Pi500 announced!

Posted by: @zander

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It's here, I haven't even read the specs yet but I am sure I will get this to replace my existing Pi4 workstation.

https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/raspberry-pi-500-and-raspberry-pi-monitor-on-sale-now

Now I have read some about it and I am disappointed it does not come with an SSD, I am not even sure I can fit a Hat to hold the SSD in the case. I have sent email asking the local seller. Selling this as a workstation while still using an SD card is moronic. I left SD cards behind several years ago. If I can't get a properly cooled Pi 5 and an SSD hat inside the case, Then it will be NO SALE!

WOW, MAJOR dissapointment. Inside is NOT a Pi5 as we know it, but a new PCB so no existing M.2 HAT can be used. The traces show an unpopulated M2 adaptor but the power traces are unconnected. There are a lot of other obvious expansion areas but nothing yet announced.

I will look for a keyboard case that can hold my existing Pi5 with active cooling and M2 SSD.

Pi is on it's way out, it started with the Pi5, what was needed was more less than $50 parts not mini computers over $100 that are lacking a lot. I will stock up on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W for project boards, but will build my own Pi5 based (probably a Compute module and IO module) workstation.

Having thepartially connected slot is a sad teaser. I run several RPi in my home lab (RPI 3, 4, 5) but I shy away from SD cards for SSDs. Long live elastic bands to keep things from flopping around. Reminds me - time for full backup/recovery test (yes I do regular backups, 3-2-1 principle).

I retired my pandemic-era purchase of the Pi400. I'll gift it to a desrving young relative, or reuse it eventually. 

Lucky for me, I came into a couple of Dell Optiplex desktops (retired from service) which are more than adequate for my Home Assistant server (I use a RPi anda Proxmox VM for testing). 

Lots of alternatives out there, but I remain a RPI fan-boy 🙂

@theoutlander Yes, very dissapointing. I will be constructing my own using the Compute/IO combo once I find a keyboard that allows me to print a case to mount everything in.

Like everyone else, I got excited when I saw the Pi500 was released and sighed in exasperation at the lack of M2 support. I was so ready to buy one. I’m sure they’ll release an updated model in the not too distant future.

Could the CM5 module be used to create a competitor or does it generate too much heat?

@yurkshirelad A CM5 is for all intents and purposes the same as a Pi5. Cooling options (if needed) exist for both and may even be identical, I didn't check closely. If you look at the IO module, it accommodates a CM5 and the case is perforated to accommodate a fan. The IO module has an M2 connector. That is what I will order. Here is the Canadian PiShop link, change URL for your location

https://www.pishop.ca/product/raspberry-pi-compute-module-5-io-board/

I am sure I replied already, but I don't see it. I will summarize. The cost for a real Pi500 is greater than the price of a mini PC so I will NOT be buying another Pi5 of any kind. I will continue to buy Pi ZERO 2 W however because with SSH I can operate it from my Mac and I can attach large SSD's via USB-3. Not as fast as M2 but good enough.

The Raspberry Pi organization has lost it's way in my opinion. They started out selling reasonably priced components that allowed those who couldn't afford normal PCs access to the world of personal computers at bargain basement prices. 

I was going to get the new display, but when I compared it's specs to the display I have and the fact it is $50 + shipping more than the one from Amazon free shipping I decided to not bother.

Other than the Pi Zero 2 W I do not see me ever buying any more products from Pi unless they rethink their strategy. Sadly the recent IPO means they are now beholding to their shareholders so I am pretty sure I am done with them.