RASPBERRY PI EVOLUTION:
RPi1B (2012): A pioneer in its time, the RPi1B is now a relic of the past. With a modest 700 MHz single-core CPU and 512MB of RAM, it's limited in capabilities but can still manage basic tasks like running a small file server. Its design includes 2 USB 2.0 ports, a full HDMI port, 10GB Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack, powered by a micro-USB port requiring no more than 2 amps. A standout feature is its AV port, accommodating RCA connections for vintage monitors and TVs. It uses Full SD cards.
RPi 0 (W and WH) (2015): The RPi 0 series, particularly its W (Wireless) and WH (Wireless with Hard-soldered Pins) variants, shines in portable applications like ID badges. Compact and efficient with a dual-core CPU and 512MB RAM, it features a mini-HDMI and micro-USB 2.0 port, and thrives on minimal power, drawing as little as 1 amp. This makes it ideal for battery-powered, mobile projects. Despite its versatility, it lags behind the RPi2 in performance.
RPi2 (2013): A significant leap from its predecessor, the RPi2 boasts a 1.2 GHz CPU and 1GB of RAM, with a reduced size and more GPIO pins, setting a new standard for Raspberry Pi designs. It features 4 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, an audio jack, and an Ethernet port, requiring a 2.5 amp power supply. It lacks built-in wifi and Bluetooth but supports these via USB adapters.
RPi3 (2015): The RPi3 marked a milestone with integrated wifi and Bluetooth, alongside a boosted 1.3 GHz quad-core CPU. It maintained similar specifications to the RPi2 in other respects.
RPI3B+ (2016): An incremental upgrade, the 3B+ introduced Gigabit Ethernet, AC wifi, and a slight CPU speed enhancement.
RPi4B (2019): The most advanced model to date, the RPi4B initially offered 1GB of RAM, quickly updated to 2GB, 4GB, and even 8GB variants. It features a 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and dual Micro-HDMI ports, supporting dual-monitor setups. The power supply switched to USB Type C, aligning with modern standards.
Compute Modules: These are the minimalist versions of Raspberry Pi, offering core components without ports. They can be integrated into various enclosures for specific uses, such as HDMI sticks or hard drive enclosures. Western Digital's PiLabs was an initiative focused on developing such innovative applications.
In practical terms, the RPi4B stands out as the only variant capable of truly replacing a desktop computer, equipped to handle office suites, browsers, and comprehensive data management software.
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