Raspberry Pi 500: A Retro-Futuristic Keyboard PC

A Blast from the Past

The Raspberry Pi is renowned for pushing the boundaries of what makes a tiny and affordable computer. Now, the manufacturer is reinventing itself once again with the Raspberry Pi 500, a full-fledged PC crammed into a keyboard that’s available now for under $100. This exciting concept isn’t new, though – it’s been done before, and we’re taking a trip down memory lane to explore how.

The Tandy 1000: A Retro Inspiration

In 1984, the Tandy 1000 was released by Tandy Corporation, based on IBM’s PCjr. This innovative design fit most computer components into the keyboard, making it a huge success in the consumer electronics market. The Tandy 1000 spawned numerous models until its discontinuation in 1993. Its retro charm and compact design have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Raspberry Pi 500: A Modern Twist

The Raspberry Pi 500 takes inspiration from the Tandy 1000 but upgrades the concept with modern convenience and affordability. This keyboard PC boasts a Quad-core 64-bit ARM processor, 8GB of RAM, two micro-HDMI ports, and three USB ports. If you don’t have a monitor, you can opt for the 15.6-inch portable Raspberry monitor for $100.

A Perfect Blend of Retro and Modern

The Raspberry Pi 500 is an exciting development in the mini-PC market, which has already seen significant growth due to its compact size and affordable pricing. The Raspberry brand is well-known for its compact PCs, such as the Raspberry Pi CM5, making it a fitting choice for this innovative product.

A Price Worth Considering

At less than $100, the Raspberry Pi 500 is an attractive option for those looking for an affordable machine for productivity, homework, or class projects. Its compact form factor and approachable price tag make it an ideal choice for students and professionals alike.

A Call to Action

Hopefully, the Raspberry Pi 500 will inspire other manufacturers to create their own versions of keyboard computers. A retro-themed machine designed after the original Tandy 1000 would be a fitting tribute to the one that started it all.