What exactly is a Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is described as “...a low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or [television], and uses a standard keyboard and mouse” (What is a Raspberry Pi?). The description provided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation is simplistic, but doesn't provide the full breadth of the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi encourages interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and it has had many iterations that have allowed it to keep pace with the evolution of technology.
"Since...April of 2012, there have been 15 different versions [of the Raspberry Pi] released” (Emmet). The first Raspberry Pi released was the Raspberry Pi Model B, and the latest model of the Raspberry Pi is the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. Two more iterations of the Raspberry Pi exist as well, the Raspberry Pi Zero and the Raspberry Pi 400. According to Raspberry Pi For Dummies the Raspberry Pi Zero is “a lightweight, smaller board measuring just 2 ½ inches by 1 inch" and the Raspberry Pi 400 is “the Raspberry Pi 4 computer [built] into a computer keyboard [and] is faster than the Raspberry Pi 4, and it's designed with passive cooling built in”.
Why does the Raspberry Pi exist?
The Raspberry Pi's existence is due to the want of equal opportunity for everyone. The low cost of a Raspberry Pi removes the high entry cost of computing, and allows for all demographics to invest. An open door to computing across all demographics presents an array of diverse ideas. In an age where the internet is most prevalent it's a no-brainer to aim to get access to computing to those that want it. The potential of computational learning goes up with the existence of the Raspberry Pi.
Raspberry Pi 🤝 Opportunity
What can be done with the Raspberry Pi?
The amount of things the Raspberry Pi can do is incredible. It can be used as a desktop computer with its own operating system. It can be used for internet radio. It can be used as the brain of a do-it-yourself robot. It can be used as a camera to monitor everything from a household pet to a 3D printer during printing times. The capabilities of the Raspberry Pi are only increasing with the exponential growth of technology.
On Raspberry Pi OS, the official operating system of the Raspberry Pi, is Scratch. What is Scratch? Scratch is a coding language with a straightforward visual interface. It's meant as an accessible entry point for anyone who wants to learn programming. If an individual wants to learn to code Python that can be done on a Raspberry Pi as well. They can simply download the Thonny IDE, and begin their journey to learning a new programming language.
An internet connection and the desire to learn is all that is needed to see the full potential of the Raspberry Pi.
What Raspberry Pi products are available?
The amount of available main line Raspberry Pi products and third party products grows with each iteration of the Raspberry Pi itself. Some of the official products are:
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
"Your tiny, dual-display, desktop computer…and robot brains, smart home hub, media centre, networked AI core, factory controller, and much more"
Raspberry Pi 400
"Your complete personal computer, built into a compact keyboard"
Raspberry Pi Pico
"Powerful, flexible microcontroller boards, available from $4"
Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3
"The classic compact camera for Raspberry Pi with a 12MP sensor and autofocus"
Along with the official Raspberry Pi products there are a myriad of other products available to make the most out of the Raspberry Pi offered through various online stores. One such store is PiShop.us, and below is just an inkling of what they offer.
- Combination WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 USB Adapter
- An adapter that will utilize a USB port to give the Raspberry Pi Wifi and Bluetooth. Aside from the power cord, utilizing this will allow an individual to go cord free.
- 4x4x4 LED Cube HAT for Raspberry Pi Pico
- A fun product with 64 LEDs that allow for an individual to use software and hardware, such as the Raspberry Pi Pico, to display patterns with LEDs
- Kitronik Autonomous Robotic Platform for Pico
- A hands-on introduction to robotics, this device includes the necessary pieces to build a small two-wheeled robot. With this kit an individual can learn how to utilize sensors, such as a line sensor or an ultrasonic sensor to manuever the robot
- Picade With 10-inch Display
- A tabletop arcade machine with a 10-inch display, arcade buttons, a joystick, and a 3 inch speaker. with this an individual has access to arcade games with the feel of an arcade cabinet in a compact machine.