The Raspberry Pi foundation has finally released an upgraded version of the Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi 2 model B features much of the same ports and form factor as Raspberry Pi Model B+, by replaces Broadcom BCM2835 ARM11 processor @ 700 MHz with a much faster Broadcom BCM2836 quad core ARMv7 processor @ 900 MHz, and with an upgrade to 1GB RAM.
Raspberry Pi 2 Model B specifications:
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2836 quad core Cortex A7 processor @ 900MHz with VideoCore IV GPU
- System Memory – 1GB LPDDR2
(PoP) - Storage – micro SD card slot (push release type)
- Video & Audio Output – HDMI and AV via 3.5mm jack.
- Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet
- USB – 4x USB 2.0 ports, 1x micro USB for power
- Expansion
- 2×20 pin header for GPIOs
- Camera header
- Display header
- Power – 5V via micro USB port.
- Dimensions – 85 x 56 mm
I could not find anything about BCM2836, except it’s quite similar to BCM2835, but with 4 Cortex A7 cores @ 900 MHz (overclockable @ 1.1 GHz), the same VideoCore GPU, and 6 times faster according to Sysbench. Raspberry Pi 2 Model B is also mechanically and electrically compatible with Raspberry Pi Model B+, so enclosure, and add-ons board should still work, although the latter may require some software works. The other implicit good news is that the Raspberry Pi should be finally properly support Android and Ubuntu thanks to its more powerful and recent processor.
Price is really what made the original Raspberry Pi popular, and the large community around it came about thanks to its affordability. So how much more will it cost compare to older boards? Answer: $0 more. Yep, Raspberry Pi 2 Model B will just costs the same $35 plus shipping and taxes according The Register. It should soon show up for sale on Element14, RS Components, and other distributors.
Via Raspberry Pi Australia (Little Bird Electronics)
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
