Replying to myself here. This week they released the Raspberry Pi 2. Completely backwards compatible with the first Pi, but now using a Quad core CPU @ 900 Mhz instead of single core @ 700 Mhz. It's supposed to be at least 6 times faster compared to the original Pi, and yet is remains very energy efficient and is still only $35. This would probably be a perfect kit for Jon's project.

If only he would give us an update...