I’ve done a handful of virtual events where a Raspberry Pi was provided as a key component for the attendees. At the time they were plentiful in supply and inexpensive.  Unfortunately it is now very challenging, as well as perhaps expensive, to get them in quantity.  Especially if you want the latest model with 4+  GB of RAM.

In the past, I’ve always worked with CanaKit.  They are a Raspberry Pi approved reseller and provide great service and prices.  Here’s what I saw on their site when writing this:

Of course CanaKit is not gouging customers, and they are being realistic about supply.  But it is clear the supply chain is making it challenging to get your hands on the kits.

Part of the allure of the Raspberry Pi 4 was the experience of putting it together, plus the cases gave ample opportunities for branding:

There is another option that currently is available.  It is a true Raspberry Pi, but in a different form factor.  That other option is the Raspberry Pi 400.  For those of you that aren’t familiar, the main difference is that it is a Raspberry Pi 4 custom form factor that is built into a Raspberry keyboard.

As of this writing, standalone units are available for $70 from CanaKit.  Computer Kits with more items start at a reasonable $100.  And of course the CanaKit site lets you customize the package.  This is great when you need to source 40 to 60 kits and not make 5 different orders from different vendors.  No fun worrying if everything will show up in time!

The Pros

Several positives come to mind for this option:

• Most importantly, they are available in quantity at a good price.
• They actually pencil out cheaper than the other form factor did when those were available.
• The systems are faster than the systems currently being produced in the normal form factor.
• The 40 pin GPIO port is still available.  This is very important if you are doing a hardware related event.
• The 400 has a key stroke combination for power on and off.  I love the CanaKit PiSwitch, and might still suggest including them for the next event I do if we use the 400.  Note that the 400 uses USB-C for power, so order the correct PiSwitch if you still want one.

The Cons

As a Sales Engineer I have to point out the tradeoffs.  It’s in my blood to do so.

• No assembly required.  A “Pro” to some.  For me, the experience of installing heat sinks, putting the board into the case and closing it up gave the attendees more of a feeling of involvement.
• The form factor leaves less space for branding.  I’ve got a few ideas myself on what firms can do.  Reach out to me if you want some pointers.  Or dig around on my blog, I might eventually post something related.
• There is no audio port.  You can get around this by providing a USB sound card, but that adds more complexity and removes a port.  It also points out another minor con . . .
• There is one less USB Port.  The 4 has (2) regular 2.0 ports and (2) USB 3.0 ports.  Unfortunately the 400 only has 3.  Fortunately the lost one is a regular 2.0 port.
• Very minor, but the USB ports make the cable management a bit ugly for the mouse if you are right handed.  If this bothers you, go with blue tooth.

In Conclusion

If you want to try out a Raspberry Pi, or if you plan on doing a large event or class – the 400 is available and might solve your supply chain pain!

Comment from the author – this post might read like a paid ad for CanaKit.  I can assure you it is not.  I’ve received no compensation of any form from them.  But I’ve had solid experiences when purchasing from them, and the accessories they manufacture are good quality at a fair price.