Raspberry Pi Model A+ out now!

[TheGuyNL]

So the new model of the raspberry got released! It's really cool what they can make for so little money, I'll probably get one to play with

 

 

 

Model A+ Specs:

Dimensions: 65x56x12mm
Memory: 256MB RAM
Expansion: Micro SD slot,
1x USB, 40x GPIO
Networking: None
Price: ~$20/£15

 

The freshly updated version of the Model A does much more than simply bring it in line with the Raspberry Pi Model B+ released in the summer.

The Raspberry Pi Model A+ is the same dimensions as a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) add-on board, the same price as two cinema tickets and can run at nearly half the power consumption as the Model B+.

The 3.5mm audio & composite jack means the Model A+ stands nearly half the height of the Model B+

According to Eben Upton, Founder of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the new $20 price of the A+ is really pushing the envelope of what’s possible.

Since it uses the same improved power chain as the Model B+, the Model A+ consumes much less power than any other Raspberry Pi. According to its designer, James Adams, running the same ‘hello_teapot’ demo with a USB keyboard and a HDMI monitor connected the Model B+ consumes 370mA, while the A+ consumes just 200mA – 45% less power under the same conditions.

 

 

Source: http://www.raspi.today/raspberry-pi-model-a-plus-out-now/

 

[alby800]

But can it run crysis?

[JAKEBAB]

Wow i kinda want one but its got no networking maybe i could use a usb hub with a usb wifi adapter?

[TheGuyNL]

Wow i kinda want one but its got no networking maybe i could use a usb hub with a usb wifi adapter?

 

Yeah, that's what I noticed too. That will probably work. I guess someone will make a networking shield for it which you connect with the GPIO pins.

[LAwLz]

Yeah it's impressive and all but I think it's about time we get a performance upgrade.

I know the Raspberry Pi is not suppose to be a beast in terms of hardware, but surely the price:performance ratio on ARM processors must have gone up in the last 2-3 years. The price on the other models (A+ is 5 dollars cheaper) have stayed the same and I would have liked to see for example a slight CPU or GPU upgrade.

Perhaps that would break compatibility with existing stuff and that's why they are reluctant to upgrade it.

 

 

Wow i kinda want one but its got no networking maybe i could use a usb hub with a usb wifi adapter?

Yes that will work, or you could use wireless. At that point you might as well just get the B model though, which has Ethernet built in. Would probably end up costing the same but you get more RAM and a more elegant package (no extra wires and boxes needed).

[simson0606]

But can it run crysis?

maybe with limelight pi

[zanduh]

Yeah it's impressive and all but I think it's about time we get a performance upgrade.

I know the Raspberry Pi is not suppose to be a beast in terms of hardware, but surely the price:performance ratio on ARM processors must have gone up in the last 2-3 years. The price on the other models (A+ is 5 dollars cheaper) have stayed the same and I would have liked to see for example a slight CPU or GPU upgrade.

Perhaps that would break compatibility with existing stuff and that's why they are reluctant to upgrade it.

 

 

Yes that will work, or you could use wireless. At that point you might as well just get the B model though, which has Ethernet built in. Would probably end up costing the same but you get more RAM and a more elegant package (no extra wires and boxes needed).

 

Have to agree. Was disappointed when I heard there wouldn't be a performance upgrade. 

[qwertywarrior]

im still confused why the guys who started raspberry went with a ARM11 soc

an ARM A8 with a mail 400 was just   a dollar or two more expensive and around 3 times faster

its just really slow

i hop wayland and the opensource driver fixes things

[Colonel_Gerdauf]

Yeah it's impressive and all but I think it's about time we get a performance upgrade. I know the Raspberry Pi is not suppose to be a beast in terms of hardware, but surely the price:performance ratio on ARM processors must have gone up in the last 2-3 years. The price on the other models (A+ is 5 dollars cheaper) have stayed the same and I would have liked to see for example a slight CPU or GPU upgrade. Perhaps that would break compatibility with existing stuff and that's why they are reluctant to upgrade it. Yes that will work, or you could use wireless. At that point you might as well just get the B model though, which has Ethernet built in. Would probably end up costing the same but you get more RAM and a more elegant package (no extra wires and boxes needed).

I own the B+, and I am enjoying the programming experience with it. With that said, my nerdgasm when it comes to the Pi, is having a massive array of Compute Unit SODIMMs inside a regular ATX chassis and using a 500W PSU. Then it would be ARM multi-threading galore.

 

This is where a specs upgrade be of serious benefit.

