Searching for the Latest Raspberry Pi Model? Here’s Where to Buy The Hard to Find Device.
Raspberry Pi 4 in high demand? Don’t let component shortages bring you down! Let us help you hunt for the perfect Pi for your DIY electronics project, despite the scarce supplies and price gouging. And if the Pi isn’t available, we’ll help you find some tasty alternatives.
Raspberry Pi boards are small, versatile computers that hobbyists use for a variety of practical, fun, and diverse projects. Their flexibility has been increased by manufacturers releasing a range of add-ons such as sensors, touchscreens, wireless connectivity modules, and purpose-built cases. The popularity of these boards has led to strong demand, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting chip shortages. The increase in hobbyists with free time during the pandemic has also contributed to the difficulty in finding an in-stock Raspberry Pi board.
If you’re struggling to find a Raspberry Pi board, don’t despair. We’ve created a guide to help you on your search, including a list of the best retail sites and in-depth information on each alternative and its best uses. While the supply constraints may be challenging, there is hope for improvement on the horizon. Good luck on your Pi-finding journey!
Raspberry Pi (4th Geneneration)
The newest and most advanced Raspberry Pi model yet.
The Raspberry Pi Project has released several models, including the Raspberry Pi 4 with 1GB to 8GB of RAM, the Pi 400, and the Pi Pico. The Pi 4 is the latest and most advanced model, but it is currently difficult to find due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting chip shortages. Prices for the Pi 4 have also been impacted by price increases at the Raspberry Pi Project and resellers attempting to exploit the scarcity. Authorized merchants sell the Pi 4 at a controlled price, but their stock is frequently emptied within minutes of becoming available, particularly due to bots buying out boards for resale.
If you need a Pi 4 board immediately, you can expect to pay between $150 and $175, depending on the amount of RAM included. To find a main-line Pi 4 board at a more reasonable price, you can try signing up for email notifications at Adafruit or Micro Center, which offer retail prices closer to the original MSRPs. When purchasing a Pi 4 from a seller not listed in this article, make sure it is a reputable retailer. The scarcity of Pi boards has led to an increase in scams, so be wary of sellers offering prices that seem too good to be true. To ensure a successful purchase, try to be patient or save up extra cash to buy from a reputable retailer or a reseller with buyer protections in place.
The Raspberry Pi 400
An excellent option for text input and gaming applications.
The Raspberry Pi 400 is a combination of the Raspberry Pi 4 board and a compact keyboard, which has the Raspberry Pi 4 and its I/O ports built into it. The keyboard is included with the Raspberry Pi 4 to make it easier for users to type and control the device, as it is often used for applications such as gaming, text editing, and media servers that require input from a keyboard. The Raspberry Pi 400 also has additional cooling to allow the CPU to run at a slightly different clock speed. While the inclusion of the keyboard may not be suitable for all applications, it is often in stock at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, and it is frequently available as part of a kit that includes a microSD card, data cable, power supply, mouse, and beginner’s guide for a similar or lower price than the standalone unit.
Raspberry Pi Pico & Pico W
An inexpensive, compact option for small projects and beginners.
The Raspberry Pi Pico is a small, single-board computer that is perfect for small projects that require minimal processing power, such as wearable electronics, single-use sensors, and remote monitoring devices. It has only a single MicroUSB port and lots of solder points for headers or components of your choice, making it ideal for users who want to customize the device to fit their specific needs.
The Pi Pico can be expanded using a variety of accessories that are designed to work with its headers, such as custom-designed breadboards and other accessories that can increase its versatility. A newer version, the Raspberry Pi Pico W, includes built-in wireless connectivity, making it even more versatile and convenient to use.
Despite its small size and limited processing power, the Pi Pico is an excellent value for the right project. It is currently the cheapest option available, and it is generally more readily available at its manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Even at double the original price of $4 for the wired model or $6 for the Pico W, it is still a great value for the right project.
Rasbperry Pi Zero 2 W
A mid-range solution based on the previous generation Raspberry Pi.
The Raspberry Pi Zero line is a series of single-board computers that have been designed to offer a lower-cost option for users who don’t need the full computing power and I/O port selection of the larger Raspberry Pi models. The latest version in the line is the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, which was launched in late 2021.
