string Hello" then click the purple INPUT block and select "On button A pressed" Then slide the Hello block so it latches inside the button A block and your program is written.Test it by clicking the Run button at the top and then on the picture of the micro bit (on the right) click the A button to see your text scroll across the screen just like on the real thing. You then click Compile and get a chance to save your program to a folder of your choice on your hard drive. This is a Hex file which you can copy and paste to your micro bit when you buy it via a USB cable. Check out all the other functions available to you.The micro bit comes with a compass, a three dimensional acceleration sensor (measures gravity so it so easy to make a spirit level), a thermometer and a timer which measure in 1000 of a second so you can make a stop watch!. It also has blue tooth communication so it can communicate with a smart phone or tablet so long as the micro bit mobile app is supported (OK for iPads and some Galaxy phones) as well as another micro bit. So following the instructions in the Learn learn website on micro bit car I have one micro bit controlling a remote three wheeled car (£10 from China!) just by pressing button A to start and tipping it to steer. To do this you will have to use a different editor in the "code the micro bit" website as this has blue tooth blocks.Buy one and have fun!P.S. I was asked if it works with an Apple Mac. Yes it does and there is a good description on the site "macworld" followed by /how-to/mac/how-set-up-use-bbc-microbit-with-mac-3643861/David

The media could not be loaded. My daughter had been getting into coding using the free (and amazing) Khan academy.We use MicroBits at work with stem outreach for schools so I thought I’d take the plunge and see how my 9YO got on.Connectivity is slick via Bluetooth to an IPad or similar app. The Microbit app is simple but varied, gradually introducing different principles of coding such as variables, logic statements, loops and lots more. It does all of this in a beautifully easy block layout meaning it’s super simple to follow what you are doing.The tutorials are simple and guided, allowing parents or children in their own to work unaided.Interestingly the Microbit was design for Year 5 (9-10YO) but they found wider engagement outside of the classroom with Year 7, hence why this is where they were targeted. My 9YO LOVES 💖 it.So far we have made...A pedometer, Rock paper scissors game, secret signs, name badges, scrolling messages. All from a cold start with no real coding experience.Gorgeous introduction to a wonderful world and something that every Fortnite obsessed child should have a go at. And at this price there’s little to lose!Update after a week... some amazing projects. The hardware is very versatile, we made a light meter graph with the LED array where they also function as light detectors. BRILLIANT.I don’t want to over do this, but my 9YO daughter who has never coded before did all of this.. 😮

Fun little device. I know it's meant for Year 7 / 11 year olds, but I decided to pick one up after cutting my teeth on a BBC Micro years ago. I can see the potential in if for kids to learn on, but also for us older folk to play around with too.

No doubt this is fine if you just want the microbit board, but this is not provided in the box which is pictured and detailed in product description. This makes it unsuitable as a gift. In my case it was sourced from Cool Components.

This is a great little device. It's especially great if you are starting out with microcontrollers, the simplicity of this device is just amazing!Little overview:The BBC micro:bit is a microcontroller designed ease of use, it was originally made with the intention of getting kids into coding.They later released the product to the wider public and despite it being for 'kids' anyone can use it.The BBC micro:bit has some pretty cool components in it already, it has a:- 5x5 LED grid- A light sensor- An accelerometer and compass- 2 buttons- Bluetooth- 20 pins of which 3 are digital/analogue input/output- Battery connectorThese make it very easy to do a fair amount of projects without having to buy a new new components.

All the wires was not inclouded so I had to bye the's to get the required wires and power pack in the end I just get another compleat set so my Great Grandson can use it as he is computer relaited stuff barmey. Very disapionted with this item as beeing a pentioner I can't aford to keep getting riped off by pore discriptions of items for sail

Intended for Year 7 pupils(11 - 12 years) my 7 and 10 year old grandchildren have had a lot of fun coding this versatile computer. The website is bewildering at first and needs to be rationalised but the Microsoft block editor allows quick coding and exciting results for a PC. What is even more exciting is converting that code to blue tooth it from touch-screen devices to the Micro-bit cable free.

Only the BBC Microbit device came within an Amazon envelop. No BBC Microbit branded box as displayed in the advertisement. Not satisfied as cannot be given a present. Product is working but how it presented is wrong. There are cheap ones without the original cover.