On Thursday, the Raspberry Pi project published the first images of its populated beta circuit boards, announcing that the tests of the small £16 Linux-based computer's beta versions were underway.

The "bare bones" PC, which is essentially aimed at gadget aficionados who may be strapped for cash, is the creation of David Braben - the video game expert who designed the device for inspiring the young to embark on a career in the technological arena.

Equipped with a microchip which is fairly akin to the one used in the mobile phones, the Model A Raspberry Pi features circuit boards that comprise a processor and a USB port. At present, the electrical, software and hardware components of these circuits are being tested.

According to the information shared by the Cambridgeshire-based manufacturer of the Raspberry Pi, the first circuit boards for the device are complete and manufacturing is likely to begin in the coming weeks. If all goes well during the circuits' electrical and hardware and software testing, the devices will apparently hit the markets for general sale in January 2012.

Liz Upton from Raspberry has stated that once the manufacturers are "happy this test run is fine," the button will be pushed immediately "on full scale manufacture in more than one factory."

Raspberry Pi will be available in versions: the £16 Model A basic version without a network connector; and the £22 Model B with the capability to connect.