The Pi Zero 2 W is based on the previous-generation Raspberry Pi 3 and uses a system in a package (SiP) design, which makes it very close in capability to the Raspberry Pi 4, although it is generally less versatile. Despite this, it may still be the most cost-effective and readily available option for the right buyer, as it is often more easily acquired than the top-of-the-line Raspberry Pi models.
The Pi Zero 2 W is suitable for a wide range of projects, including those that require lower processing power. If you are considering purchasing a Pi Zero 2 W, it is worth checking to see if it is capable of handling the project you have in mind. The Pi Zero 2 W is generally available for purchase for around $90, which is a significant premium over the intended manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $15, but it may still be the best value for the right buyer.
NVIDIA Jetson Nano
Alternatives to the Raspberry Pi 4: What to Consider When It's Unavailable.
The NVIDIA Jetson Nano is a single-board computer that is similar to the Raspberry Pi 4 and is popular among hobbyists and users who need a solution for their projects. It has a similar set of I/O ports, 2GB of RAM, and can be used for a wide range of applications.
However, the Jetson Nano has a starting price that is higher than the Raspberry Pi 4, and it is currently being bought up at a rapid rate due to the scarcity of the Pi 4. This means that you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for it today. While the higher price may make it less appealing for some users, it may be the only option for those who need a solution right now and are willing to pay the premium.
Before purchasing the NVIDIA Jetson Nano, it is important to make sure that your plans for the device are compatible with its included chipset and I/O. This will ensure that you get the most out of the device and that it is suitable for your project.
When the Raspberry Pi 4 Is Unavailable
If you are considering alternatives to the Raspberry Pi Developer Kit, there are several other options available that you may want to consider. Some of these options include:
These alternatives may be suitable for your needs if you need a device right now and the Raspberry Pi Developer Kit is not available. It is important to carefully consider your requirements and budget before choosing a single-board computer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purchasing a Raspberry Pi
When will the Raspberry Pi 4 shortage end?
There may be hope for Raspberry Pi users who have been facing supply constraints in recent years. According to a blog post by Raspberry Pi Chief Eben Upton, the company expects supplies to recover to pre-pandemic levels in the second quarter of 2023, and to be “unlimited” in the second half of the year. While it may take some time for this additional supply to reach consumers, and there may still be high demand for the units, this is the first time in several years that a timeframe has been provided for the potential end of these supply issues.
Is an Upgrade to the Raspberry Pi 4 or the Release of the Raspberry Pi 5 Imminent?
Despite the Raspberry Pi 4 being the longest serving flagship board in the series’ history, it does not appear that an updated model will be released in the near future. In a recent interview, Eben Upton, the CEO of Raspberry Pi, confirmed that the team is currently focused on addressing supply chain shortages for their existing models, rather than introducing new ones. Upton stated that 2023 will be a “recovery year” and that it is unlikely that a Raspberry Pi 5 will be released in that year. It is possible that new revisions of existing Raspberry Pi 4 variants may be released, but it seems that we will have to wait until at least 2024 for a Raspberry Pi 5 to be unveiled.
What Is the Best Raspberry Pi Board for Beginners?
The best Raspberry Pi board for beginners depends on the specific goals and interests of the user. If you are looking for a simple, affordable option for educational projects such as teaching kids about coding and electronics, the Pi Pico may be a good choice. For something a bit more complex with a wider range of add-ons, the Pi Zero family may be a better fit. If you think you will be using the Raspberry Pi for a long-term hobby and want maximum power, versatility, and flexibility, the Pi 4 may be the best option. It can be used for a variety of projects including smart home devices, remote camera setups, and retro gaming consoles with the addition of some extra hardware.
Is It Possible for the Raspberry Pi 4 to Act as a Replacement for a PC
While the Raspberry Pi 4 is capable of performing many tasks that a PC can, it is not a complete replacement for a desktop computer in all situations. The Pi 4 can handle basic computing needs such as web browsing, video playback, and retro gaming, but may not have the power or compatibility for more advanced activities like video editing, modern gaming, and productivity tasks. If you are looking for a single-board computer to fully replace a desktop PC, you may want to consider the UDOO BOLT V3, which is marketed as a high-performance option for VR, AR, and AI projects.
Who can i contact for assistance?
If you are in need of additional guidance and prefer to speak with someone directly rather than conducting extensive online research, consider contacting a representative from Hashcode for assistance. Our team has extensive experience with single-board computers and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and we are always willing to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for support in finding the right solution for your needs.
