Raspberry Pi Zero: The $5 Computer


https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-zero/

Since 2012, millions of people have used a Raspberry Pi to gain their first experience of programming. Even in our affluent society, the cost of computer hardware is still a factor in everyone’s project. A programmable computer is a luxury for many people, and every extra dollar decreases the chance that a project may be financially viable.

DSC_0517-cropThis is all about to change: the Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced the Raspberry Pi Zero, a full-fledged member of the Raspberry Pi family that costs only $5 (US), breaking the cost barrier in a spectacular manner. Raspberry Pi Zero features:

  • A Broadcom BCM2835 application processor
  • 1GHz ARM11 core (40% faster than Raspberry Pi 1)
  • 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM
  • A micro-SD card slot
  • A mini-HDMI socket for 1080p60 video output
  • Micro-USB sockets for data and power
  • An unpopulated 40-pin GPIO header
  • Identical pinout to Model A+/B+/2B
  • An unpopulated composite video header
  • The smallest Pi form factor: 65mm x 30mm x 5mm

Images of the new Pi can be viewed online.IMG_40481

40_Cover_SmallEven more spectacular: the Raspberry Pi Foundation is giving away a free Raspberry Pi Zero with each copy of the December issue of The MagPi, its flagship magazine. Subscribers will find a free Pi Zero on the front cover of their print magazine, which also can be downloaded and read free at https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/
Unfortunately, downloaded copies will not feature a free Pi Zero on each front cover. Technological limitations do not yet allow the transfer of physical computers. Maybe one day?