Raspberry Pi is an embedded system that can perform an abundance of tasks ranging from making spreadsheets, listening to music to interacting with the outside world. Gaining emergence as the best-selling British computer, it is known for its extensive usage in robotics, and affordability. Moreover, being able to configure it for a wide range of purposes makes it a refreshing change from existing PCs in the market. However, customising it into a device or gadget requires some programming and configuration. But, with the present generation of tech-oriented children developing problem-solving skills through coding, it has retained its status as the best single-board computer among students, as well.
Using Raspberry Pi as a Single-Board Computer
It has all the parts of a computer; also, it operates like a computer by plugging in peripheral devices such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The monitor needs an HDMI port, and with just a power supply, you are ready to use your single-board computer. The latest version of Raspberry Pi 4 has three RAM options (2GB, 4GB, and 8GB.) With each model having an in-built RAM chip.
It has a GPU chip as well that is useful in 3-D applications. A GPU’s function does not just pertain to gaming. Without a GPU, you wouldn’t be able to code for machine learning, engage in video processing, or edit images. Raspberry Pi can accomplish all of these tasks with ease. But, these are only a few aspects of what the real processing power of this mini-computer can do.
What Can Raspberry Pi Do?
Raspberry Pi is a useful tool in teaching programming to children of all ages. But, the widespread uses of this powerhouse make it a convenient device for technical professionals as well. Raspberry Pi is a multi-faceted device that can be suitable for applications such as weather reporting, home automation, obstacle-avoiding robots, and much more.
It is, frequently, used as a gaming console and customizable as a high-quality camera which is much superior to standard webcams. As a gaming console, it can play retro-games, and if you feel up to some coding in your spare time, then, your Raspberry Pi could be on par with other gaming consoles. It can also, emulate PSP, Saturn, and PS2, as well as other favourites. It can store hundreds of games while being compatible with most of the available game titles in the market. With the option of putting an Ethernet cable, it can also, allow you to connect many computers across a wired network interface, thus acting as a wired or wireless router.
Raspberry Pi in a Smart Home
All you need is savvy for technology and problem-solving to use a Raspberry Pi. Yet, this machine works efficiently as an IoT device too. Using this single-board computer as an IoT device means that connecting it to the internet enables it to serve other purposes such as home automation. However, Raspberry Pi has far more robust programming and machine learning capacity than most IoT devices, making your home smarter.
In a smart home where lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems, cameras, and sensors need coordination through machine learning, a Raspberry Pi system can come in very handy. It can undertake all of these functions with little to no error in execution, which is what is meant by the term “robust.”
Previous Models of Raspberry Pi
The actual purpose of the Raspberry Pi computer was to introduce a low-cost and programmable computer. In the beginning, a Raspberry Pi kit had all the required ancillary devices and the famed Raspberry Pi as the piece-de-resistance. The idea was to get users back to computing basics using a programmable computer. When the first starter kit launched, its target users were kids who wanted a hands-on experience with learning the intricacies of using a computer. Intriguingly, the Raspberry Pi increased in sales, exponentially, due to its usage in robotics. Here are the models of Raspberry Pi to show how the new version is different from its predecessors:
Model A+: Released in 2012 the low-cost variant of the Raspberry Pi had 512 MB of RAM.
Model B+: this model first introduced the Ethernet port and was released in 2014.
Raspberry Pi 2 Model B: the second generation of Raspberry Pi superseded the Model B+ in 2015.
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: launched in 2016, in its cheapest form, it doesn’t have a case. Although, it was still recognizably credit-card sized.
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: launched in 2018 with a gigabit Ethernet port, used in most enterprise networks.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: launched in June 2019, the 2GB RAM variant superseded the original 1 GB RAM variant. You can purchase the former via order. This Raspberry Pi is the latest model.
Raspberry Pi Zero and Pi Zero W/WH: this embedded system is half the size of the Model A+. Yet, it is a popular model as well.
