Computer hobbyists now have yet another option to choose from in the mini computer market. The Raspberry Pi Foundation on Monday announced a brand new version of the Raspberry Pi Model B, aptly called the Model B+.
The new hardware uses the same BCM2835 application processor, runs the same software and has the same 512MB of RAM as before. So what's different, you ask? Quite a bit actually.
The Model B+ features more GPIO headers - up from 26 pins to 40 pins - while retaining the same pinout as the original. There are also two additional USB 2.0 ports for a total of four, a push-push micro SD card socket to replace the old friction-fit socket, lower overall power consumption, better audio quality and an overall neater form factor.
Elaborating on the revised form factor, the USB connectors have been aligned with the board edge. They've also moved composite video onto the 3.5mm jack and added four squarely-placed mounting holes.
As the foundation noted in a blog post on the matter, this isn't a "Raspberry Pi 2" but rather the final evolution of the original Raspberry Pi. As such, they'll be keeping the original Model B in production for as long as there is demand for it. Best yet, the Model B+ will retain the same $35 price point as the original so I can't see too many reasons to opt for it over the upgraded model.