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.
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.