Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
There are two ways to connect a display to the Raspberry Pi. The first is using a
composite video cable and the second is using HDMI. The composite output is useful
as you are able to use any old TV as a monitor. The HDMI output is recommended
however, as it provides superior video quality. A VGA connection is not provided
on the Raspberry Pi as it would be cost prohibitive. However, it is possible to use
an HDMI to VGA/DVI converter for users who have VGA or DVI monitors.
The Raspberry Pi also supports an LCD touchscreen. An official version has not
been released yet, although many unofficial ones are available. The Raspberry Pi
Foundation says that they expect to release one this year.
The Raspberry Pi model
The Raspberry Pi has several different variants: the Model A and the Model B. The
Model A is a low-cost version and unfortunately omits the USB hub chip. This chip
also functions as a USB to an Ethernet converter. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has
also just released the Raspberry Pi Model B+ that has extra USB ports and resolves
many of the power issues surrounding the Model B and Model B USB ports.
Parameters
Model A
Model B
Model B+
CPU
BCM2835
BCM2835
BCM2835
RAM
256 MB
512 MB
512 MB
USB Ports
1
2
4
Ethernet
Ports
0
1
1
Price
(USD)
~$25
~$35
~$35
Available
since
February 2012
February 2012
July 2014
Boards
Differences between the Raspberry Pi models
Did you know that the Raspberry Pi is so popular that if you search
for
raspberry pie
in Google, they will actually show you results
for the Raspberry Pi!
