Introducing the Raspberry Pi 500, a Raspberry Pi 5 integrated into a keyboard.
The single-board computer manufacturer, Raspberry Pi, is enhancing its small device that combines a computer and keyboard by improving its specifications. This new model is called Raspberry Pi 500.
Raspberry Pi has taken a step forward in the development of its device that combines a computer and keyboard, introducing the new Raspberry Pi 500. This model, which succeeds the Raspberry Pi 400, features improved specifications and performance comparable to the current most powerful model, the Raspberry Pi 5. It is now available for purchase through authorized resellers.
The Raspberry Pi 500 is presented as an affordable option for those looking to get started in the world of Raspberry Pi, as it is not as intimidating as the model 5. Its design is clever, as it conceals all the internal components, such as chipsets and circuit boards, within a conventional keyboard. Its functionality is simple: you just need to connect a mouse and a monitor to start using it immediately. This makes it an ideal replacement for outdated computers, providing an efficient alternative for various computing tasks.
In terms of specifications, the Raspberry Pi 500 features a four-core 64-bit Arm processor, the same as that used in the Raspberry Pi 5. It has 8 GB of RAM, two micro-HDMI ports that allow connectivity for up to two 4K displays, three traditional USB ports (excluding USB-C, except for the power one), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 40-pin expansion connector. Additionally, it includes native support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
A highlight of this device is its return to the educational roots of Raspberry Pi. Originally, these computers were developed for educational purposes, and although their use has diversified into more technical and industrial environments, the Raspberry Pi 500 is conceived as the ideal computer for students. Its cost of $90 represents a modest increase of $20 compared to the Raspberry Pi 400, but it offers a much more economical and customizable alternative than devices like Chromebooks or iPads.
For now, the available versions come with keyboard layouts for the United Kingdom and the United States, although layouts in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Nordic, and Spanish are expected to arrive. For those looking for a complete package, a desktop kit is also offered for $120, which includes the Raspberry Pi 500, a mouse, a 27W USB-C power supply, and a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable.
In another recent announcement, the company has introduced the Raspberry Pi Monitor, a 15.6-inch screen with a 1080p resolution, priced at $100. While this launch may not be as striking as the Pi 500, it represents an attractive option for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts seeking monitors from this brand.
