The Raspberry Pi foundation has launched a new version of its wildly popular hobby board that’s even smaller and cheaper than its predecessor.
The Raspberry Pi Model A+ features the same processor and RAM – a Broadcom BCM2835 application processor and 256MB, respectively – as the model it replaces but includes better audio circuitry with a dedicated low-noise power supply and a push-pull micro SD card slot.
The microcomputer also features 40 GPIO headers (an additional 14 compared to the previous model) and is compatible with the HAT standard for add-on boards but perhaps the biggest change is in its size. The new Model A+ measures just 65mm in length (down from 86mm on the Model A) and consumes less power than before.
In a blog post on the matter, Raspberry Pi founder Eben Upton said they are building the Model A+ in the UK at the same Sony factory in South Wales that they’ve used to manufacture the Model B+. Best yet, the Model A+ is available for purchase as of writing from Farnell in the UK and MCM in the US.
The foundation handed out a couple of early preview units to some YouTubers to get their opinions on the new board. Those clips are embedded above for those interested in learning a bit more about how the A+ works in real-world situations.
