When the Raspberry Pi 4 launched last year, it was the first version of the cheap, tiny computer to be available with up to 4GB of RAM.
But the entry-level Raspberry Pi 4 Model B had the same $35 starting price as every Model B version released since 2012… if you opted for a model with just 1GB of RAM.
Now the Raspberry Pi foundation has announced a price cut — you can still pick up a 1GB model for $35. But starting today you’ll be able to pick up a 2GB version for the same price.
That means the lineup is now:
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 1GB RAM for $35
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 2GB of RAM for $35
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 4GB of RAM for $55
The foundation says the price cut is possible because of “falling RAM prices,” and the timing is set to coincide with the 8th birthday of the cheap, tiny computers — the original Model B shipped on February 29th, 2012.
Over the last 8 years, the organization has moved from a 32-bit single-core processor to the quad-core, 64-bit chips used in the latest models. And while $35 used to get you a model with just 256MB of RAM, now you can get 2GB for the same price. Other changes over the years include the move to USB 3.0, dual HDMI ports (for up to two 4K displays), and support for dual-band WiFi.
Overall, the Raspberry Pi foundation says the Raspberry Pi 4 is up to 40-times faster than the original, making it a much more capable general-purpose computer.
That said, this is still a small, low-power computer with an ARM-based processor. It’s only a desktop replacement if you’re cool with running GNU/Linux operating systems and don’t need blazing fast speeds. But there are thousands of things you can do with a Raspberry Pi computer, ranging from building your own robots or smart speakers to configuring a home theater (or home office) PC.
Hah, stupid USB 3 flaw, locked down SoC, and now the hardware is vulnerable to the Kr00k WiFi exploit. These RPi devices seem like they are designed by amateurs. Oh wait, I guess they are!
Why is the 1 GB model still there if the price is the same as the 2 GB? And what about previous models like the 3 B+?
Adafruit is discounting the 1GB model to $30, just to reduce their inventory. It is a temporary condition, but it is available now.
The 1GB probably still exists for niche compatibility cases
Wow. Passing the savings onto the users… no other company even comes close to these guys.
Well, keep in mind the ‘company’ in this case is a charitable foundation – making a profit is not part of their mission. They were probably practically required to pass on the savings in order to maintain their non-profit status.
I wish there was an easy way to determine which models of the 1GB/4GB had the fixed USB port. They are now in circulation but it’s a bit of a lottery. Perhaps by buying a 2GB model the issue is sidestepped completely.
Isn’t “Raspberry Pi 4 Model B” silk-screened on the PCB as shown in the above photo sufficient?
Model B refers to the form factor. Refer to the difference between Pi 3 A and B types. There are three Pi 4 Model B boards. He is saying there seems to be no way to identify this new board revision.
He’s likely referring to Raspberry Pi 4 Rev 1.2 that fixes USB power issues.