This article was originally published on March 1, 2012.
The processor is similar to the one used in many of the smart phones. It has a couple of USB ports and Ethernet port to connect to the internet. It has 1080p video playback and hardware accelerated graphics. It can plug into any TV and can power 3D graphics and Blu-ray video playback.
Raspberry Pi is like a skeleton of a computer, showing the inner components of the mini PC. Inspired by computers like the BBC Micro and the Commodore 64 in the 1980s, the group of engineers set out to build a new programmable machine for a new generation.
Target price | $25 (~£16) | $35 (~£22) |
SoC | Broadcom BCM2835 (CPU, GPU, DSP, and SDRAM) | |
CPU | 700 MHz ARM1176JZF-S core (ARM11 family) | |
GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV, OpenGL ES 2.0, 1080p h.264/MPEG-4 AVC high-profile decoder | |
Memory (SDRAM) | 256 Megabytes (shared with GPU) | |
USB 2.0 ports | 1 | 2 (via integrated USB hub) |
Video outputs | Composite RCA, HDMI | |
Audio outputs | 3.5 mm jack, HDMI | |
Onboard storage | SD / MMC / SDIO card slot | |
Onboard network | None | 10/100 Ethernet (RJ45) |
Low-level peripherals | 8 × GPIO, UART, I²C bus, SPI bus with two chip selects, +3.3 V, +5 V, ground | |
Power ratings | 500 mA (2.5 W) | 700 mA (3.5 W) |
Power source | 5 volt via MicroUSB or GPIO header | |
Size | ||
Planned operating systems | Debian GNU/Linux, Fedora, Arch Linux |
The project came about when a group of Cambridge-based computer programmers noticed that fewer and less-qualified students were applying for computer science courses at Cambridge University.