How can TI sell the eZ430-Chronos for only US$49?

The eZ430-Chronos kit is intended to be an attractive development kit and is not intended to be a consumer product. Texas Instruments and the partner companies are sponsoring components or services to increase the accessibility of flexible and innovative development systems to a broader audience. Consumer products usually retail for higher prices.

Chupate esa ctm!, esta si es filosofía :D