Raspberry Pi: The Credit‑Card Sized Marvel That Took Britain by Storm
Picture a computer that fits snugly on your keychain, costs less than a pint of tea, and has sold more than five million units since its launch in 2012. That’s the Raspberry Pi—the tiny, low‑cost machine that’s now the fastest‑selling British computer in history.
Why It’s A Gamer’s and Hobbyist’s Dream
- Size‑wise: Imagine the dimensions of a credit card—small, portable, and barely noticeable.
- Price‑wise: Starts at just £24. That’s cheaper than a double‑cheese gourmet pizza in most neighborhoods.
- Performance‑wise: Despite its compactness, the Pi packs a punch, running everything from simple scripts to full‑blown media centers.
It’s Not Apple, It’s Raspberry
Sure, it sounds like a fruit reference, but this isn’t Apple’s latest. It’s named after the bite‑size apple‑like fruit that gives the device its nickname. The “Pi” that follows is a nod to the mathematical constant, not the taste!
Thank You, Britain, for the Sales Punch
More than five million of these little “tykes” have left retail shelves and landed in hands all over the country. When you compare that to the Amstrad computers—sold just over five million between 1984 and 1997—the Raspberry Pi has made a faster‑selling splash. Though Amstrad still holds a higher total sales count (eight million), the Pi’s rapid‑fire sales rate is a record in its own right.
How the Pi Became a Cultural Icon
From tinkering kits for schools to DIY home automation, Raspberry Pi has become a staple in hobbyist, educational, and professional realms alike. Its affordability and flexibility make it the perfect choice for:
- Students learning programming languages such as Python or Scratch.
- Artists building interactive installations.
- Tech enthusiasts crafting custom servers or retro gaming rigs.
The Bottom Line
The Raspberry Pi proves that size and cost don’t have to compromise onto performance. It’s an affordable gadget that’s already become a beloved national favourite—making it a true star in the world of computing.
What exactly is Raspberry Pi?
Meet the Raspberry Pi: Your Pocket‑Sized Computer
At first glance, the Raspberry Pi looks like a tiny, humble circuit board. But once you plug it into a TV or computer monitor, attach a standard mouse, you’re actually in the middle of a fully functional computer. And the best part? It won’t break the bank—just about £24.
The Brain Behind the Board
It was conceived by a bunch of bright minds from the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory: Eben Upton, Rob Mullins, Jack Lang, and Alan Mycroft. They had a simple but powerful idea: Too few kids are learning to code and exploring the world of computing. So they decided to build something that would spark curiosity, creativity, and a whole lot of DIY fun.
What Came Out of the Lab?
And that’s how the Raspberry Pi was born, along with the Raspberry Pi Foundation—a charity dedicated to teaching adults and children alike the perks of programming and science. The foundation has become a cornerstone for STEM education worldwide.
Why It Matters
- Affordability – bringing computer science into every home
- Accessibility – simple interface, intuitive plug‑and‑play
- Community – a global network of learners and hobbyists
- Education – supports curriculum in schools and beyond
Want a quick, breezy read about what the Pi is doing for kids and tech lovers everywhere? Spend a few minutes exploring and you’ll see just how brilliant this little board really is.
Here’s what the Raspberry Pi team have to say about today’s news
Three Years In: From Sticker Envelopes to Executive Offices
Imagine me three years ago, hunched over my kitchen table, slapping stickers into envelopes. We were selling them for a pint a throw to raise those first few bucks needed to get the original Pi production rolling. Fast forward to today, and I find myself in a bright office with nineteen other people—well, not sure how we made this leap, but hey, it feels fantastic nevertheless.
What’s the Deal with the Raspberry Pi Foundation?
The Raspberry Pi Foundation is a charity. That means we don’t pocket any profits from the Pi—every cent heads straight back into our mission of bringing education to everyone and powering the research that keeps the Pi fresh and exciting.
Why Your Five Million Purchases Matter
- Free teacher training sessions made possible.
- Access to an open trove of educational resources.
- Robust outreach programmes hitting schools worldwide.
- Funding for open‑source gems like XBMC (now Kodi), PyPy, Libav, Pixman, Wayland/Weston, Squeak, Scratch, WebKit, and KiCad.
- And for me—most importantly—support for projects that keep our community buzzing (and we’ll be spilling more details on those over the next year).
Thank You, Awesome Community!
The tapestry of the Raspberry Pi community is plain amazing, and we’re nowhere near here without every single one of you.
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