The Raspberry Pi Foundation has unveiled its latest innovation - the Raspberry Pi 500, a sleek keyboard-shaped computer that packs the power of an 8GB Raspberry Pi 5 into an all-in-one desktop solution priced at $90.
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Pi 400, the new Pi 500 features a redesigned PCB with all ports conveniently arranged in a single row along the back. Users get access to one USB 2.0 port, two USB 3.0 ports, microSD storage, dual micro HDMI outputs, the standard 40-pin GPIO header, and gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
For those seeking a complete desktop experience, a $120 Desktop Kit bundles the Pi 500 with additional accessories including a mouse, power supply, HDMI cable, and an instructional guide for beginners.
Accompanying the Pi 500 launch is the new Raspberry Pi Monitor - a portable 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display priced at $100. The monitor features built-in speakers and sports a matching white-and-red aesthetic. It comes with a foldable kickstand and VESA mount compatibility for flexible positioning options.
While the monitor connects via HDMI for video and requires USB-C for power, users should note that powering it through the Pi's USB ports will limit brightness to 60% and speaker volume to 50%. Full functionality requires a dedicated USB-C power supply.
One current limitation of the Pi 500 is the lack of M.2 storage expansion capability, though the board appears to have space reserved for potential future versions with NVMe support. For now, storage options are limited to microSD cards and USB-connected drives.
The original Pi 400 remains available with a reduced price of $60 for the base unit or $80 for the complete kit. While the Pi 500 commands a premium, its enhanced performance and expanded RAM make it an attractive option for users seeking a capable desktop computing solution.
The Raspberry Pi 500 and Monitor are positioning themselves as affordable entry points into personal computing, continuing the Foundation's mission of making technology accessible to all.
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