The fun world of microcomputers like the Raspberry Pi that can fit almost anywhere continues to amaze and impress with how they can be used. But some people will always be after a little more power, so the latest Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ comes with improvements in processor performance and a 5GHz WiFi radio to improve network capabilities.
The speed boost comes on Pi Day, always a good time for a spot of free marketing. The credit-card size computer’s quad-core Broadcom BCM2837 CPU with ARM Cortex A-53 gets a modest kick up to 1.4GHz, from 1.2GHz on the previous version, so an extra 15% for geeks, media streamers, emulator fans and hackers to play with, all for just $35.
Sporting a new Wi-Fi chip, a Cypress CYW43455, it features dual-band wireless local-area networks (LAN) at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with gigabit Ethernet over USB for 300Mbps performance for up to triple the performance. There’s also Bluetooth 4.2 and Bluetooth Low Energy support for talking to IoT, smart home, and other devices. There’s even Power-over-Ethernet support with a dongle, so it needn’t be plugged in at the mains.
A piece of Pi
Raspberry Pi devices turn up all over the place, with sales fast approaching 20 million units. Promoted by regular Raspberry Jam events and educational usage, it is used to power robots, underwater cameras, and all sorts of other gadgets.
A range of competitors are available, but what may help spur it for a fresh generation is the Nintendo Cardboard Labo gadgets, something that could easily be converted into non-branded ideas for youngsters to build, create and compute with.
Let us know if you’ve had any fun with the Pi, or any of the similar gadgets on the market, like MAKERbuino and what’s the best or most insane creation powered by one of the tiny computers.
YouTube: A BRAND-NEW PI FOR π DAY
Photo credit: Gareth Halfacree
