Raspberry Pi 4
$35
The Raspberry Pi 4 is a compact and affordable computer board perfect for a variety of projects. Its minimalist design makes it a versatile choice for everything from education to home automation.

Our take
Perfect for tinkerers and educators alike.
Hey, so the Raspberry Pi 4 is like that multi-tool gadget you never knew you needed until you have one. It's a tiny computer, but it's seriously packed with power. I mean, it has a quad-core processor and up to 8GB of RAM, which is pretty wild for a device the size of a credit card. It's perfect for tinkering around with projects or even setting up a mini home server. You do get what you pay for though, so don't expect it to replace your high-end desktop, but for the price, it's a steal.
Now, let's talk about its connectivity. The Pi 4 comes with two micro HDMI ports, which is super cool if you want to run dual monitors. It also has USB 3.0 ports, meaning faster data transfer, which is a big step up from its predecessors. The onboard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi work well enough, but remember, this isn't a full-fledged PC, so don't expect lightning-fast speeds, especially if you're pushing it to its limits.
The software side of things is a mixed bag. Running on Raspbian or other Linux-based systems, it can handle a bunch of tasks like web browsing and light programming. If you're not familiar with Linux, there might be a learning curve, but it's not too steep. And let's be real, the open-source community around Raspberry Pi is a godsend. You can find tutorials for almost anything you want to do with it.
One thing to keep in mind is cooling. The Pi 4 can get pretty toasty if you're really working it. You'll probably want to invest in a case with a fan or some heat sinks to avoid any thermal throttling. It's not a deal-breaker but just something to consider before you dive into heavy projects. The power supply is another bit to watch; make sure you get a good one to avoid any unexpected shutdowns.
All in all, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a neat piece of tech that doesn’t break the bank. It's perfect for DIY enthusiasts, students, or anyone looking to dabble in coding or electronics without a big investment. Sure, it's got some limitations, but given its price and versatility, it’s a worthwhile addition to any tech setup. Just be ready to get your hands a little dirty, and you'll have a ton of fun with it.
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