Single board computers are actually more popular than most people likely realize. They make it possible to create very sophisticated embedded technologies that allow for automation and other industrial processes to be carried out with great precision and detail.

Raspberry Pi is a very popular form of single board computer. These were designed for educational purposes and pack an amazing amount of power into a package that would fit in most people’s hand.

BeagleBone also makes popular single board computers. They are low in cost and are ideal for builders.

Certain brands tend to have specific purposes with which they are usually associated., For instance, the aforementioned Raspberry Pi computers are very much associated with education, though they are also used for entertainment and hobbyist pursuits.