Raspberry Pi – The Future of Microcomputers

What is Raspberry Pi?

For those who have been living under a rock, the future of microcomputers has been released for some time. Raspberry Pi is a credit sized motherboard that includes all built in necessary components to operate as a regular computer. The first Raspberry Pi was first introduced in 2012 but the specs were not that great. The newest model Raspberry Pi 3 Model B was just released on February 29th, 2016 and considering it’s size the list of specs is rather impressive.

• CPU: 1.20 64-bit GHz Quad-Core
• RAM: 1 GB at 900 MHz
• Storage: MicroSDHC Slot
• Graphics: VideoCore IV at 400 MHz
• Power: 5V via MicroUSB
• Networking: 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet
• Wifi: 2.4 GHz 802.11n
• Bluetooth: 4.1 at 24 Mbit/s
• HDMI Port: 1
• USB 2.0 Port: 4
• Audio: Analog via 3.5 mm phone jack
• Video Input: 15-pin MIPI camera interface (CSI) connector
• Peripherals: Generic mouse and keyboard
• Size: 3.370 in × 2.224 in
• Weight: 1.6 oz

Price and Components

The best part out of all this Raspberry Pi power is the price of $35. Yes, this is not a typo the microcomputer sells for $35 American Dollars. On the other hand, additional components which may be needed such as cables, MicroSD, mouse and keyboard are sold separately. The Raspberry Pi 3 itself does not come with a case either but a number of case companies have released different model cases to specifically fit the microcomputer. Some creative users have also built their cases using household items and materials. You might be also wondering how all of these components fit in such a tiny motherboard. Take a look at the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B built and component locations.

Operating Systems And Uses

This powerful microcomputer has an available list of operating systems that can be installed as well. The selection of the operating system really depends on what you are using this microcomputer for but “Raspbian” is the most popular. Due to the price tag of $35, the Raspberry Pi has been used in a wide range of projects. This versatile microcomputer can be used as a mobile arcade, Gameboy, smart picture frame, cloud server, server cluster, router, touch screen or for home automation just to name a few. There are hundreds of DIY projects which users have posted online that can be built using a Raspberry Pi. A lot of customers are also using it to learn to program. This microcomputer makes an excellent platform to start programming and there are a number of tutorials online. The possibilities are endless with the Raspberry Pi and for the price tag, you can’t beat it.