Exploring the Raspberry Pi 500: A New Innovation or Missed Opportunity?

The Raspberry Pi 500 is the latest innovation in the Raspberry Pi lineup, bringing the power of the Raspberry Pi 5 into a convenient keyboard form factor. But is it truly a step forward, or does it fall short in critical aspects? Here, we delve into the details and offer insights into this latest release.

What’s New with the Raspberry Pi 500?

The Raspberry Pi 500 builds upon the design of its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 400, with notable improvements:

• BCM2712 SoC: Integrates the same powerful chip found in the Raspberry Pi 5.
• 8 GB RAM: Doubled from the Raspberry Pi 400, enabling more robust multitasking.
• Soft Power Button: Adds convenience and a modern touch to the device.

The new enhancements aim to deliver better performance and usability. However, the most notable omission in the Raspberry Pi 500 is the absence of a populated M.2 slot on its mainboard – a feature that was much anticipated.

The Case of the Missing M.2 Slot

Interestingly, during a teardown by Jeff Geerling, it was discovered that the Raspberry Pi 500 comes with footprints for an M.2 slot. Unfortunately, these are not populated with the necessary components. Inquiries with Raspberry Pi revealed that these placeholders were included for potential other uses of the PCB, leaving many enthusiasts disappointed.

The exclusion of the M.2 slot has sparked debate among users:

• DIY Enthusiasts: Some, like Geerling, attempted to populate the slot themselves but faced challenges due to incomplete circuit pathways.
• User Opinions: Many potential buyers are deterred by the lack of internal storage expansion, especially considering the $90 price tag compared to the Raspberry Pi 400’s $70.

Evaluating the New Raspberry Pi Monitor

Alongside the Raspberry Pi 500, the latest Raspberry Pi Monitor was released, priced at $100. It features:

• 15.6″ IPS Display
• Built-in Speakers
• VESA Mount Compatibility

However, a crucial design oversight is that the VESA mount blocks all the monitor’s ports, making connectivity a cumbersome process if the monitor is wall-mounted.

Comparing Alternatives

Several users raised comparisons with other available devices, highlighting that alternatives might offer better performance at a competitive price. For instance:

• x86 SBCs: Models with Intel J4125 CPUs offer similar RAM, M.2 slots, dual HDMI output, and more for the same price range, sparking further debate about value.

Despite the Raspberry Pi 500’s enhancements, it struggles to justify its premium price without the expected internal storage expandability.

Community Reactions

Feedback from the community has been varied, from disappointment to creative aspirations:

• DIY Hopes: Enthusiasts like Jeff Geerling continue to experiment with hardware modifications, keeping the potential for future innovations alive.
• Practical Views: Some appreciate the integration and console-like experience the Pi 500 offers, especially for on-the-go projects.

Meanwhile, discussions have spurred fresh ideas for companion products like Linux-based tablets, as noted by commentators looking for enhanced portable solutions. This opens the door for innovation beyond the conventional desktop replacement model.

Conclusion

As with any new tech release, the Raspberry Pi 500 brings both potential and limitations. The absence of a ready-to-use M.2 slot and the constraints on the Raspberry Pi Monitor’s design have made some enthusiasts hesitate. However, Raspberry Pi remains committed to its community, and future revisions or updates can build upon this platform’s solid foundation.

For educators and first-time Raspberry Pi users, the 500 offers a simplistic, all-in-one package that reduces setup complexity. But for those chasing performance and modern conveniences, the decision becomes more complex. As always, the choice comes down to balancing personal needs with the available feature set.

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Source: https://hackaday.com/2024/12/09/raspberry-pi-500-and-the-case-of-the-missing-m-2-slot/