Feb
19
2015

Raspberry Pi 2 model B

Posted by

Today was the day I received the latest Raspberry Pi, the version 2, model B.  This version is a significant upgrade from the version 2, model B+ with a 4 core processor and 1GB of memory.  Same footprint as the v1 B+ so all the cases that accommodate the B+ will also accommodate the new version 2.  And the speed is notable over my original v1 B (256mB memory, single core processor).

All storage on the low cost Raspberry Pi is via an SD or micro SD card (the original was an SD card, the B+ version changed to microSD and is retained for the v2 B).  So it is somewhat slow, but very acceptable.

Using a concept called NOOBS (New Out of the Box System), one can choose which of several operating systems to install on the microSD card.  I chose the Raspbian Operating System, a Debian Wheezy variant.

Setup is fairly easy…put the Raspberry Pi in a case for protection, connect keyboard and mouse to the USB ports, connect a display via the HDMI port, and connect power.  Networking via a cable is available too, or one can use a USB plug-in for Wi-Fi.  All-in-all for $35 for the Pi (add for shipping), about $8 to $20 for a case, and a few dollars for the microSD (8BG probably the minimum) and you’re ready to start.

Using the network connection, I installed a LAMP stack, and after struggling with learning Linux commands (again), the web site was up and running as the test files demonstrated.

Microsoft is indicating that a version of Windows 10 will be made available soon for the Pi v2 for developers/makers to develop under the Internet-Of-Things umbrella.  and I wouldn’t be surprised if Microsoft gave away the Pi to attendees at the Build Conference coming up in late April.

I ordered my Pi from Newark Electronics and the other items from Amazon.  The Pi took about 2+ weeks to arrive since I ordered it on the first day of release thanks to trade press announcements.  Although Pi production moved to the UK shortly after the original design, the box of the new Pi 2 said “Made in the PRC”.

CASE: From a variety of cases available on Amazon I selected the FLIRC case.  Basically a case metalic shell with plastic bottom and a nice top.  While not transparent like some of the plastic cases, it is really nice.  A little expensive at about $19 than the $8 plastic cases, but it is very nice looking and helps dissipate any heat build up. (Note: I originally paid $13 for the case and over the two weeks Amazon moved the price to $17 then to $19, back to $17, and back to $19). My rating for the FLIRC case design for Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

HDMI to VGA:  To use a conventional LCD monitor, the video needs to convert the HDMI to VGA, I’m using a dongle from Ableconn (about $18).  Easy to connect to the VGA cable and mate the HDMI end on the Pi. My rating for the Ablecon dongle for Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

Wi-Fi: Although the Pi has a 10/100 ethernet port, I wanted to “cut the cord” so I can play with the Pi anyplace in the house.  The Edimax small footprint wi-fi plug-in appeared in many pictures of the various Pi projects.  So I gave it a try (about $9) and have NOT been disappointed.  With the 4 USB ports on the Pi it doesn’t consume a lot of space (in the original Pi, there were only 2 USB ports, the B+ and now v2 B have 4 ports). My rating for the Edimax wi-fi dongle for Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

Operating System: As mentioned, I’m using Raspbian Linux, a Debian variant. It has the various Linux components one needs to begin immediately, but Linux itself requires some discipline and it is different from Windows such as case sensitivity for file names and folders.  Also, the default web browser doesn’t display sites the same way as other browsers display the same page.    My rating for the Raspian OS for Raspberry Pi 2 — 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • Really small foot print!
  • Much improved capability especially memory and speed
  • Easy to install operating system
  • VERY cost effective, about $35
  • The Pi is intended to help stimulate learning about computer technology and it clearly enables this vision
  • A future capability to run a variant of Windows 10…awesome

Cons:

  • Linux, in general, requires somewhat more skills and discipline than people may be used to
  • In spite of the hardware upgrades, performance is still a little slow, especially when editing and loading web pages in the browser…acceptable yes, but a little slow

Overall rating for the Raspberry Pi 2 — 4 out of 5 stars; overall cost effectiveness of the Raspberry Pi 2 — 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner.

Additional Note: This Blog post was written on the Raspberry Pi v2 model B.