Raspberry Pi Gets 512MB RAM Filling

Raspberry Pi, the super-cheap, credit card-sized computer, has just been given a memory boost as one model will now come with 512MB RAM – an increase from the 256 MB that was shipping with Raspberry Pi machines before.

Model B will contain 512MB RAM as standard and one producer, Premier Farnell, already has some in stock in the UK. The increased memory will allow the machine to run Android 4.0, otherwise known as Ice Cream Sandwich.

Raspberry Pi = amazing success

“We have been amazed at just how successful the first generation Raspberry Pi board has been, now the new version will open up even more possibilities,” said Mike Buffham, global head at Premier Farnell

“The extra memory also enables higher performance applications and services – there is real potential to do things like add a touchscreen, then a power back and suddenly the Pi becomes mobile.”

Those waiting on an outstanding order on a Model B will also receive a 512MB version. It will cost the same price too – £29.95.

Units should start arriving in customers’ hands today, and there will be a firmware upgrade available in the next couple of days to enable access to the additional memory, said Eben Upton,  founder and trustee of the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

“The next generation device opens up new possibilities, and can help open up the vast potential developer community,” he added.

“We’re already seeing people starting to develop their own applications and use the Raspberry Pi in ways we would have never thought possible.”

Raspberry Pi has been a massive success, with thousands of units shipped across the world. TechWeekEurope was recently told it might even help spark an ARM server revolution.

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