Raspberry Pi Zero - meet the $5 computer

For only $5, one can already own by a micro-computer — the Raspberry Pi Zero.

"Today, I'm pleased to be able to announce the immediate availability of Raspberry Pi Zero, made in Wales and priced at just $5," Raspberry Pi's blog post on Nov. 26 stated.

The Raspberry Pi Zero is a microcomputer with a 1GHz ARM11 processor, noted to be 40 percent faster compared to the first Pi computer. It also has a 512 MB RAM and a microSD card slot for internal storage expansion. A mini HDMI socket is also present and it allows the computer to project full HD video onto a TV screen.

Engadget noted that the Pi Zero may not be able to perform complicated tasks like most computers of today, but it can still run on Raspbian, a Linux operating system (OS) version made compatible with Raspberry Pi. Users can also run apps like Minecraft, Sonic Pi, and Scratch.

Over the years, Raspberry Pi has garnered the support of millions of people who want to try out basic programming, but are hindered by costs. By 2015, the company started working on a cheaper version of the minicomputer to help those people with their goals.

The blog post stated that there are already "several tens of thousands" of Pi Zeros built, but there are still more being developed.

Pi Zero is measured at 65 x 30 x 5 millimeters and is the smallest unit from the company. Five units of Pi Zero placed altogether sideways would be the size of a dollar bill, Quartz noted.

Pi Zero is now available in the United Kingdom and can be bought at The Pi Hut and Pimoroni, and in the United States at Adafruit. The minicomputer is also available in stores, at branches of Micro Center.

Also, there's also a much sweeter deal offered. Raspberry Pi is also giving away a free Pi Zero, which can be found attached to the cover of the Magpi magazine's December issue, which is already available in the United Kingdom.

 

News
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament

18 October is St Luke’s Day. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 500th anniversary of the first printed publication of Luke’s Gospel in English. This is the story …

Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 
Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 

The founder of the globally influential Alpha Course, the Rev Nicky Gumbel, has been elected to the Church of England’s General Synod. 

‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian
‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian

Thea Joshi, of the Centre for Mental Health, reflects on living with OCD as a Christian and what churches and fellow Christians can do to help those living with the condition.

Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches
Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches

A Church representative said he was conscious many churches had not received the funding they seek.