RASPBERRY PI HAS developed a reputation for cheap computing hardware, designed to help teach those about programming and DIY computing in schools and developing countries.
Now it has launched a new computer board called the Raspberry Pi Zero and it costs $5 (€4.71).
The device is smaller than a credit card and can run a number of applications including Minecraft, Scratch (a programming service for kids) and Sonic Pi.
“We still meet people who tell us cost is a barrier to entry,” said Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton. “Since the Raspberry Pi 2 effort wound down in February, we’ve been asking ourselves what we could do to maybe take a little more of the cost down”.
We really don’t think we’ll be able to make it any cheaper than this. We’ve gone down from [the price of] four lattes to one latte.
The number of Pi Zero units produced will range in the tens of thousands, according to Upton, and will be able to run Raspbian, a version of Linux designed for the Pi.
For those interested, the hardware comes with 512MB of RAM, a 1Ghz single-core CPU, a mini HDMI (supporting 1080p) and micro-USB port, and micro-SD slot. It’s 40% faster than the first Raspberry Pi which was released back in 2012.
If you want extra features like USB ports or Ethernet ports, you will have to purchase a separate peripheral.
The hardware is only on sale in the UK and US, but if you’re interested in a DIY computer project, you won’t be able to say it’s too expensive to start.
Raspberry Pi Foundation / Vimeo
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