New Slice of Pi

UK based company Raspberry Pi has announced the release of a new tiny computer, the Raspberry Pi Model B+. Still credit card sized and still offered at Model B’s price of $35, the Model B+ has new perks. The company, which started in 2012, has sold more than 3 million boards to date. Their products are used by everyone from tech savvy tinkerers to tech savvy kids; just check out the Kano. In fact, Raspberry Pi even recommends the new Model B+ for schools.

The Model B

The Raspberry Pi Model B is a mini computer than can successfully run Linux. The Model B+ still contains the original ARM-based Broadcom BCM2835 chipset along with 700 MHz low power ARM1176JZ-F processor, and 512 MB of ram. The size is 85mm x 56mm with HDMI video connections and a 100mb Ethernet port, along with one analog output. The Model B includes RCA ports as well, but HDMI is recommended. A step up from the Model A, the Model B has two USB ports. As for power usage, the Model B uses between 700-1000mA, depending on peripherals.

What’s New

Updates to the computer’s physical design include rounded corners, four mounting holes, and two additional USB ports for a grand total of four ports. The original SDCard is replaced with a more space efficient microSD. By changing the amount of GPIO pins from 26 to 40, users have the ability to expand even further. Another small perk included is the low-noise power supply that allows for better audio. Another reason we love it? The new Model B+ reduces power consumption between .5W and 1W.