Raspberry Pi Launches All-in-One Desktop Solution with Its Own Keyboard and Monitor
Raspberry Pi has once again expanded its ecosystem with the launch of the Pi 500 keyboard and the Pi Monitor, offering a fully integrated desktop experience built around Raspberry Pi’s popular platform.
The Pi 500: Power Packed into a Keyboard
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Pi 400, the Pi 500 packs the impressive processing power of the Raspberry Pi 5 into a compact keyboard design. It features a quad-core Cortex-A76 processor clocking in at 2.4 GHz, along with 8 GB of RAM, making it more than capable of handling everyday tasks and light productivity workloads.
However, Raspberry Pi seems to have missed an opportunity to fully utilize the keyboard’s internal space. Unlike the classic Raspberry Pi 5, the Pi 500 lacks a slot for dedicated SSD storage, leaving users reliant on potentially less reliable microSD cards for their operating system and data.
Sadly, another limitation carried over from the previous generation is the use of microHDMI ports for external monitor connections. While it does allow for dual monitor setups with a resolution of 4K@60, the outdated connector requires adapters or specialized cables, adding an extra layer of complexity.
Connectivity-wise, the Pi 500 doesn’t skimp. It boasts two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, 1G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and even retains the familiar 40-pin GPIO header for hardware hacking and customization. Power is delivered through a USB-C port, keeping things streamlined.
Pi Monitor: A Familiar Feel
Complementing the Pi 500 is the Pi Monitor, a dedicated display that aims to complete the all-in-one desktop setup.
Borrowing heavily from the design of laptop displays, the Pi Monitor features a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a maximum brightness of 250 nits. Its tilt-supported design and VESA compatibility offer flexibility in positioning, while built-in stereo speakers with a combined 2.4W output provide decent audio for casual use.
The Pi Monitor connects to the Pi 500 through a standard HDMI cable, with power delivered via a USB-C connection located at the rear. Interestingly, the monitor can also be powered directly from the Pi 500 using a USB-A/USB-C cable.
However, this direct power connection comes with a noticeable trade-off. Due to the limited power output of the Pi 500, the monitor’s brightness will be capped at 60% and the speaker volume at 50% of their maximum values when powered this way.
Availability and Pricing
Both the Pi 500 keyboard and the Pi Monitor are now available for purchase in the Czech Republic through the official distributor RPishop.cz.
The Pi 500 keyboard itself is priced at CZK 2,619. For those seeking a more complete package, the Basic Kit includes a 128GB microSD card, a 27W adapter, a microHDMI cable, and Czech stickers, all for CZK 3,606.
The All In One set, comprising the keyboard, mouse, and Pi Monitor, comes at a price of CZK 6,814. If you only need the monitor, it can be purchased separately for CZK 2,879.
Raspberry Pi emphasizes its commitment to long-term support, promising production of both the Pi 500 and Pi Monitor until at least 2034. Along with this commitment comes a price reduction for its predecessor, the Pi 400, which has seen a $10 decrease.
How might the all-in-one design of the Raspberry Pi keyboard and monitor benefit tinkerers and hobbyists?[[1](https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/12/09/raspberry-pi-500-keyboard-pc-15-6-inch-raspberry-pi-monitor/)]
Raspberry Pi is making a bold move by launching its own keyboard and monitor. Do you think this all-in-one desktop solution will be a hit with tinkerers and hobbyists, or will the reliance on microHDMI and microSD storage hold it back?
