lobsters score: 2 · tags: hardware, linux
I know the RAM is currently integrated into the SoC but it would be nice to see a Pi with a SODIMM slot so that it can be upgraded when … if RAM prices ever fall
score 1 · canonical
The CPU upgrade for the Zero would definitely be welcome even if it’s not 2x.
Overall, I really like raspberry pis but I’m also quite tired that some issues do not improve.
- official cases look good on a desktop but can’t be attached to anything afterwards (parallel sides would be a trivial improvement) and easily open with everything falling out
- third-party cases are bad too and are troublesome for thermals and/or wifi signal especially with metal cases around the antenna (and the fact the antenna is effectively directionnal due to PCB)
- HATs are supposedly a big feature but they’re incredibly painful with cases
- storage is terribly slow and still unreliable with SD cards that die; now I have an NVMe base but I also need a matching SSDs (I only have SATA ones available so I’ll have to buy a 256G for 60 EUR, yay!), oh and I won’t be able to put my RPi5 in a case anymore once I connect the base
- power (i.e. USB) and micro-HDMI connections are still annoyingly unreliable
Raspberry Pis are great, the hardward works well, is supported for a long time, the software support is much much better than the competition. But the case and the mechanical aspects are really terrible. I don’t think engineering is to blame; I think someone wants the case to look pretty and that comes at the expense of functionality, especially with something that small and cramped.
score 1 · canonical
Are you using them as Embedded platforms or for server-ish tasks? I run my “homelab” off of a Raspberry Pi 4 that is always on. Haven’t had any issues with SD Cards or the powersupply in the last three years.
score 1 · canonical
Currently as SBC and permanently connected. I’ve also used them as prototyping platforms and in server rooms; they’re always sitting kind of awkwardly somewhere with ample space around.
I really wish there were a hole to put some screw.
My current thinking is probably influenced due to me having more hardware to hold photography stuff. In that world, everything can be screwed together merely with two thread sizes (and adapters between them) for cheap. There are also quick connect things that with more variations but it’s not a big issue in practice (more an annoyance). Anyway, you can get any piece of hardware and hold it basically anywhere with confidence.
score 1 · canonical
That sounds like a problem that a 3D printer could solve, maybe. If those connectors are standardized and plug into many existing ones, that could be something that others find helpful as well.
score 2 · canonical
Definitely and I’m absolutely sure these exist. In particular, it’s very simple to leave space for a hole for a heat-set insert socket can be added later on (heat up soldering iron, push insert gently with it into the hole, done).
Unfortunately I don’t have a 3D printer at the moment and no easy enough access either. (I don’t have one anymore due to space and calibration issues and not a new one due to space, cost, and I’m getting annoyed at the amount of plastic waste they lead to)
score 1 · canonical
power (i.e. USB) and micro-HDMI connections are still annoyingly unreliable
I really want them to finally add a buck converter and move away from 5V USB power. 5V/5A is a bit ridiculous.
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I’m split about the addition of a buck converter but I’m definitely not split about 5V/5A being ridiculous. When RPi5 was released, their power supply was basically the only one that could deliver the required current (IIRC because it needs it without attempting USB-C PD).
This is definitely one of the issue with RPis that has been around since the beginning and hasn’t improved at all. Well, there was an improvement: USB-C, and that’s it.
I now remember I tried to power a pi4 using the header since that’s the only non-USB option and that meant I couldn’t use HATs anymore. On top of that, the connection always felt unreliable (dupont cables…) and certainly had a non-small amount of resistance.
score 1 · canonical
I’m split about the addition of a buck converter but I’m definitely not split about 5V/5A being ridiculous. When RPi5 was released, their power supply was basically the only one that could deliver the required current (IIRC because it needs it without attempting USB-C PD).
This is definitely one of the issue with RPis that has been around since the beginning and hasn’t improved at all. Well, there was an improvement: USB-C, and that’s it.
I now remember I tried to power a pi4 using the header since that’s the only non-USB option and that meant I couldn’t use HATs anymore. On top of that, the connection always felt unreliable (dupont cables…) and certainly had a non-small amount of resistance.
score 1 · canonical