Raspberry Pi computers have become a staple for hobbyists, students, and tinkerers alike. Beyond the single-board models, the company’s 400 and 500 series all-in-one devices, housed inside a keyboard, have earned a dedicated following for their compact practicality.
In a recent surprise announcement, they have unveiled the Raspberry Pi 500+, a new all-in-one desktop that builds on the Pi 500.
A Better Raspberry Pi 500 Debuts
The Raspberry Pi 500+ takes the all-in-one desktop concept further. Like its predecessor, it combines the computer and keyboard in one unit, but this revision adds more memory, storage, and usability for everyday tasks.
The headline upgrade is memory. The Pi 500 offered 8 GB RAM, while the 500+ doubles this to 16 GB LPDDR4X. This allows heavier multitasking, more demanding applications, and smoother performance compared to earlier models.
Storage has also been upgraded. Instead of relying solely on microSD cards, the 500+ includes a 256 GB internal SSD (pre-loaded with Raspberry Pi OS), with an M.2 expansion slot for additional drives. This makes it more suitable as a daily-use desktop.
Another noticeable change is the keyboard. The 500+ integrates a mechanical one by combining Gateron KS-33 Blue switches with RGB backlighting. This is a first for Raspberry Pi, bringing both durability and a more satisfying typing experience to their all-in-one offering.
And, despite these upgrades, it maintains the compact form factor and GPIO access that define the 500 series.
The key specs of the Raspberry Pi 500+ are as follows:
- CPU: A quad-core, 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 running at 2.4 GHz.
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR4X SDRAM running at 4267 MHz.
- GPU: VideoCore VII that supports OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.3.
- Connectivity: Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE).
- Ports: 1x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 (5 Gbps operations), 2x Micro HDMI (up to 4kp60), 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x Horizontal 40-pin GPIO, and 1x USB-C for 5V DC power.
💰 Pricing and Availability
The Raspberry Pi 500+ is available now at $200. For $220, you will get a Desktop Kit with a mouse, a 27 W USB-C power supply, a micro HDMI to HDMI cable, and The Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide.
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Sourav Rudra
