The Raspberry Pi Foundation have produced a new version of the Raspberry Pi, it’s called the B+. This is in addition to the existing model A and B designs. As you probably have guessed the B+ is an update of the model B which came out about 2 years ago.
Here is the executive/administrator version of the changes;
- It’s based on the same chips so it runs the same software and isn’t any faster or slower.
- It costs the same (about $40)
- It’s the same size but many of the components have been moved around on the board so model B cases won’t fit the B+
- It has 4 USB ports instead of 2
- It uses a micro SD card instead of a standard SD card
- It has combined the audio and composite video port into one port, standard headphones will still work fine but you will need a different video cable if you want composite or “RCA” video.
- There are 40 GPIO pins instead of 26
, the allows more project connection options
Below is a video showing you some of the differences
B+ from Raspberry Pi Foundation on Vimeo.
This kind of cable will allow you to connect to the new audio/video connector to get audio and video to an old fashioned TV
Here is a link to the announcement where you can get more details. There are more videos
, schematics and comments on the new design.
If you were buying your first Raspberry Pi you should probably get the B+. Just understand that most of the existing cases and some of the add on cards won’t fit the new units so your selection of options will be limited for a while.
If you already have a model B Raspberry Pi the only real questions are “do you really need the 2 extra USB ports” and will your other accessories work with the B+?
They will continue to make the model B as long as there is enough demand.