Raspberry Pi 500: the new all-in-one keyboard-computer

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Introduction

For over ten years Raspberry Pi has established itself as a must-have for technology enthusiasts, makers and educators alike. With the Raspberry Pi 500the foundation is striking a blow with a brand-new format: a complete computer integrated directly into a keyboard.

This new model combines the power of the Raspberry Pi 5 with ergonomics reminiscent of the legendary microcomputers of the 80s, such as the Commodore 64 or the Amiga 500.
👉 Clearly: a device compact, practical and ready to usedesigned for both education and innovation.

1. What is the Raspberry Pi 500?

Unlike previous models (sold as a bare motherboard), the Raspberry Pi 500 is a all-in-one keyboard-computer.

  • No need for a case, mounting or accessories to turn it into a PC.
  • Just connect it to a monitor via HDMI, add a mouse and you've got a working computer.

This approach takes the best of the Pi: affordability, a huge community and great versatility... but with a design for simplicity.

2. Modern design inspired by retro

The Raspberry Pi 500 pays homage to the family microcomputers of yesteryear. Like them, it comes in the form of a keyboard with direct integration of internal components.

Design highlights :

  • Compact, ergonomic keyboard (available in several layouts).
  • Rear-mounted portsfor a well-organized office.
  • Improved coolingwith optimized ventilation to prevent overheating.
  • Minimalist format A single HDMI cable to a display, and that's it.

👉 Result: a elegant setupideal for offices, classrooms or makers' workshops.

3. Raspberry Pi 500 technical specifications

Beneath its sober looks, the Raspberry Pi 500 is packed with high-performance components:

  • Processor ARM Cortex-A76 quad-core at 2.4 GHz.
  • Random access memory 8 GB LPDDR4X.
  • Graphics VideoCore VII GPU, with dual-screen 4K support.
  • Storage :
    • microSD card (standard on Pi).
    • NVMe SSD support via PCIe adapter.
  • Connectivity :
    • 2 × HDMI 4K.
    • 3 × USB 3.0 + 1 × USB 2.0.
    • Gigabit Ethernet.
    • Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • GPIO The Pi: always present, accessible via an external connector to maintain compatibility with the Pi ecosystem.

👉 Clearly, it's the Raspberry Pi 5 powerbut integrated into a ready-to-use format.

4. Possible uses for the Raspberry Pi 500

A family computer

With Raspberry Pi OS or a Linux distribution, the Pi 500 becomes a Affordable desktop PC web browsing, word processing, videoconferencing, learning.

An educational machine

It's an ideal tool for learn programming (Python, Scratch, C, etc.), discover Linux or train students in computer science.

A retro console

With Recalbox, Batocera or RetroPie, the Pi 500 becomes a retro games consoleready to connect to a TV or monitor.

A multimedia station

Thanks to apps such as Kodi or Jellyfin, it can be used as a media center to watch films and series in 4K.

A personal server

Connected via Ethernet, the Raspberry Pi 500 can become a home mini-server :

  • Personal cloud (Nextcloud, CasaOS).
  • Home automation server (Home Assistant).
  • Lightweight AI server (Ollama, GPT4All).

5. Advantages of the Raspberry Pi 500

✅ Simplicity

No need for a box or complicated assembly: just plug in and use.

✅ Versatility

A single device can be used as a PC, console, server or educational machine.

✅ Modern design

Compact, elegant and easy to carry.

✅ Sufficient power

With 8GB of RAM and a powerful processor, it handles office automation, multimedia and numerous projects with ease.

6. Limits to be aware of

❌ Less flexible than a bare Pi board

Some makers will still prefer the bare board to integrate it into their physical projects.

❌ Higher price

The Raspberry Pi 500 costs more than a classic Pi, as it includes keyboard, design and integration.

❌ No dedicated GPU

It remains limited for applications requiring heavy graphics calculations.

7. Raspberry Pi 500 vs Raspberry Pi 400

Visit Raspberry Pi 400 was already an excellent keyboard computer, but the Pi 500 corrects its weaknesses:

  • More powerful processor (Cortex-A76 vs. Cortex-A72).
  • More RAM (8 GB vs. max. 4 GB on the Pi 400).
  • Richer connectivity (USB 3.0, NVMe).
  • Better cooling.

👉 The Pi 500 is not a simple upgrade, but a complete real evolution. See our full comparison : Click here!

Conclusion

Visit Raspberry Pi 500 marks a milestone in the history of the Pi. From a simple card to a complete keyboard computerthe foundation offers a product that will appeal to beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Easy to use, powerful enough for the majority of uses, yet economical and open, the Pi 500 carries on the heritage of the microcomputers of the 80s while offering today's technologies.

👉 In short, if you're looking for a Compact, affordable, versatile and fun PCThe Raspberry Pi 500 is a real revolution.

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