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5.0 out of 5 starsRaspberry Pi 3 Model B 1.2 GHz Quad-Core - GREAT
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 December 2016
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B 1.2 GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 Motherboard - Green
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£32.95
If you are considering buying a Raspberry Pi for a project, buy this latest Raspbery Pi 3 instead of the old versions. The features include:
System on Chip (SoC) : Broadcom BCM2837
CPU: A 1.2GHz 64-bit quad-core ARMv8
GPU: Broadcom Video Core IV
RAM: 1GB LPDDR2 (900 MHz)
Networking: 10/100 Ethernet, 2.4GHz 802.11n wireless
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1 Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy
Storage: micro-SD
GPIO: 40-pin header
Ports: HDMI, 3.5mm audio-video jack, 4×USB 2.0, Ethernet, Camera Serial Interface (CSI), Display Serial Interface (DSI)
The key difference compared to the old versions is that the Pi 3 has on board Wi-Fi! No need for a wireless dongle to connect the Pi to the internet.
Although you may not require Wi-Fi, it's best to invest in the Pi 3 because you may need it in the future. I have used the Wi-Fi and it's just like connecting a laptop to the internet- Find the network and connect and then enter the password. Simple and easy. Some reported that their Pi gets hot, even in idle mode (when it’s not doing anything). That is not the case for me- it’s just warm in idle.
There are other things to consider such as a case and other components. SD card with an operating system such as Raspbian is a MUST (downloadable on official Pi website). This is not included so I recommend getting a SD card - minimum of 16gb, as approximately 4GB is taken up by the operating system. If your project requires you to save pics and vids, then probably 32gb would be idea.
The Raspberry Pi will require a power source, which is NOT included. This can be either from the mains plug to micro-usb (e.g. Samsung S4 charger) or from a laptop/pc USB to micro-USB. I have used my smartphone charger to power up the Pi and it works perfectly. I have also used an external power bank and it works. I would definitely recommend using a mains plug to ensure that the Pi gets enough input, especially if your project is quite demanding. Other basic things will be required such as a mouse, keyboard and a monitor. And yes, it will work on a TV (if it supports HDMI).
I have purchased a case (suitable for Pi 2) and I see that my Pi 3 fits in perfectly. Be aware though that some Pi 2 cases may not actually fit on Pi 3 (read reviews from buyers).
It’s a great product and I was actually surprised how small it is when it was delivered. Secondly, I was quite worried that I received a second-hand product because the Raspberry Pi was wrapped in an anti-static packaging seemed like it was open (one end was cut off). I then found out that the wrapping is meant to be like that. It also came in an official/genuine box.
I cannot stress the fact how important and helpful the online materials are. I personally wouldn't have a clue what to do. There are online tutorials such as ‘how to’ set a Raspberry Pi up for the first time, inspirations, setting up SD card, etc.
This small beast can accomplish anything! Great product and I recommend it.
Any questions regarding about this item, please leave a comment and I'll try to get back to you ASAP.
I would really appreciate it if you marked this review as helpful or not so that I can improve my future reviews.
