Learning to Program in Python for Kids

The computer has no keyboard (so one needs to be supplied (although it would probably fit inside one, no monitor ( any HDMI monitor TV will do) or disk. The OS is on a 16Mb or 32Mb full size SD card. The power is from 4AA cells or a small power supply a a mini 5V USB (phone style) connector. There is already an enthusiastic following and video's up on You Tube to look at. At the launch in a week or so's time there is another addon board, (the Gertboard) which will allow the user to use GPIO ( General Purpose Input and Output) and the ability to add any other hardware to the computer for a truly fantastic IO experience. Because of its small size this computer will probably find its way into all sorts of other hardware, becoming the computer controller for many familiar devices. There is no case but there are some coming onto the market now and I also have simple plans for a Lego Case

 

Many years ago I was involved in creating a Beowulf cluster. With the Raspberry PI this might again became a great possibility. My students learnt an enormous amount from being able to build such a cluster. By having small inexpensive computers the way to opened up to users to discover how all types of computer systems work. Instead of having to buy several servers, the same systems could be created for well less than £100. What can the added to the system? Would be developers are talking about adding touch screens and other devices to the Raspberry. The appeal is a machine that is very basic - that will teach the basics of computer hardware and software. The appeal of this machine might just see it appearing in every device you can think of.

Playing with this is very simple and in the first stages - if you mess up then it is very easy to reinstall the software from scratch onto your SD Card

Raspberry Pi is a trademark of the Raspberry Pi Foundation