Computer/Embedded Technology


Modular laptop based on Raspberry Pi

15 November 2017 Computer/Embedded Technology

Now available from RS Components is the latest-generation pi-top modular laptop from the pi-top organisation, featuring enhancements to assist learning and boost usability.

The latest pi-top comes with a 1080p full-HD 14” display, up to 8 hours battery life, a full-sized sliding keyboard, and the Raspberry Pi 3 with state-of-the-art compute capability and extra power for maker projects. The laptop is supplied with the display installed in the chassis, ready to assemble by connecting the Raspberry Pi 3 and accompanying hardware using the cables supplied. Users can then take advantage of the pi-top ecosystem, comprising software, accessories and teaching/learning aids, to understand computer science and coding principles, and build their own maker projects.

The sliding keyboard provides access to the Raspberry Pi 3 and a magnetic board-mounting rail, which allows users to push their learning further by expanding the hardware. The advanced inventor’s kit, supplied with the new pi-top, provides expansion opportunities including LED lights, modular microphones and speaker accessories, and pi-topPROTO+ – a HAT-compatible board containing a breadboard for solderless prototyping of electronic circuits.

“The pi-top modular laptop is delivered as a straightforward self-build project that gives a good grasp of computer science basics, and a launchpad for rich learning experiences in software and hardware,” said Simon Duggleby, senior product marketing manager at RS. “The latest version is more powerful, with greater usability, and on its official launch we are ready to fulfil customers’ orders.”

To help users unleash the new laptop’s extra features and capabilities, the proven pi-topOS Polaris software suite contains purpose-built teaching apps, including the pi-topCLASSROOM customisable lesson-plan creator, pi-topCODER, and pi-topPROTO physical-computing examples. Users can also take advantage of familiar tools like Scratch and CEEDuniverse, which help learn coding concepts, and powerful built-in utilities like Google office suite and Chromium. pi-topOS Polaris is the only education technology platform fully endorsed by the UK Oxford Cambridge RSA (OCR) examination board.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Microsoft Windows IoT on ARM
Altron Arrow Computer/Embedded Technology
This expansion means that the Windows IoT ecosystem can now harness the power of ARM processors, known for their energy efficiency and versatility.

Read more...
Polymer caps with very high ripple current capability
RS South Africa Passive Components
TDK Corporation has released the B40910 series of hybrid polymer capacitors, which can handle up to 4,6 A at 100 kHz and 125°C.

Read more...
TDK expands MLCC series
RS South Africa Passive Components
TDK Corporation has expanded its CGA series of multilayer ceramic capacitors, currently being the highest capacitance in 100 V products for automotive applications.

Read more...
Compact PCB-mount SMPS
RS South Africa Power Electronics / Power Management
Traco Power’s 5W PCB-mount switch mode power supply (SMPS) offers high efficiency, and is well suited for a variety of applications in the automation, electronics, electrical and mechanical industries.

Read more...
Improved precision laser marking
RS South Africa Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
On-the-fly marking at high speeds is only one of the comprehensive features of Panasonic’s new LP-RH laser marker series.

Read more...
Hardened-grade network switches
CST Electronics Computer/Embedded Technology
Lantronix’s hardened switches provide Layer 2 or Layer 3 networking, and are available as Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) or Power-over-Ethernet Plus (PoE+).

Read more...
Switched mezzanine card for enhanced Ethernet connectivity
Rugged Interconnect Technologies Computer/Embedded Technology
The TXMC897 sets a new standard in high-speed Ethernet communication, with advanced features and flexibility.

Read more...
Ryzen V3000 computer on module
Altron Arrow Computer/Embedded Technology
SolidRun has recently announced the launch of its new Ryzen V3000 CX7 Com module, configurable with the eight-core/16-thread Ryzen Embedded V3C48 processor.

Read more...
1.6T Ethernet IP solution to drive AI and hyperscale data centre chips
Computer/Embedded Technology
As artificial intelligence (AI) workloads continue to grow exponentially, and hyperscale data centres become the backbone of our digital infrastructure, the need for faster and more efficient communication technologies becomes imperative. 1.6T Ethernet will rapidly be replacing 400G and 800G Ethernet as the backbone of hyperscale data centres.

Read more...
Maximising edge computing
Computer/Embedded Technology
Senao Networks has announced its launch of its SX904 SmartNIC based on the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design.

Read more...