The Raspberry Pi is a mini-computer with a low power ARM-based processor, a small amount of RAM, and an SD card slot that lets you provide your own storage. It’s not a very powerful computer, but it can run a range of open source operating systems, and it’s dirt cheap, with a top price of about $35.

Now the makers of the Raspberry Pi have decided to upgrade the hardware a bit… without upgrading the price.

Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi Model B now ships with 512MB of RAM. It still sells for $35, but now it has twice the memory of earlier models.

New model B units should start arriving today to customers who have already placed orders for the 256MB model — but you’ll need to apply a firmware upgrade to access the additional memory.

If you’re looking for a quick refresher, here’s what you get with the $35 Model B:

  • 700 MHz Broadcom BCM2835 ARM11 processor
  • 1080p HD video playback, OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics
  • 512MB RAM
  • HDMI output
  • SD card slot
  • 10/100 Ethernet
  • 2 USB 2.0 ports

What you don’t get is a PC case or operating system. You have to build/buy/install your own. The little computer is designed for students, teachers, hobbyists, and tinkerers… not necessarily folks looking for a computer that does everything you’d want right out of the box.

You can order the Raspberry Pi Model B from Premier Farnell/Element 14 or RS Components.

 

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