Should I buy a Raspberry Pi?

Question

I have the chance to buy a Raspberry Pi next month, but I'm still contemplating whether I should buy one or not. I guess the real problem is that I don't know what I would do with it first. I'd love to have one though, but just not sure if I should get one. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

Absolutely get one. An R-Pi is far beyond just being another computer. You can connect it to real-world devices and control them, because it has these GPIO pins, You want to build robots? Make a piano out of bananas (I'm not joking)? Send instruments into space (I'm not joking)? Make time-lapse nature films?...that's just some ideas of what you can do....and these things are within your grasp, because the R-Pi has so many building blocks that have been donated by the community around it.



Magazine about the Pi, free to download, jam-packed with ideas and starter tutorials http://www.themagpi.com/

Answer 2

The Raspberry Pi is almost a throwback to the early days of computing [yes, I am old] when if you wanted the computer to do something, you designed the hardware and software yourself.



It is not a plug-and-play game machine. It is a bit slow. But that's okay. It wasn't designed to be a game machine, it is intended to be an inexpensive platform to help people learn about computers.



You have to download an operating system and burn it onto an SD card. The SD card then becomes the boot medium. The beastie will then happily function as a Linux computer, tho I think there is an Android port on the way.



It has both HDMI and composite video outputs. The HDMI can be connected to a dvi monitor with the appropriate cable. You must supply keyboard, mouse, and internet. I use a powered usb hub.



In short, it is a computer for folkes who want to learn the nuts and volts* of computers.



*That is the name of a magazine devoted to electronics hobbyists.

Answer 3

If you are willing to do pragramming then a raspberry pi is good. It is also good for testing software and stuff.

Answer 4

there are lots of project books and websites, have a look and see if one takes your interest. if it does go ahead then you can come up with your own ideas later