At $35, the Raspberry Pi is an incredibly high-quality single-board computer (SBC) that offers a good balance between price, performance, and connectivity. However, for some projects this may not be enough. So, if you require more processing power, a smaller size and advanced software download capabilities, then it is worth considering the alternative options available.
For those who do not know, SBC assembly involves the integration of almost all components, including the processor, video adapter and RAM on one printed circuit board. As everyone knows, an ordinary computer can be upgraded by replacing system components with more advanced ones, but the main advantage of wiring them onto one board is to obtain a much smaller form factor.
Standard Raspberry Pi models are mini-computers shrunk to the width and height of a credit card, and when you consider the depth, these devices are comparable to regular external USB all-in-one card readers. Meanwhile, the devices of the Raspbery Pi Zero model range are made even smaller.
The development of SBC equipment has been going on since the 70s of the last century, but it became popular only in 2012 after the release of the Raspberry Pi 1 Model B mini-PC. Following this, competitors began to release alternative gadgets with more powerful processors and increased amounts of RAM, and also produce cheaper devices, although the cost of the Pi is not high anyway. As a result, for some projects it will be more profitable to use boards from other developers.
What is a mini-PC and what does it come with?
Everything in our world is relative. At first I wanted to write about who was the first to create a mini-computer. But what is a “mini”?
