The Raspberry Pi Foundation launched the fantastic Raspberry Pi 100 computer-in-a-keyboard in late 2020. Four years and many rumors later, the Raspberry Pi 500 is finally here. This time, it comes with a companion.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation announced on Monday the launch of both the Raspberry Pi 500 ($90) and the Raspberry Pi Monitor ($100), a portable display that provides a unique and affordable desktop computer setup.
Raspberry Pi 500 Specs
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RASPBERRY PI 500 |
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PROCESSOR |
Quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A76 CPU 2.4 GHz |
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GPU |
VideoCore VII GPU |
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MEMORY |
8 GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM |
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WIRELESS CONNECTION |
Wi-Fi 802.11ac Bluetooth 5.0 |
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PORTS |
2 x USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) 1 x USB 2.0 1 x Gigabit Ethernet 1 x 40-pin GPIO header 2 x micro HDMI (4K@60) |
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RELEASE DATE |
Dec. 9, 2024 |
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PRICE |
Raspberry Pi 500
This Device Is Nice, Affordable, and Functional
Like its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 500 isn’t an ambitious device, but it’s perfect for educational environments and simple office workstations. It’s based on the Raspberry Pi 5, which has already proven to be versatile as a desktop PC. In fact, it’s two to three times more powerful than the Raspberry Pi 4. This increased power allows it to handle everyday tasks, like browsing the Internet, with ease.
Four years after the launch of the Raspberry Pi 400, the company has repeated the successful formula with a device that adapts the components of the Raspberry Pi 5 into the computer-in-a-keyboard format. Many will surely remember this nostalgic design. It reminds legendary 8-bit computers from the mid-1980s, including the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad.
The performance of the new computer-in-a-keyboard has significantly improved with the introduction of the new Raspberry Pi 5 chips. This makes it a more versatile and capable option for use as a desktop computer. However, the real surprise isn’t just the arrival of the Raspberry Pi 500, but also its companion: a portable monitor.
Unfortunately, the computer lacks a PCIe slot, which would’ve allowed for direct SSD connections. Interestingly, a new accessory for the Raspberry Pi 5 has been available for weeks that enables SSD drives to be connected, but this option isn’t included with the Raspberry Pi 500.
Raspberry Pi Monitor: A Surprising Addition at a Steal
The creators of the Raspberry Pi 500 emphasize that it’s only half of the story. To complete the system, they needed a screen. As a result, they’ve also launched the Raspberry Pi Monitor.
Priced at just $100, the external monitor perfectly complements the Raspberry Pi 500, allowing users to enjoy a complete setup right out of the box. The Raspberry Pi Monitor features a 15.6-inch panel with a Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels), a color gamut of 45%, and an 80% viewing angle. Additionally, it integrates a pair of 1.2 W speakers.
While the display has modest specs, it serves as a fantastic addition to the Raspberry Pi 500. It also includes some interesting features, such as an integrated kickstand and VESA mounting holes.
Additionally, the monitor can be powered through a USB-C socket. Alternatively, it can also be powered from a Raspberry Pi or Raspberry Pi 500 by using a USB-A to USB-C cable connected to one of the USB-A ports. However, the brightness will be limited to a maximum of 60% and the volume to 50% in this setup.
Popular Pricing
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has launched these new products at very affordable prices. It’s also cut the price of the previous model.
Here’s a breakdown of the current prices:
- Raspberry Pi 500: $90
- Raspberry Pi Monitor: $100
- Raspberry Pi 400: $60
Additionally, there’s a Raspberry Pi 500 Desktop Kit available for $120, which includes the Raspberry Pi 500, a Raspberry Pi Mouse, a 27 W power supply, a 6.6-foot micro HDMI to HDMI cable, and a Raspberry Pi beginner’s guide.
Image | Raspberry
Related | An Apple Enthusiast Used a $7 Raspberry Pi for a Fantastic Project: Creating an Original Macintosh
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