New 2GB Raspberry Pi Benchmarked, E-Ink Typewriters, ARM SBC Laptops, and much more!

Introduction

Welcome to this week’s Electromaker Roundup, where we explore the latest and greatest in the maker and embedded community. This edition will cover intriguing new products, exciting crowd-funding ideas, and fantastic projects, including an innovative temperature measuring device for Stroopwafels. Let’s dive into it!

Exciting New Products

Adafruit's Metro Form Factor RP 2350

One of the highlights of this week is Adafruit’s new Metro form factor RP 2350 board. This board packs all the power of the latest Raspberry Pi silicon into an Arduino Uno form factor. Its compact design makes it a fantastic addition to any maker’s toolkit.

The Automated Stroopwafel Device

A particularly delightful project comes from Aam Maged, a member of the Electromaker community, who has developed an automated system for determining the ideal time for softening a Stroopwafel atop a coffee cup. Using an Arduino, temperature sensor, and OpenCV for motion tracking, this project ingeniously combines culinary art with technology. The system tracks the droop of the waffle, based on coffee temperature, and alerts the user when it’s ready to be enjoyed.

For further details, you can check out the project write-up, which includes a great chart of controlled tests for various drink types.

LED-Embedded One Ring

In another thrilling project, Christopher J has created a large "One Ring," inspired by the Lord of the Rings franchise, embedded with addressable LEDs and managed by an ESP8266. This project marries 3D printing with home automation to create a truly unique piece that can be controlled via an HTML interface or integrated with Home Assistant and Node-RED. The project combines fandom with functional home decor, showcasing the versatility of community creations.

Funding Website Highlights

The GenBook RK 3588 ARM Laptop

On the crowdfunding front, the GenBook RK 3588 has emerged as a modular open-source ARM laptop with impressive specs that include up to 32GB of RAM and various DIY expansion possibilities. Equipped with a RK 3588 chip, it essentially operates like a single-board computer, offering a robust battery and keyboard inside a portable form factor. A quick glance reveals that this laptop could pave the way for personalized computing experiences.

Zero Writer E-Ink Typewriter

Another notable pre-launch is the Zero Writer, a modernized typewriter, designed for writers seeking a distraction-free environment. Leveraging an ESP32-based e-ink display, this device prioritizes longevity and ease-of-use, making it an alluring choice for content creators wishing to focus solely on writing.

Raspberry Pi 5 Introduces 2GB Model

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has launched a new 2GB model of the Raspberry Pi 5, priced at $ 50—$ 10 cheaper than the 4GB variant. The new model continues to offer incredible capabilities, ideal for budget-sensitive projects without compromising on performance.

Benchmarking Insights

Recent benchmarks by Tom’s Hardware illustrate the performance differences between the 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB versions. While the 2GB model demonstrates limitations under heavy multitasking, its price point may be optimal for users with less demanding applications.

Adafruit's New Location

In company news, Adafruit has announced its move from Manhattan to Brooklyn. This transition opens new possibilities for in-person events and collaboration in their state-of-the-art facility, enhancing their position as a leading manufacturer in the microcontroller space.

Conclusion

This week has been brimming with innovative updates in the maker realm. Whether you're intrigued by the Raspberry Pi's new offering, excited about e-ink typewriters, or keen on modular laptops, there’s plenty to explore within the community!

Keywords

Raspberry Pi, Adafruit, Metro form factor, RP 2350, automated Stroopwafel, ESP8266, One Ring, crowdfunding, GenBook RK 3588, Zero Writer, e-ink typewriter, modular laptop, benchmark, 2GB Raspberry Pi, Brooklyn.

FAQ

1. What are the features of the new Raspberry Pi 5 2GB model?
The Raspberry Pi 5 2GB model features a price of $ 50 and retains outstanding capabilities while being more affordable than the 4GB version.

2. What makes the automated Stroopwafel device unique?
This device uses an Arduino, temperature sensor, and OpenCV for motion tracking to determine the perfect time to soften a Stroopwafel over a cup of coffee.

3. How does the GenBook RK 3588 stand out among ARM laptops?
The GenBook RK 3588 is notable for its modular design, offering up to 32GB of RAM and customization options, with a sophisticated ARM chip at its core.

4. Where is Adafruit relocating, and why is it significant?
Adafruit has moved to Brooklyn, allowing for more in-person interactions, potential hackathons, and community engagement while continuing to produce quality educational resources.

5. What is the anticipated launch for the Zero Writer typewriter?
While no specific date has been given yet, it is in pre-launch stages and is expected to attract writers looking for distractions-free typing solutions.