This little computer is so much more than I thought it was. I think this could even work as a simple desktop computer for a kid. I am very impressed. I paid about $70 for the CanaKit (Rasp Pi 3b+) - which is probably considered expensive for the Pi. We took a keyboard and a mouse from someone who was going to just throw them away (free). We have it hooked up to our TV (free), but someone is also giving away a small monitor, so we are going to use that for the Pi. So far, this ended up only costing us $70.
What we learned putting this thing together and setting it up:
- I'm glad I bought the 3b+ and not the Zero. I kinda wished I would've bought the 4 (the newest version). But the 3b+ is very fast.
- We bought a small LCD touch screen that fits onto the Pi. It was terrible. You need a monitor or TV to be able to see everything on the Pi. Waste of money.
- The CanaKit is pretty good. It came with everything. The instructions are very helpful.
- The initial set-up of the software took a looooong time. And then it needed updates, etc. It took us a couple of hours to get it going.
- You can open a window on the Pi and type Python code directly in the window, giving the Pi directions (like installing a screen). All the Python code I wanted was available online - just from googling.
- The NOOBS microSD in the kit really helped. The microSD card contained all of the software I needed to get it started. But, these programs are all online for free. So, you don't have to buy the kit with the NOOBS card.
- This little computer has Scratch, a word processing program, a bunch of simple computer games, it can access the internet (and it's very fast)... And that's just a few of the applications it has.
- If you don't have a monitor, you can hook it up directly to a TV using an HDMI cable.
- There are tons of videos on Youtube and articles on how to do different things with the Raspberry Pi. There is even a magazine you can order.
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