Raspberry Pi Model A samples roll off production line
updated 12:30 pm EST, Fri November 30, 2012
Micro computer loses Ethernet port, halves RAM
The initial samples of the Model A Raspberry Pi micro computer have rolled off the production line ready for testing. The engineering test samples mark the first time the Model A version has been produced since the Raspberry Pi began development, and comes seven months after the Model B started shipping to customers.
The $25 Model A resembles the $35 Model B in many respects, with some slight changes. While the Model B has an Ethernet port, 512MB of RAM and two USB ports, the Model A will have 256MB of RAM, one single USB port and no onboard network connectivity. According to the official blog, the organization is receiving requests for the Model A from "people making industrial control modules, from roboticists, from people doing automation," and users requiring a system with reduced power requirements. The Model A is hoped to go on sale in the new year.
Since the Model B's launch, it has received significant amounts of interest from hobbyists wanting to use the computer in their projects. The amount of RAM has doubled from its initial 256MB while keeping the same price, had its overclocking restrictions lifted, and is soon to have a camera module made available to purchase
