Review: Raspberry Pi
Ultra small, ultra cheap computer for the masses
If you’ve not heard of the Raspberry Pi, it’s essentially a mobile computer designed to help kids get into programming.
It’s produced by the Raspberry Pi foundation, and sold here in the UK by Premier Farnell and RS Components.
The idea is that schools (and even kids themselves) can buy a slice of Pi and learn the basics of computer programming on their own equipment.
For now, it ships on its own. But come September it’ll be available as a kit with all necessary accessories and training manuals.
Overview.
Lets start with a pic:
Hopefully that goes some way to showing just how small the Raspberry Pi is.
In slightly more technical speak, it’s a double-sided PCB with a variety of inputs and outputs available (more on that later).
There are two versions of the board. The Model B is available now and costs $35 (plus taxes and shipping). We’ve also been promised a Model A, which has slightly lower specifications, but only costs $25.
Both versions will feature the same basic hardware, but the Model B includes two USB ports (instead of one on the A) as well as a network port.
Both boards can output video via HDMI (with audio) or S-video, and can output audio via a 3.5mm connector to an amplifier or pair of speakers.
Both boards are powered via a Micro-USB connection, though no power supply is included.
What is included?
Buy your Raspberry Pi board now and that’s all you’ll get; the board.
There’s no power supply, data storage, manuals, software or case included (though cases are available online).
If you want any of the above accessories, then you can buy them from either of the official suppliers at the time of placing your order.
You’ll definitely need to find yourself a compatible power supply and a decent sized SD card, but a case is optional.
If you’re concerned about the lack of manuals and training guides, then you might want to wait until September when the educational pack is available for an additional fee.