Raspberry Pi 3b+: What We Learned Setting It Up

 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The CanaKit is pretty good.  It came with everything.  The instructions are very helpful.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. If you don't have a monitor, you can hook it up directly to a TV using an HDMI cable.   
9. 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.