Discover the Raspberry Pi 500, a powerful computer built into a keyboard, and its new companion monitor. Perfect for Christmas, this affordable duo is ideal for students, hobbyists, and home users. Learn more!

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has just dropped a holiday surprise for tech enthusiasts: the Raspberry Pi 500 and its accompanying monitor. Arriving just in time for Christmas, this dynamic duo offers a compelling combination of affordability, performance, and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned maker, a budding programmer, or simply looking for a versatile and compact computing solution, the Raspberry Pi 500 is worth a closer look.

What is the Raspberry Pi 500?

Announced on December 9th, 2024, the Raspberry Pi 500 is the successor to the popular Raspberry Pi 400. It’s a complete personal computer built into a compact keyboard, making it incredibly space-saving and portable. But don’t let its size fool you; this little machine packs a punch with its upgraded processor, ample memory, and impressive connectivity options.

Why Should You Care?

This isn’t just another incremental upgrade. The Raspberry Pi 500 boasts significant improvements over its predecessor and introduces a brand-new monitor designed specifically for the Pi. It’s a compelling option for:

Educational purposes: Its affordability and ease of use make it ideal for students and educators.
Home office tasks: Perfect for browsing, email, and productivity applications.
Media center: Stream your favorite movies and shows with ease.
Coding and development: A powerful tool for learning programming and experimenting with software.
DIY projects: The possibilities are endless with its GPIO pins and vast community support.

Under the Hood: Raspberry Pi 500 Specs

The Raspberry Pi 500 is powered by the same chip as the Raspberry Pi 5, offering a significant performance boost over the Raspberry Pi 400. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:

Processor: 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76
Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM
Graphics: VideoCore VII GPU, supporting OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.3
Display Output: Dual 4Kp60 HDMI®
Connectivity: Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet
Ports: 2 × USB 3.0, 1 × USB 2.0, 40-pin GPIO header
Storage: microSD card slot

My First Impressions

Having used the Raspberry Pi 500 for the past few days, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. The performance improvement is immediately noticeable. Applications launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even demanding tasks like video editing feel surprisingly responsive. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the overall build quality feels solid.

A Monitor Made for Pi

Alongside the Raspberry Pi 500, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has also launched its first-ever official monitor. This 14-inch IPS display boasts a 1920×1080 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and built-in speakers. It’s designed to perfectly complement the Raspberry Pi 500, with a sleek design and convenient mounting options.

Why is the Monitor a Big Deal?

While you can use any monitor with the Raspberry Pi 500, the official monitor offers several advantages:

Seamless Integration: It connects to the Pi 500 with a single USB-C cable, providing both power and video signal.
Space-Saving Design: Its compact size and VESA compatibility make it perfect for small desks or wall mounting.
Affordability: Priced competitively, it’s a cost-effective way to complete your Pi 500 setup.

My Thoughts on the Monitor

The monitor’s image quality is excellent for the price. Colors are vibrant, and text is sharp. The built-in speakers are a welcome addition, providing decent sound for casual use. The single-cable connection is incredibly convenient, eliminating cable clutter.

Is the Raspberry Pi 500 Right for You?

The Raspberry Pi 500 is a versatile and affordable computer that can be used for a wide range of tasks. It’s an excellent choice for students, hobbyists, and anyone looking for a compact and energy-efficient machine. However, it may not be the best option for everyone.

Here’s who should consider the Raspberry Pi 500:

Students: Perfect for learning programming, computer science, and digital making.
Hobbyists: Ideal for DIY projects, home automation, and robotics.
Home users: A great choice for browsing the web, checking email, and light productivity tasks.
Those on a budget: Offers impressive performance for its price.

Here’s who might need something more powerful:

Gamers: While capable of some light gaming, it’s not designed for demanding AAA titles.
Video editors: Can handle basic video editing, but professionals may need a more powerful machine.
Users who need extensive software compatibility: While Raspberry Pi OS is continually improving, it may not support all applications.

Availability and Pricing

The Raspberry Pi 500 and its monitor are available for purchase now from authorized resellers.

Raspberry Pi 500: Priced around $130
Raspberry Pi Monitor: Priced around $80

Don’t Wait, Get Yours Today!

With its impressive performance, compact design, and attractive price point, the Raspberry Pi 500 is sure to be a popular gift this Christmas. If you’re looking for a versatile and fun tech gift for yourself or someone on your list, the Raspberry Pi 500 and monitor are a winning combination.

About the author

View All Posts

Ashlyn Fernandes

Ashlyn is a dedicated tech aficionado with a lifelong passion for smartphones and computers. With several years of experience in reviewing gadgets, he brings a keen eye for detail and a love for technology to his work. Ashlyn also enjoys shooting videos, blending his tech knowledge with creative expression. At PC-Tablet.com, he is responsible for keeping readers informed about the latest developments in the tech industry, regularly contributing reviews, tips, and listicles. Ashlyn's commitment to continuous learning and his enthusiasm for writing about tech make him an invaluable member of the team.