Using a Raspberry Pi 400 as a desktop computer #PiDay #RaspberryPi @Raspberry_Pi
Recently, the Raspberry Pi Foundation launched the Raspberry Pi 400, a keyboard with a build in Raspberry Pi 4. It features a CPU very similar to the Raspberry Pi 4, 4GB RAM and it’s priced 15$ higher than the comparable Raspberry Pi… It looks like it’s meant to be used as a desktop computer, more than a Raspberry Pi 4 at least.
Coding and compiling is slower than a desktop but usable
Compiling for ARM generally works well
Overclocked to 2.1 (from 1.8GHz), the device still isn’t hot.
But…
Some tools didn’t compile or run the same as desktop apps
No Spotify or Discord clients, web version must be used
Light weight tends to make keyboard shift with cable tension
A pleasant multitasking capability is limited
And strange…
Chromium not quite Chrome
Half sized keys for ] and # – they wish the whole device was just a tad wider to fit a more normal keyboard
Conclusion:
All in all, the Raspberry Pi 400 makes a surprisingly usable desktop. Considering that the Raspberry Pi 400 is 15 euro’s more than the comparable Raspberry Pi 4, it seems like a no brainer when you plan to use it for desktop use. For integrating or headless use, the Raspberry Pi 4 still makes a lot more sense.
If you want to use a Raspberry as a desktop and you plan on using the Raspberry part like the 40 pin extension connector, it’s a great choice. However, if you need an affordable computer for everyday use, I think a second hand laptop makes more sense. With that you get a screen and portability and most likely more performance.
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