Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+
Raspberry Pi 2 Model B
Raspberry Pi became widely popular as a small, inexpensive computing board with its introduction in 2012. The RPi 1 model A sold for a mere $25 USD and the model B with more interface ports and memory, sold for $35. Experimenters, hobbyists, educators and technology enthusiasts embraced this little board with demand that far outstripped supply.
The progression of Pi models from oldest to newest:
- Raspberry Pi 1 model B February 2012
- Raspberry Pi 1 model A February 2013
- Raspberry Pi 1 model B+ July 2014
- Raspberry Pi 1 model A+ November 2014
- Raspberry Pi 2 model B February 2015
The Raspberry Pi model B’s have progressed in capabilities and power since the original generation 1. This article will contrast the B models.
Model B Specifications:
RPi 1 B Specs | RPi 1 B+ Specs | RPi 2 B Specs | |
---|---|---|---|
SoC: | Broadcom BCM2835 | Broadcom BCM2836 | |
CPU | 700 MHz single-core ARM | 700 MHz single-core ARM | 900 MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 |
RAM: | 256 MB later 512 MB |
512 MB | 1 GB |
GPU: | Broadcom VideoCore IV @ 250 MHz | ||
Operating System: | Various Linux based OS’ – Raspbian Recommended | ||
Storage: | SD slot | Micro SD slot | Micro SD slot |
Video: | Composite & HDMI | HDMI | HDMI |
USB Ports: | 2 | 4 | 4 |
Network | 1 Ethernet port 10/100 RJ45 jack | ||
Audio: | 3.5 mm jack or via HDMI | ||
Input/Output Pins (GPIO): | 26 | 40 | 40 |
Power: | 5V ~600-800 ma (not including USB peripherals) | ||
Dimensions: | 85 mm x 56 mm |
The most notable changes from RPi 1 B to the RPi 1 B+ are 1) the change from SD card to micro SD, and 2) the increase from 2 to 4 USB ports (very nice) and the loss of the composite video (which was not widely used).
For the RPi 1 B+ to the RPi 2 B, a very nice improvement in performance thanks to the quad-core CPU running at 900 MHz along with the increase to 1 GB of RAM. Some synthetic performance benchmarks have shown the Pi 2 to be up to 6 times faster. Real-world results will vary, but unquestionably, RPi 2 is noticeably faster and snappier in usage and applications. RPi 2 also got a switching regulator instead of the RPi 1 linear regulator for increased power efficiency. Further, while neither generation can boast outstanding audio quality, RP 2 audio has improved over RPi 1.
Raspbian, the recommend operating system, has the same look/feel, functionality and application set for both RPi 1 and RPi 2. However, only versions 1.3.11 and later with support for the ARMv7 processor will run on RPi 2 . These later versions of Raspbian are backward compatible to the RPi 1 models.
Generation 1 Pi are still sold and are very capable for hobbyist, experimenters, educators, and technology enthusiasts and even for commercial uses. Both Pi generations are excellent computer boards, but at only $10 more, the Pi 2 is an easy choice for its better performance.