The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4S is a SODIMM-style version of the Compute Module 4. It has the same processor as the standard model, but the form factor restricts the I/O capabilities, so it’s not quite as versatile. And when it first launched in 2022, the Raspberry PI CM4S was only available with 1GB of RAM.
Now Raspberry Pi has announced that the CM4S can now be purchased with 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4-3200 memory onboard. But you’re probably not going to find them in stores anytime soon – they’re positioned as a commercial product and sold in boxes of 200 or more.
Here’s a roundup of recent tech news from around the web.
New memory variants for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module family [Raspberry Pi]
Raspberry Pi notes that the goal was to make things easy for “industrial customers who are migrating from Compute Module 3 or Compute Module 3+” solutions by offering a version of the CM4 in the same form factor. But even with the new memory options, there are some downsides to the form factor: it lacks a PCIe interface, Ethernet connections top out at 350Mbit/s, and USB capabilities top out at USB 2.0, among other things.Â
| Model | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+ | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4S | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 |
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2837B0 4 x Cortex-A53 CPU cores @ 1.2 GHz | Broadcom BCM2711 4 x Cortex-A72 CPU cores @ 1.5 GHz | Broadcom BCM2711 4 x Cortex-A72 CPU cores @ 1.5 GHz |
| RAM | 1GB LPDDR2 | 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB LPDDR4 | 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB LPDDR4-3200 |
| Storage | Up to 32GB eMMC | Up to 32GB eMMC | (Optional) 8GB, 16GB, 32GB eMMC |
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Wireless | N/A | N/A | (Optional) WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | Up to 350 Mbit/s | Up to 350 Mbit/s | Gigabit Ethernet support |
| Video I/O | 1 x HDMI 1.3a | 1 x HDMI 2.0a | 2 x HDMI interfaces (up to 4K) 2 x MIPI DSI display interfaces 2 x MIPI CSI-2 camera interfaces |
| PCIe | N/A | N/A | PCI Express 2.0 interface |
| Connector | 200-pin SODIMM | 200-pin SODIMM | 2 x 100-pin mezzanine connectors |
Confirmed: Google to Release a Pixel Tablet Without Dock, Sell Pen and Bluetooth Keyboard [ Droid Life]
Retail listings suggest that Google will soon begin offering the ability to buy a Pixel Tablet without the Speaker Charging Dock. New digital pen and Bluetooth keyboard accessories may also be on the way.
Here’s a first look at Bluetooth audio sharing in Android 1li5 [Android Authority]
First look at an upcoming Android 15 “share audio” feature that could allow phones to broadcast audio using Bluetooth LE’s Auracast feature, which lets you share audio with multiple nearby devices at once.
Framework won’t be just a laptop company anymore [The Verge]
Modular laptop maker Framework plans to expand into “additional product categories,” but isn’t ready to say what they are yet. Desktops? Smartphones? Tablets? Watches? Something else entirely? I guess we’ll find out… eventually.
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I would assume Framework is talking about branching out into phones.
Modular/repairable phones certainly have a market, as FairPhone has proven. But FP mainly markets to countries in the EU. Would be nice to see repairable phones reach a more broad market.
Watches? Pretty hard to make those repairable.
Tablets have less and less of a use case nowadays.
Repairable (or upgradable) desktops are pretty much standard, at least to an extent. That’s kind of the point of a desktop.
I expect Framework is considering the Snapdragon X for future devices.
Well, maybe, but that wouldn’t be used in a “not a laptop” from a “not just a laptop company” aside from tablets, so I don’t think that’s what they’re talking about here.
I wonder if it can even handle 4 usb-C ports with video output.
Why does the article mention new Pi 4S specifications, yet the model comparison table isn’t showing?
Because I forgot to update the table. Thanks for the reminder. It should be accurate now!
Please oh please let the new category be laptops with a 360 degree hinge.
And with Touchscreen AND with Active Pen support !!!
Somehow I think it might be different. Maybe a Windows Tablet that can dock into a keyboard shell. That could be cool. Or perhaps a new Windows11-ARM build with the Snapdragon EliteX chipset.
It would be a mistake to go the route of a phone or tablet smaller than 11inches, basically these are ultraportable devices that don’t work too well with the modular philosophy.