Raspberry Pi causes a huge ripple
KYALAMI- An international company called RS Components, which has a branch in Kyalami, is the main supplier and distributor of an innovative new computer called the Raspberry Pi.
The Raspberry Pi was developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United Kingdom and is a personal computer the size of a credit card.
The computer can plug into a TV with a video out cable and offers easy learning for aspiring programmers and scientists.
It boots from an SD card, and can be powered with a USB cable. It also offers a network port, and additional USB plug-ins for a keyboard and mouse.
Brian Andrew, managing director of RS Components, explained that people have become used to consuming technology passively but the idea behind the Raspberry Pi was to re-ignite the passion for programming.
“With the Raspberry Pi anyone can actually become a programmer,” he said. “The basic unit is a fully functioning computer which you would build up to your specifications. The possibilities are endless – it’s just your imagination that is the limit.”
The Raspberry Pi website features a number videos from users who have used the unit to build items such as coffee machines, mini-tanks and home security systems.
Andrew explained that the creators of the Raspberry Pi had no idea how popular the product would be. “The creators only expected to ever sell 10 000 units but we actually got 10 000 orders within the first day of its launch,” he said.
The Raspberry Pi costs R449.99 per unit and to add on accessories would bring the price up to just under R1000.
“The cost-effectiveness of the Raspberry Pi makes it a perfect educational tool,” Andrew said. “There is a huge drive towards information technology in the education system and this would make a very useful tool for disadvantaged schools.”
The Raspberry Pi is available directly from RS Components in Kyalami Business Park or from their website.
Details: za.rs-online.com; www.raspberrypi.org
