Raspberry Pi, a well-known company in the world of microcomputing, has introduced a new and innovative product that brings a fresh alternative to existing computer-form-factor systems. Their newly unveiled keyboard computer combines the convenience of having an easily transportable keyboard with the power of up to 100 display outputs. This impressive product offers a range of applications and use cases, from compact kiosks to massive multitouch setups.
This exciting development came when the company’s co-founder, Roger Thornton, posted a blog post introducing the product merely known as “Keyboard.” The keyboard computer is a compact device, featuring a relatively low profile, sleek and minimalist design, built around the Raspberry Pi 4 single board computer (SBC). It comes with an integrated rechargeable battery and an IP54 rating, making it dust-protected and water-resistant.
The mechanism by which the Raspberry Pi Keyboard can deliver power to up to 100 displays is through its integrated HDMI hub. This hub expands the potential of the Raspberry Pi Keyboard by allowing it to power multiple displays from a single unit. This powerful feature enables a wide range of applications, both in professional and casual settings.
The Keyboard offers several advanced features set that distinguishes it from other similar products on the market:
1. Battery options: The Keyboard’s integrated rechargeable battery provides power options both onsitand e off in a way that would not be achievable on traditional clamshell laptops or desktop PCs.
2. Wide Display Support: The innovative Keyboard design allows for connecting up to 100 display outputs concurrently.
3. Concentrated power: All the necessary components, including the Pi SBC, power regulator, HDMI hub, rechargeable battery, and battery charger, are housed within the thin and minimalistic Keyboard form factor.
4. Customization: The Keyboard can be personalized with specific software or hardware adaptations, allowing users to fine-tune it to their specific needs.
One of the significant advantages of this device is its ability to support various applications for both individual and enterprise customers. In a professional environment, it can be used for creative purposes, such as in design studios or meeting rooms, where productivity, collaboration, and communication are essential.
Furthermore, the Raspberry Pi Keyboard could be utilized in public environments, like airports, museums, or academies, supporting multi-screen kiosks and browser-based touch input interfaces. Additionally, it can be suited for point-of-sale systems, continuous monitoring applications, or even advanced gaming scenarios.
In terms of performance, the Raspberry Pi Keyboard operates using the infamous and reliable Raspberry Pi 4 SBC. This product is one of the most popular SBCs in the market, offering exceptional performance and reliability. The Pi 4’s 1.5GHz quad-core CPU and up to 4GB of RAM means that it’s powerful enough to run a range of operating systems, including the latest Raspberry Pi OS (previously known as Raspbian), Ubuntu, and other ARM-based distributions.
The announcement of the Raspberry Pi Keyboard generated significant excitement throughout the tech community, mainly due to the limitless potential for its use. Providing an experience that combines the familiar, user-friendly form factor of a keyboard with the power of multiple display outputs means a variety of industries, enthusiasts, and tech-savvy users can now experience a new level of interaction with their devices.
With this innovative product, Raspberry Pi continues its commitment to democratizing computing and promoting greater accessibility to technologies that could otherwise be unaffordable for most users. This vision holds high potential, especially when considering the combination of accessibility, customization, and reliability that the Raspberry Pi Keyboard offers in one package.
