Saturday, May 18, 2013

Raspberry Pi – Linux based Full Scale Super Mini PC




Raspberry Pi Review


The world of technology is ever-developing and we are now moving ahead to the era of low-cost tiny computers. The 2nd quarter of 2012 saw the unleashing of Credit card-sized computer which came as a surprise for all the tech savvy people across the globe.
Linux based ‘Raspberry Pi’ is a comprehensive computing solution on a single small board of credit card size. Packing a bunch of specifications, the “Raspi” as it is famously known, is expected to create a revolution in the entry level programming and computing and is going to be a “big thing” very soon for home computing and much more.
The concept of this mini-computer is powerful and offers endless possibilities. The Structure looks little chunkier when viewed from different angles due to number of ports incorporated on this 17mm thick PCB.  The constructionweighs too light – just 45g.
The PCB of Raspberry Pi is attached with ARM11 CPU with the clocking speed of 700MHz – the same as used inApple iPhone 3.
It comes with two variants of RAM – 128MB and 256MB and runs on Linux which either is going to be Arch Linuxor Ubuntu. There’s no Windows possibility, announced by the company as ARM11 doesn’t support it.
The OS is not loaded through hard drive and since there’s SD card, there’s easy switching between them. The SD card is little overhung on the PCB, alongside which are standard AV outputs including HDMI port, a backup RCA composite video port and a 3mm Stereo jack.
Added next to them are two USB ports, stacked on one another, and a micro USB socket which is used to charge the device – in the same way as mobile phones are charged. The GPIO interface allows connecting with outside world for multiple functioning.
Google, global search giant, has agreed over funding the positioning of this low-cost Cambridge designed computer. In parts of EnglandRaspberry Pi has been engaged as a part in improved school teaching especially for computer science.
Raspberry Pi is launched as a project for kids who take interest in programming. This is one of the reasons for placing such a low price of this computer. The computer is tagged the cost of approx. Rs.1400 ($25)
How it can be used?
Raspberry Pi is a new device that can be plugged in your TV for offering similar working as your desktop or PC offers. Plug in a keyboard, an SD card for running OS and a mouse to get going with your browsing, documenting, editing and multimedia usage.
It can be a good partner as your Car PC where you can enjoy some Blu Ray quality HD video.  There are also games available on this mini-computer which makes it your ideal portable games player.

Benefits of Using Raspberry Pi

  • Its a Computer size of a Credit Card.
  • Extremely Portable.
  • Mainly Targeted at students having keen interest in programming.
  • Testing applications in different environments.
  • Robotics & its applications.
  • Testing multi-server set-ups.
  • Automating back-ups.
  • Running source control systems.
  • Performing long-running data analysis tasks.
  • Demonstrating applications in locations without internet access.

Raspberry Pi Price

  • Model A – 25$
  • Model B – 35$ ( with Ethernet Controller )

Technical Specification

Operating System
  • Linux
  • Ubuntu
  • Archlinux
CPU
  • ARM 11
  • 700Mhz
GPU
  • Broadcom VideoCore IV
  • OpenGL ES 2.0
RAM
  • 128 – 256 MB
Power
  • 500 – 700 mA
  • 2.5 – 3.5 Watts
Connectors
  • HDMI
  • Composite RCA
  • SD card
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • 1 or 2 USB 2.0 ports
  • RJ-45 Ethernet Port
Size
  • 86 x 53 mm
Weight
  • 45 g

Raspberry Pi Alternatives
  • PandaBoard ES
  • Rikomagic MK802
  • FXI cstick Cotton Candy
  • Ninja Blocks
  • Ninja Blocks