The Raspberry Pi 500 and Monitor: A New Chapter for Desktop Computing

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The Raspberry Pi 500 and Monitor: A New Chapter for Desktop Computing


A Milestone for Affordable Computing

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced two highly anticipated products, the Raspberry Pi 500 and the Raspberry Pi Monitor, just in time for Christmas. Priced at $90 and $100 respectively, these devices promise to bring affordable, high-performance computing to users in a sleek and integrated package. Together, they form a complete desktop setup, staying true to Raspberry Pi’s mission of creating cost-effective computing solutions while embracing the growing demand for out-of-the-box usability.


This release underscores the Foundation’s dual goals of affordability and performance. From the $15 Raspberry Pi Zero to the flagship Raspberry Pi 5, their products have consistently aimed to cater to diverse needs. However, the Raspberry Pi 500 takes things further by providing a ready-to-use experience akin to retro classics like the Commodore Amiga and BBC Micro, which inspired its design.


Raspberry Pi 500: Compact Powerhouse

The Raspberry Pi 500 is an all-in-one device featuring the Raspberry Pi 5 platform. With a quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a VideoCore VII GPU, it delivers impressive performance. Other notable features include dual 4K HDMI outputs, USB 3.0 ports, Wi-Fi, and a 40-pin GPIO connector. The $90 package includes a 32GB Raspberry Pi-branded SD card, and for an additional $30, users can opt for the Desktop Kit, which includes accessories like a mouse, power supply, and the fifth edition of the Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide.


Despite its advanced capabilities, the Pi 500 has drawn some criticism for omitting an NVMe slot, a feature that could elevate it to a fully capable desktop for a broader audience. Enthusiasts have speculated about the potential for future models with expanded capabilities, keeping the conversation alive and the community engaged.


Secondary Memory Speed and NVMe: A Missed Opportunity?

While the Raspberry Pi 500 boasts impressive features, some users have expressed disappointment at the absence of an NVMe slot for ultra-fast storage. Recent Raspberry Pi releases have focused on improving secondary memory performance, making this omission notable for those seeking desktop-level speeds in their setup.


Fortunately, there’s a workaround. Raspberry Pi 5 supports NVMe through an external HAT (Hardware Attached on Top), which can also be used with the Raspberry Pi 500. This allows users to connect an M.2 SSD for significantly faster read and write speeds. While it’s not as sleek as an integrated slot, this solution ensures that power users can still take advantage of NVMe’s capabilities without sacrificing the compact and integrated design of the Pi 500.


Raspberry Pi Monitor: A Perfect Match

Complementing the Pi 500 is the Raspberry Pi Monitor, a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display priced at $100. With integrated speakers, USB-C power options, and a foldable stand, it’s designed to provide seamless compatibility with Raspberry Pi devices. Users can power the monitor directly from the Pi, though this limits brightness and volume. For full performance, a separate USB-C power supply is recommended.


The monitor addresses a long-standing challenge faced by users: finding affordable, high-quality displays compatible with Raspberry Pi systems. This addition demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment to streamlining the user experience, particularly for educators and beginners who require an easy setup.


Power Demands and Cooling Considerations

The Pi 5’s power-hungry nature and its tendency to run hot have raised questions about the Raspberry Pi 500’s thermal design. While it’s likely relying on passive cooling methods like heat-conductive materials and strategic ventilation, heavy workloads may push the limits of this approach. For users planning intensive tasks, external cooling solutions like USB-powered fans could help maintain optimal performance.


Similarly, the monitor’s design reflects careful power management. When powered directly from the Pi, its brightness and volume are throttled to conserve energy, offering a convenient but slightly limited option. However, users looking for full performance will find the traditional two-plug setup—one for the Pi 500 and one for the monitor—a familiar and effective solution.


A Bright Future

The Raspberry Pi 500 and Monitor represent a bold step toward bridging the gap between affordability and ease of use. By combining powerful hardware with thoughtful design, these products are poised to enhance accessibility to desktop computing for a diverse audience. While there’s room for improvement, the Foundation’s commitment to innovation ensures that the Raspberry Pi ecosystem will continue to evolve and inspire. 🚀💻



Source:  Raspberry Pi
Image:  Raspberry Pi

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