Raspberry Pi review
April 16, 2012 | 14:24
Companies: #arm #broadcom #hynix #raspberry-pi #raspberry-pi-foundation
So, does the Pi live up to the hype surrounding its launch? Has it been worth the wait, or are the first few customers going to be disappointed with the device?
Simply put, the Pi is a marvel: there's nothing else on the planet which offers the same capabilities for an equal price. In terms of bang-for-your-buck, the Pi is nothing short of astounding - but that doesn't mean it's perfect.
The Pi really is a marvel of compact computing technology.
The 256MB of RAM could prove limiting for some users, especially those hoping to use the VideoCore IV GPU for high-definition 3D rendering. The beta-level quality of the software could also prove awkward for end-users who perhaps thought they were buying something which would be ready to use out-of-the-box.
Professional users, too, may be disappointed by the Pi thanks to a lack of JTAG debugging support. A common feature of rival development boards, it's easy to overlook its absence thanks to the Pi's price - some one-quarter to one-tenth that of its rivals - but something which may still slow down professional adoption of the device.
Once it has the software base in place, the Pi is really going to go places.
Despite its limitations, we're happy to say that the Pi is a recommended buy - as soon as pre-orders are satisfied and stock starts to appear in the channel, of course. For less than the cost of a new-release game, you get a device which - while imperfect - has so much potential it's hard to imagine why anyone with an interest in technology wouldn't buy one.
Simply put, the Pi is a marvel: there's nothing else on the planet which offers the same capabilities for an equal price. In terms of bang-for-your-buck, the Pi is nothing short of astounding - but that doesn't mean it's perfect.
The Pi really is a marvel of compact computing technology.
The 256MB of RAM could prove limiting for some users, especially those hoping to use the VideoCore IV GPU for high-definition 3D rendering. The beta-level quality of the software could also prove awkward for end-users who perhaps thought they were buying something which would be ready to use out-of-the-box.
Professional users, too, may be disappointed by the Pi thanks to a lack of JTAG debugging support. A common feature of rival development boards, it's easy to overlook its absence thanks to the Pi's price - some one-quarter to one-tenth that of its rivals - but something which may still slow down professional adoption of the device.
Once it has the software base in place, the Pi is really going to go places.
Despite its limitations, we're happy to say that the Pi is a recommended buy - as soon as pre-orders are satisfied and stock starts to appear in the channel, of course. For less than the cost of a new-release game, you get a device which - while imperfect - has so much potential it's hard to imagine why anyone with an interest in technology wouldn't buy one.
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Overall90 / 100
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