
Raspberry Pi Unveils Raspberry Pi 500 and Monitor for the Ultimate Desktop Experience
CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Dec. 9, 2024 — Raspberry Pi has officially announced two highly anticipated products that promise to redefine compact and affordable computing. The Raspberry Pi 500, priced at $90, and the accompanying Raspberry Pi Monitor, available at $100, are poised to create a complete desktop experience tailored for enthusiasts, educators, and cost-conscious users. Just in time for the holiday season, these new offerings are expected to resonate with the Raspberry Pi community and beyond.
Advancing Affordable Computing
Since its inception, Raspberry Pi has been on a mission to provide programmable personal computers at an affordable price to users worldwide. While the organization has become one of the leading manufacturers of industrial and embedded computers, its commitment to accessibility remains steadfast. Products like the $15 Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and the powerful Raspberry Pi 5 have catered to both budget-conscious users and those seeking advanced computing power.
The development of integrated, ready-to-use systems became particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raspberry Pi’s initiative to distribute thousands of Raspberry Pi 4 Desktop Kits and monitors to students in the UK highlighted the need for accessible computing solutions. Building on this experience, the company introduced the Raspberry Pi 400, an all-in-one PC inspired by classic computers like the BBC Micro and Commodore Amiga, which became a favorite among educators and hobbyists alike.
Introducing Raspberry Pi 500
The newly launched Raspberry Pi 500 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 400, delivering enhanced performance and features in a sleek, integrated design. Powered by a 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor, the device offers 8GB of LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM and a VideoCore VII GPU that supports OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.3. Dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB ports, and Gigabit Ethernet provide a wide array of connectivity options.
Priced at $90, the Raspberry Pi 500 includes a 32GB Raspberry Pi-branded SD card. For users seeking a complete package, the $120 Desktop Kit adds a Raspberry Pi Mouse, a 27W USB-C Power Supply, a 2m micro HDMI to HDMI cable, and the 5th Edition of the Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide. With its compact form factor and robust capabilities, the Raspberry Pi 500 caters to various use cases, from educational projects to advanced home computing setups.
The Vision for an Integrated Desktop Setup
To complement the Raspberry Pi 500, the company has introduced the Raspberry Pi Monitor, a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display designed to seamlessly integrate with Raspberry Pi devices. The monitor features a 45% color gamut, an 80° viewing angle, and dual 1.2W speakers, all housed in a slender enclosure with an integrated fold-away stand and VESA mounting points. This display ensures a visually appealing and functional addition to any Raspberry Pi desktop setup.
Powering the monitor is as flexible as its design. Users can connect it directly to a Raspberry Pi device using the included USB-A to USB-C cable, offering limited brightness and volume options. Alternatively, a dedicated USB-C power supply, like the Raspberry Pi 15W USB-C Power Supply, enables full brightness and volume capabilities, enhancing the overall user experience.
Price Reductions and Accessibility
Recognizing the importance of affordability, Raspberry Pi has also announced price cuts for its popular Raspberry Pi 400. The base price now starts at $60, down from $70, while the Raspberry Pi 400 Personal Computer Kit has been reduced to $80, from $100. Each purchase of a Raspberry Pi 400 will now include a Raspberry Pi-branded SD card, ensuring users can achieve optimal performance right out of the box. These reductions aim to lower barriers to entry and expand access to computing for a broader audience.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The Raspberry Pi 500 and its accompanying monitor are expected to find applications in diverse environments, from retro gaming setups to educational labs and professional workspaces. Their launch underscores Raspberry Pi’s dedication to innovation and user needs. The community’s enthusiasm for these products is evident, and their potential to empower new generations of tech-savvy individuals is immense.
By balancing performance, affordability, and integration, Raspberry Pi continues to solidify its position as a leader in accessible computing. As the holiday season approaches, these new offerings are likely to feature prominently under many Christmas trees, sparking creativity and learning for users worldwide.
The combination of the Raspberry Pi 500 and the Raspberry Pi Monitor represents a significant milestone in Raspberry Pi’s journey, offering a complete desktop solution that aligns with the company’s core mission. As these products reach the hands of users, they are set to redefine what is possible in the realm of compact, affordable computing.