With the capabilities to function as a complete computer, the Raspberry Pi 400 is a no ordinary $70 keyboard.
Unlike the previous generation of Raspberry products, the Raspberry Pi 400 looks like a refined one, rather than a DIY project.
The Pi 400 looks mostly like the keyboard Raspberry launched about a year ago, with its difference having an ARM-based computer built-in.
According to a Tech Crunch, the idea behind launching an accessory keyboard was to avoid any mishaps while launching the computer-integrated keyboard.
The organization’s founder Eben Upton backs up the theory. He states that keen-eyed observers would have noticed a slight unnecessary amount of space inside it.
“The dream always with Raspberry Pi is to lure people into buying a PC and then trick them into becoming computer programmers,” Upton said.
Upton also said that the need for a product like this is prominent. It is due to the sudden surge in demand for computers due to the coronavirus.
🚨 New product 🚨 Raspberry Pi 400 is your complete personal computer, built into a compact keyboard. Available today from $70. https://t.co/YeUkamOHYc pic.twitter.com/rMANPeVi8t
— Raspberry Pi (@Raspberry_Pi) November 2, 2020
The Specifications
Besides the much-awaited change in the form factor, the Pi 400 is a pretty similar offering to what Raspberry had last year with the same product.
It has a slightly faster quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A72 CPU with 4Gb of RAM. For connectivity, it has Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
As for ports, the Raspberry Pi 400 is powered via a USB-C port. It can support 4K output at 60Hz on two monitors via the pair of micro HDMI ports.
There are two USB 3.0 ports, a single USB 2.0 port, and a microSD card slot. There is also a GPIO header for attaching a variety of more niche devices.
Depending on the region, you will either get a 78- or 79-key keyboard, with similar designs to most compact laptops.
Upton also admitted that the white-and-pink color scheme would not suit business customers. Hence, they might launch a grey and black themed product as well.
According to a report by The Verge, there are six different keyboard layouts — UK, US, Italian, German, Spanish and French at launch, with more on the way.
Price and Availability
The Raspberry Pi 400 standalone is priced at $70, but the starter kit with required accessories are priced at $100.
The $100 kit contains a mouse, microSD card, HDMI cable, power cable, and beginner’s guide along with the Pi 400.
It is available in the US, UK, Germany, and France; and would be available in Spain and Italy from next week. It would be launched in India, Australia, and New Zealand by the end of the year.
Image courtesy of ExplainingComputers/YouTube Screenshot