Attention all the budding programmers! Raspberry Pi has released the latest version of its computer – Raspberry Pi 4 Model B.
What is Raspberry Pi?
Raspberry Pi is a credit-card-sized computer, with no case. They are like the electronic board found inside our regular laptop or computer but much smaller in size. Raspberry Pi Foundation, a British company, and a charity in the U.K. developed these computers in the year 2008.
The main motive behind releasing these pocket-sized computers was to promote the learning of programming languages at the school level, and in developing countries so that the next generation builds up an interest in this field. The average cost of these computers is nearly around $35. But there are some pieces of equipment like a display screen, mouse, keyboard, power supply, and an SD card which you need to have to get working with these computers. This might make you wonder how is then the cost of a Raspberry Pi Computer is only $35. To point out that, the Raspberry Pi Foundation stated that most of the households usually have this setup equipment, which ultimately will not add up to the cost.
Raspberry Pi currently has 7 models available, the latest being Raspberry Pi 4 Model B.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
This version was released in June 2019. What makes it different from the other models is its enhanced video, powerful processor, and peripheral connectivity. Along with this, it also has 4 GB of RAM which improves its overall performance. This model is more useful for creatives that require more desktop space as it can handle two monitors – up to dual 4K@30 displays at once.
The key features include:
- A high-performance 64-bit quad-core processor
- Hardware video decoding up to 4Kp60
- A connection to the dual-band wireless Local Area Network 2.4/5.0 GHz
- 4GB of RAM
- Bluetooth 5.0/Gigabit Ethernet/USB 3.0/PoE features (via a separate HAT PoE add-on module)
- Dual display support
Applications of Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
By releasing the latest models of the Raspberry Pi 4, its developers are widening their users. Before last year’s pandemic outbreak, it had limited target consumers. But after the pandemic, the demand, and use of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B increased tremendously. Only in March 2020 did its sales steadily reach up to 6,40,000 because many industries were compelled to work from home and so were the employees. Now, the latest Raspberry model was an inexpensive and better alternative to install in households of employees where there was only one or no computer at all, rather than spending a pocketful of money on a regular PC because Raspberry Pi 4 Model B performs all the basic functions of a computer, if not advanced.
In addition, this model is also used to print 3D face shields.
Moreover, you can also use it as a retro gaming machine.
It can be used as a Minecraft gaming server.
Alongside this, it is also used in building a weather station, radio transmitter, and even a seismograph.
The list is never-ending, but you get a taste that it is almost used in every industry whether it be a business, prototype electronics, factory automation, or drive appliances.
Conclusion
If you are thinking that if Raspberry Pi 4 can be used as a desktop or not, then the answer is an absolute yes. It is budget-friendly and the new model i.e., Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, is designed to work on complicated projects.
Also, Raspberry Pi’s models are gradually upgrading, and there are speculations that the foundation is working on the next version of Raspberry Pi which could be a game-changer.