[PortentousLad]

The only problem I have is coming up with a purpose. I'm not saying there is non jus that I don't have any ideas, input is welcome though ☺

[Me1z]

No ethernet = no cares.

 

Lack of integrated networking severely limits its potential uses. I know the goal is to make it more compact, but killing the ethernet port doesn't make much sense.

[TheGuyNL]

The only problem I have is coming up with a purpose. I'm not saying there is non jus that I don't have any ideas, input is welcome though ☺

 

First purpose which comes up in me, is using it in a robot as integrated computer or something. A robot doesnt need networking or something! 

 

I have another idea for this too, but I'll post about that later, when it's done :3

[ZetZet]

No ethernet = no cares.

 

Lack of integrated networking severely limits its potential uses. I know the goal is to make it more compact, but killing the ethernet port doesn't make much sense.

They should release ethernet version because in some uses ethernet is a must and in some it's stupid to have.

[LAwLz]

No ethernet = no cares.

 

Lack of integrated networking severely limits its potential uses. I know the goal is to make it more compact, but killing the ethernet port doesn't make much sense.

The A model has never had Ethernet so they haven't really removed it. The Model B got updated a while ago (biggest change was 2 more USB ports) and now it's time for the model A to get updated.

I want to say "I guess there is no reason to get the Model A anymore" but to be honest there was never really any point in getting that to begin with (for 99% of everyone getting a Raspberry Pi). 15 dollars for twice the RAM (512MB compared to 256MB), 3 more USB ports (4 vs 1) and Ethernet is definitely worth it.

 

 

They should release ethernet version because in some uses ethernet is a must and in some it's stupid to have.

That's what the Model B is for.

[TheGuyNL]

The A model has never had Ethernet so they haven't really removed it. The Model B got updated a while ago (biggest change was 2 more USB ports) and now it's time for the model A to get updated.

I want to say "I guess there is no reason to get the Model A anymore" but to be honest there was never really any point in getting that to begin with (for 99% of everyone getting a Raspberry Pi). 15 dollars for twice the RAM (512MB compared to 256MB), 3 more USB ports (4 vs 1) and Ethernet is definitely worth it.

 

There are always reasons to get a Model A. This tiny one is ideal for embedded projects, you can integrate it and leave it there. It's a cheap and easy solution

[Kingofpants]

Now we need a model C , With 2G of ram and a updated SoC with ARM v9 or v8 gigabits Ethernet and a Sata II or III (Or would it be Esata?) port.

[LAwLz]

There are always reasons to get a Model A. This tiny one is ideal for embedded projects, you can integrate it and leave it there. It's a cheap and easy solution

But what's the point of having an embedded system without networking? There are probably some scenarios for the Model A but I can't think of any for average consumers. The price difference is just too small and the difference too big.

[BallGum]

I own the B+, and I am enjoying the programming experience with it. With that said, my nerdgasm when it comes to the Pi, is having a massive array of Compute Unit SODIMMs inside a regular ATX chassis and using a 500W PSU. Then it would be ARM multi-threading galore.This is where a specs upgrade be of serious benefit.

I can't wait to get my hands on one. In the meantime I'm still learning more C++ and working on problems from project euler.

[Technous285]

But what's the point of having an embedded system without networking? There are probably some scenarios for the Model A but I can't think of any for average consumers. The price difference is just too small and the difference too big.

 

Ben Heck's Portable Pi handheld gaming system... He built that with a Model B then had retrospect that should have gone with the Model A so he wouldn't have had to unsolder and remove the Ethernet.

 

Building a new version of the Portable Pi with the Model A+ would make more sense now than with a B or B+ since there's no need to remove the Ethernet to slim it down, and the single USB port can be removed and hand-wired into a small hub for whatever reason you might have (such as adding a wireless keyboard/trackpad dongle whilst also having built-in joysticks).

Heck, build the Portable Pi with the GPIO serving the joystick/d-pad/face buttons and leave the USB port for plugging in a keyboard or something when needed.

[TheGuyNL]

Ben Heck's Portable Pi handheld gaming system... He built that with a Model B then had retrospect that should have gone with the Model A so he wouldn't have had to unsolder and remove the Ethernet.

 

Building a new version of the Portable Pi with the Model A+ would make more sense now than with a B or B+ since there's no need to remove the Ethernet to slim it down, and the single USB port can be removed and hand-wired into a small hub for whatever reason you might have (such as adding a wireless keyboard/trackpad dongle whilst also having built-in joysticks).

Heck, build the Portable Pi with the GPIO serving the joystick/d-pad/face buttons and leave the USB port for plugging in a keyboard or something when needed.

 

Damn you, I'm doing something like this aswell hahahaha