Raspberry Pi 500 Combines Classic Design with Pi 5 Power, Plus a New Affordable Monitor
The Raspberry Pi 400 was a fan favorite in 2020, offering a compact desktop experience with the computer embedded inside a keyboard. Now, the Raspberry Pi 500 takes that concept further, upgrading the internals with the new Pi 5, boasting a more powerful processor and extra RAM while retaining the same classic form factor.
The Pi 500 is a standalone computer, featuring all the necessary ports along the top edge, including Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and Micro HDMI for dual 4K output. The base unit is powered by a quad-core Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and supported by 8GB of RAM, making it a much beefier option than the original Pi 400. There’s also a 40-pin GPIO port, perfect for modders who like to tinker with hardware.
If you’re looking to pair it with a monitor, the Raspberry Pi 500 has you covered with its newly released 15.6-inch monitor. This affordable display, priced at just $100, offers a 1080p resolution and features a VESA mount, making it versatile for both travel and desktop use. The monitor even powers up from the Pi itself, requiring just a USB-A port for a small power boost. Although it doesn’t include a power supply, it’s an easy solution for anyone who needs a small, portable screen that’s compatible with the Pi.
However, the monitor does have some limitations. Its built-in speakers are quite low-powered, but this is understandable considering the Pi ecosystem’s focus on affordability and flexibility. Additionally, while the monitor uses USB-C for power, it relies on HDMI for video, requiring more cables than typical portable monitors.
As for the Pi 500 itself, it’s currently in stock at CanaKit for $90 (without a power supply or additional accessories), which is a solid deal for those looking for an entry-level computer with plenty of modding potential.
