A new version of the Raspberry Pi micro computer has launched, with a number of upgraded components. Measuring 85.6mm by 56.5mm (3.4 inches by 2.2 inches) and weighing in 45 grams (1.6 ounces), the Raspberry Pi 2 is just as compact as the original, though this time the 700MHz single-core ARMv6 processor has been replaced by a quad-core ARMv7-based 900MHz chip, with an increased 1GB of RAM.
Using a Broadcom BCM2836 System-on-Chip, it has a 250MHz Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU capable of 1080p 30fps h.264 decoding, with the SoC allowing the second-generation board to be compatible with the first version’s software projects. Onboard, it packs four USB ports, HDMI and composite video outputs, audio over HDMI and a 3.5mm jack, a 15-pin MIPI interface for a camera, 10/100Mbps Ethernet, and 17 GPIO connections for electronics projects. The entire system uses microSD cards for storage, has a power rating of 800mA, and uses 5V microUSB for power.
The change in processor give the Raspberry Pi 2 a few more opportunities, aside from a significant power boost. The use of an ARMv7 processor is said to allow it to run a wider array of operating systems, including Snappy Ubuntu Core, and Windows 10. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has apparently worked with Microsoft on making the new Pi work with the incoming operating system upgrade for the last six months, and is aiming to make a Raspberry Pi 2-compatible version of Windows 10 available to users free of charge.
The caseless Raspberry Pi 2 is retaining the same $35 price tag as its predecessor, and is available to buy now. The lower-grade Model A+, a version without Ethernet networking, will continue to be offered at $20, but there are currently no plans to release an updated model this year.
