Raspberry Pi enthusiasts may be interested to know that the pi-top [4] DIY Edition Raspberry Pi case complete with integrated battery, cooling fan, mini OLED screen, speaker, programmable buttons, and power management system is now available to preorder priced at $99 or £95. Worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime during this month, and the internal battery is capable of providing up to 5 hours of use from a single charge.
Or you can use your own 15V USB-C PD power supply. The pi-top team recommends using a 30W minimum for maximum accessory compatibility, and you can purchase a power supply for the pi-top [4] DIY Edition Raspberry Pi case directly from their website.
Features and Specifications
The pi-top [4] DIY Edition is packed with features that make it a versatile and powerful addition to any Raspberry Pi setup. The integrated battery ensures that you can use your Raspberry Pi on the go, without being tethered to a power outlet. The cooling fan and heat sink are essential for maintaining optimal performance, especially during intensive tasks such as programming, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously.
The mini OLED screen provides real-time system information, which can be incredibly useful for monitoring performance and diagnostics. The programmable buttons add an extra layer of customization, allowing users to set up shortcuts or specific functions tailored to their needs. The integrated 1-watt loudspeaker is a nice touch, making it easier to work with audio without needing external speakers.
One downside is that you need to use the company’s custom operating system “to get the most from your pi-top”. “It’s best to run pi-topOS. Some of the advanced features of pi-top are not managed by Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) or other operating systems” say the development team. This means that while you can use other operating systems, you might not be able to fully utilize all the features that the pi-top [4] DIY Edition offers.
Practical Applications and Use Cases
The pi-top [4] DIY Edition is not just a case; it’s a comprehensive solution for various applications. For educators, it provides a robust platform for teaching coding and electronics. The integrated features make it easier to demonstrate concepts without needing additional peripherals. For hobbyists and makers, the pi-top [4] offers a compact and portable solution for projects ranging from home automation to robotics.
For example, you could use the pi-top [4] to build a portable media center. With its integrated battery and speaker, you can watch movies or listen to music on the go. The programmable buttons could be set up to control playback, and the mini OLED screen could display track information or system status.
Another exciting application is in the field of IoT (Internet of Things). The pi-top [4] can serve as a central hub for various IoT devices, collecting data and providing real-time analytics. The cooling fan and heat sink ensure that the system remains stable even when processing large amounts of data.
– 5-hour internal battery
– Power management system
– Integrated heat sink and cooling fan
– Mini OLED screen and programmable buttons
– Integrated 1-watt loudspeaker
Source: MagPi
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