4D introduces RaspberryRO Lite

I had no idea computers contained fat or sugar – but this one definitely doesn’t!

RaspberryRO Lite case
RaspberryRO Lite case

Putting on his 4D hat, Chris Evans has introduced a new computer in the RaspberryRO range, this one given the ‘Lite’ suffix.

The RaspberryRO Lite takes the form of a Raspberry Pi (but you probably guessed that from the name) in a ‘nano’ desktop case, measuring 108x108x45mm, with RISC OS pre-installed and ready run. Storage is provided for by an internal mSATA drive, which takes up one of the usual four USB sockets on the Pi.

In its default configuration, the computer’s specification is as follows:

  • A Raspberry Pi model B – with a choice of either a Pi 2 or Pi 3, both of which are equipped with 1024MB RAM.
  • a microSD card with a fully licenced copy of RISC OS 5.
  • An internal mSATA drive – starting at 8GB, but upgrade options are available.
  • Support for the built-in battery backed RTC non-standard RTC.
  • A power button, with a soft power-off.
  • A 5V, 2.5A PSU.
RaspberryRO Lite case - rear view
RaspberryRO Lite case – rear view

Since what it contains is a Raspberry Pi, the usual selection of outputs are available – HDMI, audio, 10/100Mbps ethernet and three USB sockets (as noted above, the fourth is used for the internal mSATA drive).

Prices for the system start at £199.00 for the RaspberryRO Lite 3, and £209.00 for the RaspberryRO Lite 21, both including delivery (but no VAT, since 4D is not VAT registered) – with upgrades to the mSATA drive costing £26.00 for a 32GB model, £64.00 for 120GB, and £137.00 for 240GB.

Chris says there is a small quantity of the machines available from stock now, with more expected from late August – and with the London Show taking place a couple of months after that, you can probably expect a RaspberryRO Lite to be one of the things that will be talked about and held up for the audience to squint at during his theatre presentation.

As well as the new Lite edition, the other models in the RaspberryRO range will continue to be available, since their larger case sizes mean there is greater scope for expandability, with – for example – internal optical drives, 2.5″ SATA drives, and so on.

!ReadMe

  1. I have asked Chris for clarification, but my assumption is that the number indicates the model of Pi, and the price difference a reflection of availability of the respective models; I suspect that the Pi 3 being the ‘current’ model probably means it’s easier to source.
    Update: Andrew Conroy has replied to confirm that is the case – the RaspberryRO Lite 3 contains the version of the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B before it was updated to use the same processor core as the Pi 3, which is now more difficult to source.

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