As expected, the Raspberry Pi foundation has launched a new version of their low-cost single-board computer. The new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is a $35 computer with a 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core, 64-bit processor, built-in 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1, and a design that makes it fully compatible with accessories and software designed for older Raspberry Pi devices.
The original Raspberry Pi mini-PC launched in 2012, and the foundation had initially planned to focus all its efforts on that device until 2017 or so… but the falling costs of components and several other factors made it possible to launch a version with a quad-core processor and more memory in 2015 without increasing the price.
The new model for 2016 continues in the tradition of packing more features into the computer while continuing to sell it for the same price.
You can pick up the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B from Element14 or RS Components for $35.
We’re also starting to see the Raspberry Pi 3 showing up in other places. The makers of the Kano computer kit for kids, for example, are taking pre-orders for a new kit based on the Raspberry Pi 3 (which also includes a keyboard, speaker, and other accessories designed to fit together).
Raspberry Pi’s third-generation computer features a Broadcom BCM2837 processor that the foundation says offers a performance improvement of up to 60 percent over the Raspberry Pi 2. The Raspberry Pi 3 is said to be about 10 times faster than the first Raspberry Pi computer.
Element14 also has an article outlining the results of several benchmark tests.
Interestingly, while the new model has a 64-bit processor, at launch it will work with 32-bit operating systems such as Raspbian. The Raspberry Pi Foundation hasn’t yet decided whether to put resources into developing 64-bit software for the Raspberry Pi 3… although I suspect it won’t take long for independent developer to give it a try.
The Raspberry Pi 3 looks virtually identical to the 2015 model. It sitll has 4 USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, composite video jack, microSD card reader, 10/100 Ethernet jack, micro USB port for power, and 40-pin connector.
But the new model has a Broadcom BCM4348 wireless chip in addition to the new processor, and the LEDs have been moved so that an antenna could fit on the board.
The Foundation does now recommend using a 2.5A/5V power adapter rather than a 1.8A adapter in order to provide more power to the USB ports.
Have an older Raspberry Pi, or want a version that doesn’t include wireless for some reason? The foundation will continue to produce, support, and sell those devices. You can continue to pick up a Raspberry Pi 1 Model A+ for $20, a Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+ for $25, or a Raspberry Pi 2 Model B for $35.
There are plans to update the entry-level Model A+ later this year with a new Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+.
While that covers the primary lineup of computers from Raspberry Pi, there are two other devices the group makes: the $5 Raspberry Pi Zero and the Raspberry Pi Compute Module. The $5 model will likely continue to be available for a while and features the same processor as the 2012 version. There will be a new Compute Module 3 based on the Broadcom BCM2837 64-bit chip soon, for folks that want to build their own products based on the Raspberry Pi 3 hardware. That version is expected to launch within the next three months.
Daily Deals (6-04-2020)
Have a Chromebook, or looking to buy one? Google is giving away free copies of DOOM and DOOM II as a perk. It joins …
I think it is not only neat because of the small price that goes with its small size but also because they are still developing it so it won’t become obsolete. I think it could restore the idea of making ones own computer / assembling ones own computer at affordable prices.
“The Raspberry Pi Foundation hasn’t yet decided whether to put resources into developing 64-bit software for the Raspberry Pi 3… although I suspect it won’t take long for independent developer to give it a try.” Even if the Raspberry Pi Foundation doesn’t develop 64-bit software for the Raspberry Pi 3, I expect ALARM (Arch Linux ARM) will do so rather quickly. I could see Raspbian go either way at first. Since the new board has 1 gig of ram, it can’t utilize the full benefit of 64-bit, although it may enable running certain applications that aren’t ported to 32-bit ([cough]… Read more »
The 32-bit-issue does not apply here, this is ARM not x86. As Google won’t abandon last years rk3288-ARMv7-Chromebooks any time soon, 32-bit-ARM devices are going to be supported by Chromium going forward.
True. For some reason I thought that Chrome was ported to Debian ARM binaries because I knew that Chromium had been. On my B+ I use Arch Linux Arm. I know from previous Arch installs that I have helped others perform that there is no package available for Chrome from Google. I use Firefox Developer Edition, lynx, or w3m as my browser. I’ve never really used Chrome, but have tried Chromium, which I disliked. At any rate I was trying to provide an example package that doesn’t provide a 32-bit ARM binary, but does provide a 64-bit one. Not too… Read more »
What I think is great is that RPi now has capable competition, which will accelerate improvements and push the SBC movement further into the mainstream. I have an RPi2 now, and was set to buy the RPi0, but will buy the $9 CHIP instead when it shows up in June.
The CHIP is certainly nicer than the RPi 0, I have both (I backed CHIP), though the early shipments have been a little flaky (I got two, one is working great, the other is DOA, but they are graciously sending me a replacement before June). The RPi 3 has enough horsepower to be a fairly usable desktop PC (even the RPi 2 isn’t terrible), which you wouldn’t realistically do with the CHIP. But that’s great, we’re spoiled for choices when it comes to dev boards.
CHIP is a scam! Until now, all preorder since November, about coming to 1 year are still delayed. They cannot ship out any preorder at all. Even kickstarter are not fully finish yet after more than 1 year! Many customers had asked for refund but were scold by their fake Chip accounts disguising as other customers in their forum.
Pi 0 is in massive stock since few months ago and everyone gets them in 2 weeks delivery.